Head Butler
Overview
Our client, a prominent private family based in Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, is seeking an experienced Head Butler for their newly built 10-bedroom villa.
With established business interests in construction, brick manufacturing, and cement, the family is well regarded across the region and maintains an international outlook, with property investments in Europe and a London-based eldest son.
The residence is a high-spec private villa, and the family is assembling a professional household team to operate to international standards. The role includes private on-site accommodation and full visa sponsorship at no cost. This is an excellent long-term opportunity for an experienced private household professional seeking a well-compensated position with a forward-thinking family.
Position: Head Butler
Reports To: Estate Manager
Manages / Works With: 2 Butlers; close coordination with Head Housekeeper, Executive Chef and Security Supervisor
Role Purpose: Lead the service and front-of-house function, ensuring seamless daily service, outstanding guest experience and effective coordination with all back-of-house teams.
Job duties
Responsibilities of the Head Butler in Iraq include:
- Oversee all aspects of formal and informal service: table settings, meal service, beverage and bar service, tea and coffee service, and the hosting of guests.
- Set and maintain service standards, SOPs and checklists, adapting them as the family’s preferences and lifestyle patterns are established.
- Coordinate with the kitchen on timings, special dietary needs, buffet presentations and events; coordinate with housekeeping for room readiness and evening turn-downs.
- Manage household inventory relating to service: tableware, silverware, glassware, linens, bar stock and amenity items.
- Lead butler team scheduling, training (including cross-training in basic housekeeping tasks and guest-area checks) and ongoing performance management.
- Assist with vendor and external contractor coordination on event days, including florists, event planners and entertainment suppliers.
- Generate and maintain, alongside the Executive Chef, a comprehensive family preference file for each principal.
- Conduct and assist with weekly, six-monthly and annual audits of all front-of-house assets.
Candidates must be/have:
- Hold a minimum of seven years’ experience as a Butler or House Manager in UHNW private households or five-star luxury hotels.
- Demonstrate strong leadership capability with impeccable personal presentation and grooming.
- Maintain exceptional standards of etiquette, discretion and confidentiality at all times.
- Possess excellent knowledge of wines, spirits and beverages; knowledge of mixology is a distinct advantage.
- Have proven experience managing and mentoring a team of household service professionals.
- Have experience servicing private events of up to 100 guests.
- Be comfortable in a cross-cultural environment and fluent in English (Arabic advantageous).
- Be physically fit and present to a high standard at all times.
- Be willing to live on-site and adapt to evolving SOPs as the villa’s operations are established; candidates new to Iraq are preferred.
Hours
Six days per week; 8–10 hours per day.
Hours are structured around family residence and guest visits.
On-call availability is required during peak periods and events.
Overtime worked will be compensated in lieu days when the family is not in residence.
Location
Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Private on-site accommodation within the secure villa compound is provided at no cost to the employee, along with full visa sponsorship and flights as agreed.
Salary
$80,000 – $90,000 USD per annum (net, tax-free), commensurate with experience.
Benefits include 30 days’ annual leave, comprehensive medical insurance, and a return flight home. Each candidate will be required to undergo a medical examination upon arrival.
The package also provides private on-site accommodation, all meals while on duty, full visa sponsorship, and agreed flights at the start and end of employment.
Job ref
CP1016: Head Butler for private villa in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq.
⚠ Travel & Safety Advisory: Sulaymaniyah is located in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Candidates are strongly advised to review the latest official travel guidance issued by their government before applying or accepting an offer. UK nationals should consult: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/iraq. The employer will provide visa sponsorship, on-site accommodation within a secure villa compound, and a full security briefing prior to commencement.
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