Main purpose of job:

The Butler is a critical member of our small Official Residence Team who holds responsibiity for a range of ‘hands on’ support activity. As the first point of contact for all visitors to the Official Residence you will be responsible for meeting and greeting guests on arrival including VVIPs and Senior Government Officials, and providing them with a world class guest experience ensuring guest comfort at all times. As well as concierge, table and bar service the Butler is responsible for the cleanliness and presentation of the Official Residence, ensuring that the property is clean, presentable and ready to receive visitors at any time. Under the guidance of the Events & Residence Manager the Butler works closely with the British High Commissioner, the Residence Team, and all High Commission colleagues.

Roles and responsibilities:

Visitor and guest services

• Meeting and greeting guests on arrival including VVIPs and Senior Government Officials.
• Providing concierge and assistance for guests and visitors.
• Providing table and bar services as required.
• Ensuring the comfort and safety of all guests and visitors including briefing guests on arrival.

Functions

• Planning the layout and setting tables for functions. Designing and creating table decorations and household flower and decorative arrangements.
• Serving meals and drinks, clearing away and washing dishes.
• Assisting the Residence Manager with the hiring and supervision of additional staff for functions and housekeeping as required, including arrangement of their remuneration.
• Ensuring that additional staff and contractors maintain safety standards while working at the residence.
• Supporting and assisting the Residence Cook.
• Advising the Events & Residence Manager of when wine/spirit orders are required. Ordering soft drinks and receiving delivery.
• Assisting other residence staff when requested; including function preparation and cleaning up afterwards; actively embracing a team culture.

Inventory

• Documenting the monthly inventory of beverages, first aid and emergency supplies. Upkeep of first aid kit.
• Responsibility for stock, equipment, flatware etc.

Cleaning

• On arrival, opening all windows and doors, clean both patios (including all fixtures and fittings).
• Ensuring that the entrance of residence is clean and presentable at all times including sweeping and power washing.
• Liaising with the Housekeeper to ensure a high standard of cleanliness throughout the official residence.
• Thorough cleaning of the pool summerhouse, bar area, cellar and outside storerooms.
• Cleaning of all silver and brass items.

Maintenance & Safety

• Reporting maintenance issues to the Events and Residence Manager.
• Daily running of all taps and showers and flushing of all toilets.
• Responsibility for daily checking of all appliances and preventative maintenance of such. Checking A/C units and light bulbs are working.
• Assisting with fire drills and the testing of emergency equipment at the official residence.
• Operating the security system and log.

General

• Taking telephone messages as required.
• Monitoring external service staff and contractors when they are on the property.
• Attending residence and all staff meetings and events.
• Assisting the Residence Manager with ad hoc tasks and projects.

Resources managed:

• Expenditure: Group Procurement Card with maximum limit of £5000.00.

• At least 3 years’ experience in the hospitality industry.
• IT competence (Including Microsoft Word and Excel).
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Attention-to-detail.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to work under deadlines and manage your own time.
• Ability to carry out manual labour as needed.
• Fluency in spoken and written English.
• Legal status to live and work in Barbados in your own right, from time of application.