The brief

Our clients with multi residences in Europe, required a chef who was highly skilled in special diet and nutritional cuisine, with a strong emphasis on Vegan and Vegetarian cuisine.

The perfect candidate

On our books, was a superbly qualified and highly experienced private chef with a professional Nutritional degree and herself a Vegan eater. Dynamic, with special interests in Fat, Dairy and Gluten-free diets, with a really lovely personality.

The outcome

Faye was able to tickle the Clients' tastebuds and she was employed only 1 day into a 5-day trial! We were able to obtain her a salary in the region of the clients remit at £85,000 per annum.

The brief:

In Qatar, our client, a well-known businessman had very tragically lost his wife. Our remit was to find a Household Manager, to run his home along the lines that his late wife had, oversee the staff and to occasionally accompany the client as a companion to events such as the theatre, or out for a company function. This required a person who was highly erudite and who could be an engaging and amusing companion, while at all times maintaining the formality of the employment.

The perfect candidate:

A superb candidate, highly trained by the Australian Butler Academy and with years of experience managing official residences, hosting formal events and heading a team of staff applied. This was a gentleman, who we have known for many years and he had superb skills, together with a disarming, but highly professional and friendly personality.

The outcome:

Both client and candidate were delighted in each other and long term employment has evolved. To our delight, our client has now re-married, however, our candidate still runs the residence-though sadly for him, rarely gets to the theatre now!

The brief:

Our client required a Head Housekeeper with exceptional laundry skills and hands-on capability, to work with a second part-time cleaning lady. The property is only occupied for 5 months of the year, and so the successful applicant had to be absolutely trustworthy, have exceptional knowledge in the care of fine fabrics, (both clothing and furnishing,) objects d'art and have the ability to cook to a reasonably good level.

Doubly difficult, was the fact that the property was remotely located and no accommodation was on offer.

The perfect candidate:

Hutchinsons found the perfect candidate, whose CV was impeccable, having had 5 years working in a similar role for a well-known actress. She had experience in caring for a couture wardrobe, packing and unpacking, caring for beautiful artefacts and had been Head Housekeeper at the employers very well-known villa in the South of France. She was a hobby cook and lived locally.

The outcome:

Our client interviewed this candidate and found her to be superbly qualified in the aspects of work she required covering in her own home. Because the client lives in the USA and commutes to her French home for periods of a month at a time, she was particularly delighted that our candidate had stellar references and having trialled her, described her cooking as "delectable" and her housekeeping and work ethic "second to none".

The dream:

Chef L. was recommended to register with Hutchinsons. She sent her CV at the end of August 2020 and explained to us that she was looking to transition from working on luxury motor yachts to a land-based role.

She was looking for a position where those she is cooking for really enjoy food, different cuisines with a lot of variety.

She was keen to settle into a long-term land-based role where she could continue to evolve as a successful private chef.

The perfect job:

We set up an interview and trial for Chef L. at a private residence in Surrey where she would be meeting with the family and cooking a trial meal showcasing her vast culinary skillset.

Upon completion of the trial day, the family were very impressed and invited her back for another trial.

She was able to produce a wide range of cuisine which the family thoroughly enjoyed. They found her personality likeable and her chef skills superb. She was offered the position and eagerly accepted.

The outcome:

Chef L. is still happily employed and sees herself working for this family in the long term. She has been able to hone in on her already diverse skill set while also enhancing her skills and ability.

Candidate quote:

"Great kitchen, family are lovely!"

The brief:

Our client required a residential personal assistant/lady’s maid who had the freedom to travel and who was willing to work in a varied capacity. The role would require the candidate to work as a butler, lady’s maid, housekeeper, and personal assistant.

The clients were seeking a candidate that had recently graduated from a prestigious Butler Academy that was looking for a long-term position. In addition, they required the candidate to be multilingual, Fluent in English, French, and Mandarin.

The perfect candidate:

Hutchinsons found the perfect candidate who ticked all the boxes. Our candidate obtained a Diploma in International Hotel Management in Japan and also took the South African Butler Academy Diploma which she passed Cum Laude. She had gained experience working at a Hotel in Europe followed by working in a private residence in South Africa. She had all the skills required to work effectively for our client.

The outcome:

Our clients interviewed the candidate and found her to be professional and delightful. After a successful interview process, our clients trialled the candidate and quickly offered her the role, they have been very pleased with her services.

The clients have come to Hutchinsons to find additional household staff, of which we were able to assist.

Client quote:

"We are so pleased with J, she is charming, hardworking, and diligent. She has excelled in the position and we hope to have her working with us for many years to come."