BUTLER

CHICAGO - SALARY NEGOTIABLE

CLIENT OBJECTIVE :

To hire and an experienced, house manager to manage the day to day operation of the household in a professional, mature, efficient and sophisticated manner having regard at all times to the wishes of the owners.

LOCATION:

Chicago , IL

RESIDENCE:

A large multi-story single-family home in the Gold Coast residential area.

FAMILY DESCRIPTION :

Family consists of a prominent Chicago businessman and his family.

OTHER STAFF:

Two (2) full- time Housekeepers

One (1) part-time Housekeeper

Full time couple

Nanny

Chief of Security

QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTER SKETCH:

The candidate will be mature, sophisticated with great style and polish and will be well traveled. Those with previous experience in private household management will be at an advantage but the position could equally as well be filled by a candidate from top class establishments within the hotel and catering industry.

Perfect command of the English language, both written and oral is required.

Legal to work in the U.S.

Ability to be a leader and command respect and loyalty from staff.

A good administrator, able to run a busy office

Computer literate; a thorough working knowledge and experience of producing computerized spreadsheets are an absolute essential. The household accounts and all periodic reporting are produced via Excel.

Well-versed in the art of serving all food and beverages and become “hands on” with service as required and particularly at parties.

Have tireless energy and a “hands on” approach.

Be a good listener and good communicator.

Pack and care gentleman's clothes.

Be loyal and discreet about the employers.

Job Description

Long-term intent.

Related experience and expertise in similar position.

Well-groomed, non-drug user, physically able to perform the duties of the position and willing to take a pre-commencement physical, psychological exam and drug screen.

No smoking or drinking on the premises must be willing to work in a smoke-free environment.

Able to work legally in the U.S. , able to drive with valid license (clean driving record) and bondable.

ADMINISTRATIVE:

 Household Accounts

Pay bills relating to the operation of the household from the household account. This includes the paying of the security officers at the end of each month.

Record accurately into the system of accounts all such transactions. (The spreadsheet program ‘Excel' is used for the accounting system).

Request, from the owners, permission to pay any extraordinary invoices.

Maintain a precise filing system of all account records.

Reconcile the bank statement on a monthly basis

Calculate, record and submit to the owners an annual budget for the cost of operating the household-staffing schedule.

Agree with the Chief of Security the scheduling of his officers for the period ahead.

Every two weeks produce and distribute a schedule of his officers for the period ahead.

Every two weeks produce and distribute a schedule of duty times for all members of staff.

Plan and chart the annual vacation schedule for the staff.

Recorded all vacations, sick days, holidays taken by the staff and any extra days worked that may have to be repaid.

Maintenance

Produce and monitor an annual program of planned maintenance for the residence.

Schedule maintenance workers as otherwise required and at times convenient to the day-to-day life of the residence.

The wine cellar

Take an end of the month stock take of all wines in the residence and record differences each month.

Reporting to the owners

Prepare and submit to the owners every three months a report, with comments, showing monthly and year to date totals for expenditures, wines consumed and days off taken by the staff and vacations planned in the future. Such reports also to include a schedule showing the planned maintenance undertaken each month.

Household Vehicles

Maintain all house vehicles in a clean and roadworthy manner, scheduling service visits as appropriate and ensuring they are registered and inspected for emissions etc. Renew all license stickers in a timely manner.

Other administrative duties

Maintain sufficient levels of cleaning products, stationery items, food and drink, batteries, light bulbs, dog food and all other supplies as established.

Run the day-to-day operations of a busy office.

Act as a personal assistant to the lady of the house.

Amend and write as necessary systems' manuals kept for the household.

Prepare spreadsheets for the next year's accounts and all other schedules.

Duties related to the family's entertaining

Suggest and, in consultation with the lady of the house, compose menus for all entertaining.

Suggest and in consultation with the owner select wine to be served for all entertaining

Meet with the chosen caterer in order to book staff and establish all the details required for each event

Order services as may be required for events with other suppliers such as tent erectors, valet parkers, entertainment agencies and the florist, etc.

After discussion as to choice with the lady of the house, lay all the tables impeccably yourself for the meal

Greet all the guests at the front door at each event

Be present, directing services throughout ‘cocktail time'

Personally lead the service throughout the meal-acting, if need be, as a server you. At small dinner parties pour the wine and be prepared to introduce the wine.

Ensure every detail is thought about for each event including items such as staff feeding, washing up, tipping, cloakrooms, security if necessary, etc.

Plan and execute any outside catered events. (These might include tailgate parties at sporting events and functions too large to be held in the residence.)

Organize any vacation trips for the family as required.

Decorate the house for Halloween and Christmas as directed by the lady of the house.

Keep entertainment diary which records arrangements for all events together with a post mortem report on each.

Post all event expenses into the house account so that total cost for each event is clearly show.

Wear forma attire, black tie and tails when events take place at the residence (Formal uniform will be provided).

Staff related duties:

Engage, discipline and, if necessary, dismiss staff

Meet regularly with the staff. Encourage and lead the staff. Keep them advised of upcoming household activities and of general household information, including any new procedures as is deemed right for them to know. Discuss with them any concerns they may have.

At the end of each year, meet with each member of staff and discuss his or her performance during the past year. Prepare a report to the owners on their performance and make recommendations for any salary and bonus increases.

Ensure the staff is paid correctly, well turned out, punctual and attending to their duties as established. Be concerned for their welfare.

Advisory duties:

Discuss with the owner any wine purchase or sale recommendations you feel he would like to hear. Supply him with information about any offers you may receive and keep him informed about what is going on in the world of wine by sending cuttings from the wine magazines.

Recommend to the owner the levels of end-of-year tips to be paid to all the tradesmen who support the household.

Other duties:

Ensure the residence is impeccably clean at all times in accordance with the standards required by the owners.

Walk the dog on occasion when the dog walker or the lady of the house is not available. Take the dog to the groomers.

Drive family members, as they require you to do for appointments and errands.

Ensure the owner's wardrobe is always in good order. Pack for him when he travels. Clean his shoes yourself.

With the aid of the landscaping company, keep the sidewalks, terrace and courtyard landscaping in perfect order, attractive and in accordance with the wishes of the owners.

Ensure that you and all of the staff at the residence remain confidential about the private life of the family.

Do anything else required of you by your employers

Be loyal to your employers. Be honest and honorable.

Have style.

COMPENSATION AND TERMS:

General workdays are Monday through Friday from ­­ 9a.m. to 5:30p.m.

Must be flexible, weekend days may be required as necessary

Uniform provided by employer (blazer or a sport coat with grey or dark blue pants is the general attire. Entertaining and formal occasions when black jacket and striped trousers are required during the day and the black tie and tails in the evening)

Compensation commensurate with experience

Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance provided.

Bonuses provided at end of some years, but the award and the amount of bonus is dependant upon performance.

Three weeks vacation a year; taken usually during the summer and at other times when the family is away.

Nine national holidays

·Three sick days

Annual salary and performance review.

If you are interested in this position, please forward a copy of your detailed, up to date CV with a photograph to steve@globalsearchint.com .