House manager
Here is a complete guide for all things related to household managers; created by the domestic staffing recruiters at The Celebrity Personal Assistant Network.
In the domestic staffing world, there is a great debate raging with job titles and responsibilities for the roles. Not only can't staffing agencies agree, but each household also uses job titles the way that they like as well. In short, headhunters, candidates and employers are at odds when it comes to titles and duties.
In the domestic staffing world, there is a great debate raging with job titles and responsibilities for the roles. Not only can't staffing agencies agree, but each household also uses job titles the way that they like as well. In short, headhunters, candidates and employers are at odds when it comes to titles and duties.
Video: The A-to-Z guide for a house manager
VIDEO: The complete history of house managers
House management is an art and a science
Large homes, estates and manors can be very complex with many moving parts. Actually, a busy household is run like a 5-star hotel -- everyone has designated responsibilities and the aim is to offer services to the VIPs and their guests.
A house manager -- sometimes called an estate manager -- leads the professional team in their daily tasks to ensure that day-to-day operations of the household run efficiently. A great analogy would be that of a Swiss watch: The family only sees the face of the clock; but if you open the back, there are many gears that need to be working well to keep things running smoothly.
A house manager -- sometimes called an estate manager -- leads the professional team in their daily tasks to ensure that day-to-day operations of the household run efficiently. A great analogy would be that of a Swiss watch: The family only sees the face of the clock; but if you open the back, there are many gears that need to be working well to keep things running smoothly.
House managers vs Estate managers
Become a house manager
This is where there can be a "semantic argument" between definitions between domestic staffing workers, recruiters and employers. At the end of the day, regardless of which title you use, the household needs of the employers must be met.
Some might argue that an Estate Manager has more extensive experience than a House Manager. In the end, the argument will never be settled. What people can agree upon is that each title has a similar role because, typically, it involves someone running aspects of a large property.
Some might argue that an Estate Manager has more extensive experience than a House Manager. In the end, the argument will never be settled. What people can agree upon is that each title has a similar role because, typically, it involves someone running aspects of a large property.
House manager job description
While no two households could ever be identical, here is a guide to what a house manager does when working for high-net-worth families. It is by no means exhaustive or all inclusive.
This is the short list. The workload varies greatly depending on the size of the household. House managers, though, are responsible for keeping things running smoothly, even if that means assigning duties to another staff member.
- Grocery shopping, running errands, and handling household billing
- Making appointments, planning social events, and ordering supplies for maintenance
- Coordinating travel, managing staff members, and training household employees
- Book appointments for pet cleaning, oversee auto detailers, and manage the children's schedules
This is the short list. The workload varies greatly depending on the size of the household. House managers, though, are responsible for keeping things running smoothly, even if that means assigning duties to another staff member.
Household managers vs Personal assistants
Again, it's a slippery slope when it comes to these jobs and the tasks. They can be one and the same, or the two roles can be different. In the end, all the duties and responsibilities that the employer expects need to be clearly spelled out in the job description.
When a search is conducted for the employer, it's up to the recruiter to ensure the candidate can and will perform all of the tasks like getting the dry cleaning or preparing dinner for the employer.
Household management, like the candidate's job description, also needs to be defined by the employer because it's so much more than an ability to communicate with the housekeeper and laundry team. For example, stocking a wine cellar, managing an exotic car fleet and planning vacations often comes with the territory.
When a search is conducted for the employer, it's up to the recruiter to ensure the candidate can and will perform all of the tasks like getting the dry cleaning or preparing dinner for the employer.
Household management, like the candidate's job description, also needs to be defined by the employer because it's so much more than an ability to communicate with the housekeeper and laundry team. For example, stocking a wine cellar, managing an exotic car fleet and planning vacations often comes with the territory.
How much does it cost to hire a household manager?
Salaries for household managers can vary wildly. There are a number of different factors that go into the calculation of a compensation package. Those considerations include but are not limited to:
With all of that said, a household manager could command a salary in the $100,000 to $200,000 range. If they are promoted to a Chief of Staff position are manage estates worldwide, compensation can soar to the $350,000 range. Contact our house manager staffing agency for more information on pricing.
- The years of experience the person has
- Have they been hired in the past by celebrities or billionaires?
- Will the house manager have to hire and train other household staff members?
- How much time will they spend on the job each week?
- Can the candidate manage private jets and multiple estates
- Can the house manager leave the country on a moment's notice?
- Will the position be hybrid? (e.g., nanny, personal assistant, etc.)
- How many family members will the candidate support?
With all of that said, a household manager could command a salary in the $100,000 to $200,000 range. If they are promoted to a Chief of Staff position are manage estates worldwide, compensation can soar to the $350,000 range. Contact our house manager staffing agency for more information on pricing.
Filed Under: house manager job description, domestic staff members, estate manager, work life, company manager, one job, family assistant
