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

Desirable:

• Computer skills with basic knowledge of the main Microsoft programmes.

Working patterns:

Standard 40 hour week, with occasional overtime, late nights and early morning shift work.
Learning and development opportunities: Health and Safety and fire safety training

The British Embassy and its US Network is committed to all employee’s ongoing learning and development needs. We offer a comprehensive platform for personalised learning for everything from soft skill development (communicating with impact, handling difficult conversations, time management) to more technical or professional skills necessary to complete your job (software training, formal qualifications etc.).

The UK Government operating in the US offers a substantial benefits package including generous leave, a choice of medical insurance, 401(k) matching up to 7%, extensive learning opportunities and a great work/life balance.

Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 6-12 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.

Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary, eg some non-local national staff and some spouses or partners of UK diplomatic staff, will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount. Internal candidates must inform their supervisor before they apply to a different position.

Only successful candidates will be contacted. Please no phone calls. Due to the high volume of resumes we receive, we cannot guarantee consideration of your application if the submission instructions are not properly followed.

The British Embassy is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and to creating a diverse working environment, free from discrimination, where everyone is included and treated fairly, based on merit alone. We are an equal opportunity employer, making all employment decisions without regard to race, gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation or any other criterion protected by law.