Head of Service Job

 

 

A returning client is seeking an exceptional Head of Service, Head concierge or Head butler to oversee the day-to-day operations of a prestigious private residence located near Lisbon, Portugal. This role requires a highly polished professional with a background in five-star hospitality. The successful candidate will run the home with the precision, discretion, and excellence of a five-star luxury residence ensuring seamless operations, impeccable presentation, and an anticipatory service experience for the Principals at all times.

 

Key Responsibilities

 

● Oversee the smooth, day-to-day running of the residence, ensuring the home operates to five-star luxury standards at all times

● Create, implement, and continuously refine household systems, procedures, and schedules

● Identify areas for improvement proactively and implement solutions before issues arise

● Ensure the home is always guest-ready and presented to an impeccable standard

 

Staff Management & Leadership

● Recruit, onboard, train, manage, and motivate household staff

● Create staff schedules, manage rotas, oversee performance, and uphold accountability

● Lead by example, setting the tone for professionalism, discretion, and excellence

● Foster a culture of pride, attention to detail, and exceptional service within the household team

 

Principal Support

● Act as the primary point of contact between the Principal, Principal’s PA and household staff

● Support the Principal with ad hoc requests, personal assistance, and lifestyle management tasks

● Greet Principals and guests upon arrival when appropriate, ensuring a warm, polished, and seamless experience

● Anticipate needs and preferences, ensuring a highly personalised service approach

 

Vendor & External Management

● Work with the Property manager to liaise with contractors, suppliers, and service providers, including local Portuguese vendors

● Ensure all external services meet the household’s luxury standards

● Oversee maintenance, repairs, and property projects with attention to detail and discretion

 

Standards & Discretion

● Maintain absolute confidentiality and discretion at all times

● Uphold impeccable personal presentation and professional conduct

● Ensure the household reflects calm efficiency, structure, and understated luxury

 

Essential Experience

● Proven experience in luxury hotel management, private members’ clubs, super-yachts & UHNW private households

● Demonstrated experience managing teams, schedules, and complex operations

● A service-driven mindset with a deep understanding of five-star hospitality standards

 

Key Attributes

● Naturally proactive and anticipatory — always thinking several steps ahead

● Highly organised, detail-oriented, and solutions-focused

● Calm under pressure with exceptional problem-solving abilities

● Comfortable handling a wide variety of tasks, from strategic oversight to hands-on support

● Polished, confident, and discreet with excellent interpersonal skills

● Takes pride in excellence and holds themselves and others to the highest standards

 

Language, Location & Right to Work

● The role is based near Lisbon, Portugal

● Portuguese language skills are preferred; fluency in English is essential

● EU passport holders only 

 

Benefits