House Manager / Butler - New York

We are working with a prominent UHNW family based in Manhattan, New York, to help them hire a polished, discreet, and service-oriented House Manager/Butler to join their private household. The ideal candidate will have a background in five-star luxury hospitality or private estate service and will bring a proactive, detail-driven mindset to all tasks. This is a multi-faceted position that requires flexibility and the ability to adapt to the ever-changing needs of the principals.

The role encompasses anticipating the needs of the principals, maintaining household operations to the highest standard of cleanliness and readiness, assisting with light handyman duties, and contributing to the seamless execution of private events. The family employs several members of staff, including housekeepers, a gardener, and a driver. The position includes travel to two additional properties within a 1.5-hour drive of Manhattan, with advance visits required ahead of the family's arrival to ensure each residence is fully prepared.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate with housekeeping staff to ensure the overall cleanliness and presentation of interior and exterior areas; step in with light cleaning duties as required.
• Monitor household inventory and supplies, restocking and reporting low levels proactively.
• Perform light handyman tasks including changing lightbulbs, minor repairs, basic appliance troubleshooting, and changing air filters.
• Ensure proper functioning of lighting, HVAC, AV systems, and home technology, liaising with vendors and the property manager as needed.
• Ensure vehicles are clean, fuelled, and retrieved from the garage when required.
• Assist with the setup and storage of seasonal décor and ensure household readiness for seasonal changes and themed events.
• Always uphold five-star luxury service standards with the utmost discretion and professionalism.
• Assist with daily meal service setup, guest reception, and both formal and informal dining occasions.
• Support principal family members and guests with luggage, packages, and personal errands.
• Manage the setup, execution, and breakdown of private events, dinners, and social functions.
• Greet and welcome guests, ensuring the residence is fully prepared in advance of any arrivals.
• Conduct regular walkthroughs of all properties to ensure cleanliness, security, and readiness.
• Open and close the residence daily or as scheduled.
• Oversee contractors, maintenance personnel, and third-party vendors, ensuring discretion and quality control.
• Assist the private chef or principals with sous chef-level preparation, plating, and simple meal or snack execution.
• Demonstrate wine knowledge, including wine pairings and cellar management.
• Carry out ad hoc chauffeuring for the principals to and from appointments, airports, and social functions as required alongside the regular driver.
• Support with household organisation projects including packing and unpacking, wardrobe organisation, garment care, and seasonal clothing management.
• Manage floral arrangements and maintain high presentation standards throughout the property.
• Apply bartending and mixology knowledge to support entertaining.
• Assist with calendar management and scheduling as required.

Ideal Candidate

• Minimum of five years' experience in a comparable role within a UHNW private household; additional experience in luxury hospitality is welcomed when combined with private household service.
• Strong working knowledge of luxury household operations and service etiquette.
• Impeccable attention to detail, organisation, and cleanliness.
• Ability to handle confidential information with the highest degree of discretion.
• Tech-savvy and comfortable with smart home systems, basic AV, and security systems.
• Legally authorised to work in the United States; background check and references required.
• Valid driver's licence with a clean driving record.
• Professional demeanour with a calm, courteous, and polished presence.
• Flexible and adaptable with a 'no task too small' attitude and a collaborative mindset.
• Physically able to lift heavy items, climb ladders, and remain on one's feet for extended periods.
• Preference given to candidates with a background in luxury hospitality including hotels, restaurants, or yachting.
• Formally trained Butler, ideally from a respected European institution, would be a distinct advantage.
• Naturally proactive with strong foresight and problem-solving ability.
• Ideally based in, or willing to relocate to, New York.

Package

• Working schedule: Five days per week, flexible based on family needs (approximately 50 hours per week).
• Ideally based in New York.
• Full benefits package to be discussed upon offer.
• Salary: $160,000 gross per annum, depending on experience.

Job Status: Live