Main purpose of job: 

The British Ambassador’s Residence has an excellent team of staff responsible for the well being and entertainment of all guests within the Residence.  It involves a vast programme of events and visits that requires the utmost professional team to aid in this essential part of Diplomatic life.  The Under Butler is an important position within this highly effective team, and reports directly to the Head Butler. This is a live-in position.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Food Service – Serve food and drink during meals, clean and polish silver, maintenance of china and cutlery, answer telephone and doorbell, receive and announce guests, maintain firewood, setting fireplaces and lighting fires.

• Execute Butler (French) Service at all functions, and Silver Service as requested

• Set up, removal and prep of all dining/food service requirements.

• Care and maintenance of the Ambassador’s clothing including packing, unpacking, and insuring that all parts of the wardrobe: shoes, ties, evening wear are in top condition.

• Valeting – Pressing and maintaining all of the Principles suits, and trousers as well as polishing and conditioning all of the Principles shoes.

• Attend to daily set-up and staging of guest suites and Ambassador’s apartment.  Perform valet duties for houseguests. Furniture moving as required.

• Work closely with the Head butler and Residence Manager to uphold household standards.

• Support the Head Maid in following up with Maids, and aid extra staff supervision, leading by example in absence of head butler

• Select and maintain inventory of wine and liqueur cellar

• Front of House, meet, greet and farewells to all guests as directed by the Head Butler.

• Miscellaneous duties as directed

Essential:

• Minimum 1-2 years experience working as an Under Butler or Valet/Footman or similar position.

• A good knowledge of food service, wine and the wine trade.

• Silver Service experience required.

• A proven record of customer focus and problem solving.

• Effective decision-making and sound judgement.

• A strong team ethic and good interpersonal skills are essential.

Please note: Under US State Department requirements, the UK Government in the US may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Permanent Residents, A and NATO visa holders with EAD cards, and L2 visa holders with an up-to-date I-94 form.

You may refer to our website for additional information:  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-the-usa. All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work. 

Language requirements: 

Language: English 

Level of language required: Proficient