House Manager/Butler job (M/F) in Tokyo, Japan
Job description
An international UHNW family is seeking an experienced, highly polished, and discreet Mandarin-speaking House Manager / Butler to oversee the smooth running of their private residences.
The primary base of employment is in Japan, where the successful candidate will be employed and mainly based. The role also involves regular travel to Hong Kong and other international destinations, supporting the family across multiple residences.
This is a live-in position requiring flexibility, strong leadership, and a refined, service-oriented approach. The successful candidate will ensure the highest standards of household management, staff coordination, and five-star hospitality.
Responsibilities
- Oversee and coordinate all household staff, including housekeepers, drivers, tutors, and security personnel.
- Manage the day-to-day operations of the residence in Japan, ensuring smooth and efficient running.
- Organise staff rotas, schedules, and daily logistics.
- Liaise with chefs regarding daily meals, dietary preferences, and special occasions.
- Ensure the comfort, wellbeing, and preferences of the principals are consistently met.
- Deliver and supervise five-star hospitality standards for guests (table service, events, travel arrangements, gifting, etc.).
- Manage property maintenance, contractors, and external service providers.
- Handle household administration, including budgets, expenses, invoices, and reporting.
- Maintain detailed household manuals, inventories, and operational procedures (SOPs).
- Lead recruitment, training, and performance management of household staff.
- Travel ahead of the family when required to prepare residences and coordinate arrivals.
Requirements
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in a UHNW. household as a House Manager, Butler, or similar role.
- Background in luxury hospitality or formal butler training is highly desirable.
- Fluency in Mandarin and English is essential.
- Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
- Professional, discreet, and highly presentable with a strong sense of service.
- Experience managing multicultural teams and multiple residences.
- Flexible and comfortable with frequent international travel.
- Passport from Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, or Taiwan is advantageous for ease of travel.
- Open to both male and female candidates.
Work conditions
- Location: Japan (primary base), with regular travel to Hong Kong and other destinations
- Accommodation: Live-in accommodation provided in Japan
- Schedule: 6 days per week, with flexibility for evenings, weekends, and travel
- Contract: Full-time, permanent position (Japanese employment contract)
- Start Date: As soon as possible
- Benefits: Health insurance, relocation support (including flights), and performance-based bonus
Salary
Marina Shevchenko is a dedicated professional with a decade-long journey at Morgan & Mallet International, beginning part-time in 2014 and transitioning to full-time in 2015. Specialising in client and candidate relations, she excels in catering to individuals from the UK, US, and Eastern Europe. Fluent in English, Ukrainian, and Russian, Marina's multilingual skills facilitate seamless communication. Her role extends beyond borders, having managed Morgan & Mallet's offices in the UK and Ukraine. Marina's passion lies in understanding the distinct requirements of clients and candidates, ensuring perfect matches that align with their goals and personalities. She thrives on forging lasting connections and delivering exceptional service.
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