Travelling Butler/ PA, Tallinn, Estonia

JOB FILLED. For a new client, an US/ Estonian HNW couple we are looking for an experienced trained Travelling Butler/ PA to provide an elevated service based at their main property in Tallinn, Estonia. Self-contained accommodation is always provided. Drivers’ license essential, other languages would be nice, but are not essential.

The couple currently own real estate in three locations (Estonia (a 600m² apartment with a huge terrace plus others apartments), Amsterdam (two very special town houses interconnected), The Caribbean (a stunning villa set in large grounds)). All the properties are staffed including two housekeepers in Tallinn, who have been working there for two years, a chef and a maintenance man. There is a housekeeper and assistant PA in Amsterdam and more staff in the Caribbean. The properties are decorated stylishly, modern, high end and bespoke with a lot of attention to detail.

A majority of the time is spent in Estonia, the rest over longer periods could be Buenos Aires, Rome, Madrid, etc. The building in Tallinn also contains an office from which the Butler/ PA can work from. The Butler/ PA is responsible for the couple’s living area and the art studio in the same building. There are two grown up sons who live locally and often visit. There is one medium sized 2 ½ year old dog.

The couple adore and relish the detail, convenience and high end service a butler provides. The household is run semi formally (polo-shirt/ trousers) with formal special occasions (shirt/ tie/ suit). They are seeking help with the running of their households and lives so they can enjoy a smooth and high standard of service. She is an artist who works at her studio during the day, he works from home in the tech sector.

On a daily basis the dinners are prepared by the private chef and warmed up and served around 7pm/ 7.30pm by the Butler/ PA, after which they are off duty. The previous Butler/ PA is leaving as she is starting a family. The couple also frequently eat out (particularly in the Caribbean) or cook themselves, so all in all, life is very flexible.

Front of House/ Butler duties:

• Traveling internationally with the couple when required
• Providing a valet service incl. shoe care
• Managing wardrobes (incl. packing and unpacking)
• Organizing and delivering events (overseeing seating, guest lists, invitations (max 15 perhaps once a month))
• Liaising with the private chef (for wines, service, dietary requirements)
• Laying and decorating tables
• Decorating the properties seasonally or for special occasions
• Welcoming guests and offering a drinks service
• Making cocktails (training can be provided)
• Formal table service (for events)
• Warming food and serving it 
• Readying rooms to requirements daily or for guests
• Organizing, overseeing and training housekeepers to deliver higher standards
• Delivering a smooth service (e.g. clearing cups from the night before)
• Provisioning for the household, toiletries etc.
• Ordering flowers or creating arrangements (if experienced, but this is not essential)
• Helping out very occasionally with housekeeping (like putting things away) if required
• Running errands
• Occasional care of the pet dog

 Back of House/ PA duties:

• Helping to manage personal diaries and special occasions (reminding Principals of appointments), possibly bookings of restaurants, events and travel
• Managing calls and intercoms
• Occasionally researching and purchasing special gifts (like sending flowers)
• Creating a household manual incl. inventories where required (some already exist)

Requirements:

• Min of 3 years’ experience as a butler in a private household with travel [FYI – I have a min. of 3 yrs experience in order to register with the agency]
• Formal butler/ house management training 
• Excellent knowledge of formal etiquette able to provide a unrivalled service
• Ideally good knowledge of mixology and ideally fine wines (if not, training can be provided)
• Fluency in English – other languages are welcome 
• Legal to work in the EU (for UK candidates, work visas can be obtained)                                          
• Able to travel internationally
• Must have high standards and an acute eye for detail 
• Being familiar with smart home technology and creating inventories
• Being able to work as part of a team is key
• Recent security check
• Written references from past families

The couple’s lifestyle can be described as fluid and flexible – their plans for travel and locations unfold, depending on where they wish to go. For this reason, they are looking for someone who can be as flexible and will travel with them where ever their plans take them. If flexibility is required in extra hours, time in lieu is given. The Butler/ PA should be personable, well presented and professional in their conduct of work, able to take the initiative and have high standards with strong communications skills. If the Butler/ PA happens to be ‘green fingered’ (talented with plants) then that would be welcome, but this is not essential. The client is looking for someone who they both feel comfortable around.

Excellent well-appointed self-contained one bedroom apartment (separate kitchen/ living room) in the same building provided as well as lunch/ dinner when on duty. Local public transport is very easy. Taxis are reasonable and there is a shared car. Accommodation elsewhere while travelling is always self-contained. All travel and subsistence is provided as well as visas. Private travel health insurance is provided where required. 

Hours: Mon – Fri 10am to approx. 7.30pm (with an hour for lunch, which is provided) with some flexibility if the couple are entertaining (time in lieu given). The role is offered under an Estonian contract.

Salary:  € 55000 - € 80000 gross/ year, live-in (sep. apartment) depending on experience plus holidays

To start: as soon as feasible