From the butler to the household manager. How has the role of the butler and the household manager changed in the modern era?

Over its long history, the traditional role of a butler has changed to keep up with the times and context of the culture the butler operates within. This article seeks to explore what the differences might be and perhaps shed some light on what to look for when you hire a butler or consider hiring a household manager,

A butler's role is not easily pigeonholed in the modern era.

Traditionally the constant of the butler's craft remains unwavering even in the modern era. We find our clients expect their butler to be able to prepare a formal table service, serve drinks, conduct valeting and take care of the wine cellar. These are core skills our clients ask us for when they seek a butler through our service.

Over the years the barometer has moved and the modern butler has evolved to become a true multi-tasker in the household often encompassing traditional duties as well as being chauffeur, personal assistant, cook and events organiser.

The expected duties of a Butler can vary based on location. For example, a butler based in a rural location or on the estate of a country house may be expected to know how to care for guns, know what is required for a successful shoot, and be adept at organising and managing all the elements of a shooting weekend for their patron and possibly the patron's guests.

Discretion Staffing has worked with many clients who are city-based and have requested that their butler perform security, driving and hospitality duties as well as manage exquisite dinners and look after important guests. The demands of the role are as varied as the needs of the clients that come to Discretion Staffing seeking to hire a butler.

The difference between a butler and a household manager.

A butler should not be mistaken with a Household Manager. Even though there may be overlap with some of the duties involved in a butler's role, the duties of the Household Manager differ slightly while also being varied in their scope.

In broad terms, the household manager will often be responsible for the running, upkeep and maintenance of large properties and private residences. Typically when hiring a household manager our clients ask that the individuals we introduce can take ownership of supervising staff, deliver to high standards, complete administration duties in an accurate and timely fashion, manage budgets, negotiate with third-party suppliers, and plan events.

How can you hire a butler or household manager?

Everyone has differing life experiences, skills and knowledge. The most important factor when hiring a butler or household manager is to choose an organisation you can trust and is adept at understanding the needs of clients. The team at Discretion Staffing are expert at sourcing the very best talent for our clients.

We will not only consider the core skills a client requires we will also seek to understand what relationship our clients wish to build with their butler and household manager. Some clients prefer clear professional distance while others prefer a more friendly less formal interaction. At Discretion Staffing we seek to create the finest bespoke fit for your needs and situation. Your happiness is our business.

What duties should a household manager be able to perform?

As we have already suggested the best service never relies on a checklist when delivering on a client's needs.

However, some core skills the team at Discretion Staffing look for when we have been tasked to hire a household manager might include some of the below;

• The management of a household team

• Ensure patrons and guests receive an excellent experience of the household.

• Audition and negotiate with contractors, third-party suppliers and service providers.

• Be responsible for managing household staff.

• Write processes, manuals and policies.
  

• Property inspection and maintenance.

• Provide regular updates to the patrons.

• Ensure a culture exists within the household that promotes efficiency and harmony.
  

What do you need to be a butler?

Perhaps the butler is more recognisable as a more traditional figure. Their bastions of excellence centre on etiquette and protocol.

A butler will be expected to involve themselves in a significant level of one-to-one interaction and hands-on service to their patrons and their guests. The working hours of a butler are likely to vary and will certainly require an unflinching sense of duty and flexibility in executing their duties.

At Discretion Staffing we have seen a rise in the demand for 'live-in butlers' where the client has expressed a need for round-the-clock service and support.

As we explored earlier in the article, the butler in the modern era is often far more than the comical image portrayed by PG Wodehouse's Jeeves and Wooster. If you are seeking to hire a butler, then you may want to consider the list below as a measure. If however, you wish to engage the services of a trusted agency when hiring a butler, Discretion Staffing offers an exemplary service tailored to your wishes.

A butler's skills and qualifications could include;

• A certified qualification such as a City and Guilds Diploma for butlers.

• Knowledge of etiquette and protocol

• Vendor and project management skills.

• Experience in formal service of fine wines and food

• Qualification as a Sommelier

• Curation and for fine arts, antiques, silver, china, and cars

• High levels of experience in delivering a discreet, confidential service.
  

How to hire a butler.

When hiring it is always a wise decision to engage with experts in their field. Hiring a butler is no different.

Discretion Staffing has a proud and long legacy of finding the very best talent to care for and support our clients.

From childcare professionals such as Nannies and Maternity Nurses, Personal Assistants, butlers and all tiers of household staff our dedicated team will discuss your needs and wants and find a person who best fits your instruction.

Contact us and discover the Discretion Staffing difference.