Location: Johannesburg area, South Africa
Salary: R650,000 – R750,000 per annum DOE
Start: 1 December
Accommodation: Potential options available, subject to individual circumstances
Contract: 3 month fixed term initially, with a view to extend long term
Package: Upon permanent appointment, Medical Aid, Pension and Risk Benefits will be provided in addition to the stated salary
Only candidates eligible to work in South Africa will be considered.
Role Summary
MOR Talent Boutique is delighted to be recruiting an experienced Head Butler for a prestigious international family at their private residence near Johannesburg.
The family divides its time between South Africa and the UK, and the successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the South African residence.
This is a broad and hands-on position combining exceptional service, household coordination, domestic lifestyle management, administration and PA responsibilities. The successful candidate will be polished, discreet and service-driven, while also being comfortable managing the practical and administrative requirements of a busy private household.
The family is very unassuming and leads a relatively quiet, private lifestyle. They value discretion, professionalism and a relaxed household environment, with a strong emphasis on appropriate boundaries and respect for privacy.
When the family is not in residence, the role offers fixed and reliable working hours, with greater flexibility required when the Principals and their guests are present.
Responsibilities
Service & Lifestyle Support
- Manage table settings, mise en place and presentation, with the ability to seamlessly adapt between casual dining and formal silver service
- Provide highly personalised and anticipatory service
- Support the Principals with day-to-day lifestyle requirements and personal requests
- Adapt seamlessly between formal entertaining and relaxed family environments
Household Coordination & Administration
- Support the overall day-to-day running of the residence
- Coordinate closely with housekeeping, kitchen, security, drivers and other household staff
- Ensure the property remains organised and in a constant state of readiness
- Assist with household administration, scheduling, reporting and record keeping
- Provide PA-style support where required, including coordination of appointments, bookings and household logistics
- Maintain effective communication across the wider family and household operation
Events & Entertaining
- Assist with the planning and execution of formal and informal events
- Oversee dining and guest service to consistently high standards
- Coordinate event preparation, service and breakdown
Inventory & Asset Care
- Manage inventories of silverware, glassware, service equipment and household items
- Maintain accurate records relating to artwork and valuable household assets
- Ensure the correct handling and care of luxury furnishings, delicate finishes and high-value items
Leadership & Standards
- Support, guide and mentor junior butlers and service staff
- Maintain consistently high service standards across the residence
- Develop and implement SOPs where required
- Assist with training and ongoing team development
- Work collaboratively with the wider household team
Experience & Skills
- Significant experience within UHNW private households, luxury estates or 5-star hospitality
- Previous experience in a Senior Butler, Head Butler or comparable private household role
- Strong formal service knowledge, including silver service
- Excellent household coordination and administrative capabilities
- Comfortable providing PA and lifestyle support alongside traditional butler responsibilities
- Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail
- Confident using digital scheduling, household management and inventory systems
- Experience with artwork, valuable assets and luxury materials advantageous
- Experience supporting internationally based families or working across multiple residences advantageous
Personal Attributes
The successful candidate will be polished, discreet and highly professional, with a calm and proactive approach. They should be equally comfortable delivering exceptional front-of-house service and handling the administrative and organisational responsibilities required behind the scenes.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a sophisticated international private household offering a strong long-term package and a varied, trusted position.