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Butler Job Description: Template + How To Write Your Own

Butler Job Description: Template + How To Write Your Own

butler job description
Sasha Vidakovic Avatar

By: Sasha Vidakovic, Nov 14, 2023

A Butler is essential for establishments (such as hotels, resorts and exclusive clubs) aiming to provide an exceptional, personalized guest experience. Alternatively, Butlers can also work in private households, where they ensure a high standard of service tailored to the residents’ needs and preferences.

With a keen eye for detail and expertise in luxury service, a skilled Butler ensures that every guest’s or client’s needs are met with the highest level of care and professionalism.

Looking to quickly hire a skilled Butler for your establishment or household? An effective Butler job description is key to attracting top talent.

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Butler Job Description Template

Download this Butler job description template in PDF or Word format, and customize it to suit your property’s unique needs. This template will help you attract the ideal candidate to ensure seamless service — whether it’s for a commercial establishment or a private household.

Butler Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced Butler to join our housekeeping team at [Name of Establishment or Employer]. In this role, you’ll provide personalized services to [our guests or the family members] and help ensure a refined, welcoming environment.

Your responsibilities will include managing special requests, coordinating [guest services or household activities] and overseeing day-to-day operations. We’re seeking someone with strong organizational skills, a warm, professional demeanor and a commitment to outstanding service.

If you’re passionate about hospitality and eager to grow in an environment that values excellence, we highly encourage you to apply!  

Salary: $25–$35 per hour 
Benefits: Health insurance, paid time off, free meals, flexible schedule
Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week)

Butler Job Duties & Responsibilities 

  • Welcoming and assisting [guests or family members] upon arrival
  • Managing and coordinating requests efficiently and resolving issues promptly
  • Arranging special services, such as transportation and restaurant reservations
  • Coordinating with maintenance and housekeeping staff to ensure all areas meet the highest standards of cleanliness and functionality
  • Facilitating meal services, including in-room dining 
  • Packing and unpacking luggage, ensuring items are well-organized and accessible
  • Overseeing and assisting with wardrobe management, including arranging for laundry and dry cleaning
  • Upholding the [hotel's or household’s] service standards and policies
  • Ensuring [guests’ or family members’] privacy and security are maintained

Butler Skills & Abilities

  • Strong customer service and hospitality skills
  • Polished and professional demeanor
  • Exceptional organizational skills and high attention to detail
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to communicate effectively with staff and [guests or household members]
  • Strong problem-solving skills to address issues promptly and effectively
  • High level of confidentiality and discretion when dealing with sensitive information
  • Basic knowledge of culinary and serving etiquette
  • Awareness and understanding of cultural protocols and etiquette
  • Understanding of security measures and protocols
  • Physical fitness for tasks that may involve lifting or moving objects

Experience & Education Requirements

  • Proven experience in a similar role, preferably in a luxury or hospitality setting
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • At least [minimum age] years old
  • Additional relevant certifications may be beneficial

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How To Write Your Own Butler Job Description

If you'd like to create a job description for a Butler from scratch, here are six key steps to follow:

1. Describe the Ideal Butler for Your Establishment

Ideally, the Butler job description should start with an overview of the role. This is where you’ll mention the type of environment they’ll be working at — is it a commercial property (e.g., a hotel) or private household? Each setting may have different expectations and duties, so it’s best to specify this early on.

Then, indicate at least three daily tasks they’ll be expected to do and at least three essential skills and qualities. These might include exceptional attention to detail, strong communication skills and experience in luxury hospitality. 

You can also mention who the Butler will be reporting to — such as the Guest Services Manager, if the position will be in a hotel, resort or similar environment. That way, candidates understand the organizational structure and their role within it.

2. Outline Salary, Benefits and Schedule

Specify the salary, benefits and schedule for the position. Start by stating the hourly wage or annual salary, specifying whether it's a fixed amount (e.g., $40 per hour) or a range (e.g., $35–$45 per hour). When determining the salary, consider the average pay for Butlers within your local area and the particular industry. 

Next, list the benefits you offer, such as health insurance, free meals, paid time off, 401(k) and maybe even travel opportunities. Including these in the job description helps attract more candidates and show that you value your employees' well-being.

Finally, provide information about the schedule so candidates can assess whether the role fits their lifestyle. Specify whether the position is full-time or part-time and, if possible, outline the expected hours. For instance, will you be requiring your Butler to work on weekends or travel with the family?

3. List Duties and Responsibilities

Detail all major tasks and responsibilities the Butler will be expected to perform. These might include managing guest or resident requests, overseeing rooms and amenities, coordinating with other housekeeping staff, ensuring the cleanliness and organization of common areas and offering personalized services.

Make sure to highlight any specific tasks related to the establishment or household, such as arranging transportation, organizing events or managing special guest needs. Being specific will help Butler candidates understand exactly what is expected of them.

4. Specify the Necessary Skills and Abilities for the Role

When it comes to this section of your Butler job description, consider both soft and hard skills. Soft skills might include strong organization, discretion, and communication, while technical or hard skills could involve knowledge of etiquette, guest relations and experience in high-end hospitality settings.

Additionally, outline any physical abilities required for the role. Since Butlers often manage various tasks across large properties, candidates may need the physical stamina to be on their feet for extended periods, lift heavy objects occasionally and move efficiently throughout the premises to meet guests' needs promptly.

5. Clarify Experience Requirements, Education and Other Qualifications

Most employers prefer Butlers with two to five years of experience in luxury hospitality or similar roles, ensuring candidates are prepared for the demands of the position. So, consider setting a similar range to attract candidates with a solid background in high-end service. 

While a high school diploma or equivalent is typically sufficient, mentioning that training in hospitality management or specialized Butler courses is a plus can help attract more qualified candidates.

Regarding age requirements, setting the minimum at 21 is recommended, given the level of professionalism, maturity and discretion needed for the role — especially in private households or upscale settings.

6. Include Contact and Company/Employer Information

Make it easy for applicants to reach out by providing a contact email and phone number for questions or application submissions.

Also, give candidates insight into your hotel or property’s culture. Share some background on your establishment’s values and mission, helping applicants understand what sets you apart.

As for private households, make sure to provide additional context about the home and the family. For example, you might mention the general neighborhood, the number of family members and your household’s values and expectations. 

Example for a hotel Butler job description: 

At [Hotel Name], we pride ourselves on offering an exclusive and memorable experience for every guest. Located in the heart of [City], we blend luxury with personalized service, making each stay unforgettable. Our mission is to create lasting memories through exceptional service and genuine care.

Example for a private Butler job description: 

Our private residence is located in the peaceful and upscale [Neighborhood], providing a serene environment for [number] family members. We value discretion, reliability and personalized service, ensuring that our home is comfortable and well-maintained at all times. 

steps for how to write a butler job description

4 Extra Tips for Writing an Effective Butler Job Description

Here are a few things to consider when crafting a Butler job description:

  1. Keep descriptions clear and concise to avoid overwhelming applicants.
  2. Highlight opportunities for career advancement to attract candidates who are looking for long-term growth, such as advancing to roles like Head Butler and Household/Housekeeping Manager.
  3. Use inclusive, welcoming language to ensure candidates from diverse backgrounds feel encouraged to apply.
  4. Emphasize the importance of confidentiality and discretion. This is especially applicable to Butlers for private households. You want candidates to be aware that they’re expected to be trustworthy and have respect for the privacy of family members and/or guests.

For more tips, check out our complete guide on how to write a job description.

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Butler Job Description FAQs

Hiring a butler offers unmatched convenience and personalized service, whether for your home or a hospitality setting. They handle a wide range of tasks — from managing household operations and overseeing staff to ensuring a seamless guest experience in hotels and resorts. 

With a butler on staff, you can enjoy more free time, greater peace of mind and a consistently high standard of service, making daily life or guest stays far more comfortable and enjoyable.

A hotel Butler provides personalized, high-end service to guests, ensuring a seamless and luxurious experience during their stay. Their duties typically include unpacking luggage, ironing clothes, arranging in-room dining, delivering refreshments and assisting with special requests like spa bookings or activity reservations. 

They also offer insider recommendations for local attractions, make restaurant reservations and help with any other guest needs within the room. 

The questions you should ask yourself include: 

  • What are the unique needs of my establishment or household that the Butler will need to address?
  • What specific responsibilities will they have to ensure seamless operations?
  • Are there particular services or guest expectations that the Butler should be prepared for?

Asking yourself these questions ensures that the Butler job description is tailored to your property’s specific needs, responsibilities and guest expectations.

Yes, you can consider hiring a Butler with less than two years of experience if they have knowledge of etiquette and guest relations as well as relevant training.

A Butler's work schedule may vary depending on the establishment or household where they work. However, they typically work full-time, including weekends and holidays, as the role requires flexibility to meet guest needs at all times.

When interviewing Butler applicants, ask about their experience in both luxury hospitality and private household settings. Inquire about their ability to handle a range of guest or family requests, manage multiple tasks and maintain high standards of service.

Additionally, ask about their availability, flexibility for shifts and how they’ve handled challenging situations with guests in the past.

Yes, female butlers do exist. While the traditional butler role has historically been associated with men, the position is now inclusive of all genders. Female butlers perform the same high-level duties as their male counterparts.

Yes, a Butler may clean the house or property, but only to a certain extent. Their primary role is to manage household operations and cater to the personal needs of the family or guests, so they may assist with light cleaning tasks such as tidying up, making beds or washing dishes between visits from the housekeeping staff. 

However, more extensive cleaning duties, such as deep cleaning or laundry, are typically handled by Maids or Housekeepers.

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Written by Sasha Vidakovic

Content Specialist

Sasha is an experienced writer and editor with over eight years in the industry. Holding a master’s degree in English and Russian, she brings both linguistic expertise and creativity to her role at OysterLink. When she's not working, she enjoys exploring new destinations, with travel being a key part of both her personal and professional growth.

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Reviewed by Marcy Miniano

Editor

Marcy is an editor and writer with a background in public relations and brand marketing. Throughout her nearly decade-long career, she has honed her skills in crafting content and helping build brands across various industries — including restaurant and hospitality, travel, tech, fashion and entertainment.

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