Estate Manager / Personal Assistant & Lifestyle Manager job (M/F) in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
Job description
A prestigious and highly private HNW family is seeking an experienced Estate Manager / Personal Assistant & Lifestyle Manager in Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region, Iraq to oversee the family estate and ensure the seamless operation of all household affairs.
The estate consists of a main residence and guesthouse capable of hosting official events, private
gatherings, and family occasions.
The successful candidate will be responsible for managing a team of approximately 25 household employees, ensuring exceptional service standards across all departments.
The household team includes, but is not limited to, a Head Butler, Butlers, Head Housekeeper, Housekeepers, Private Chef, Gardeners, Technicians, Drivers, Security Personnel, and other domestic support staff.
The successful candidate will oversee the day-to-day operations of the estate, recruit and supervise household staff, provide high-level personal assistant support to the principals, coordinate lifestyle requirements, oversee hospitality services, and ensure the highest standards of discretion, service,
and professionalism at all times.
Responsibilities
Estate & Household Management
- Oversee the full operations of the estate, ensuring exceptional service standards at all times.
- Manage the maintenance, upkeep, and presentation of all residential and guest facilities.
- Coordinate and supervise contractors, vendors, and external service providers.
- Develop, implement, and maintain household policies, procedures, manuals, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Conduct regular inspections to ensure the estate remains in excellent condition.
- Ensure all residences are prepared for family visits, VIP guests, business associates, and special occasions.
- Coordinate maintenance schedules, renovations, and improvement projects.
- Monitor household inventories and ensure adequate supplies and equipment are maintained.
- Oversee household budgets, operational expenses, and procurement activities while maintaining cost efficiency.
- Ensure all departments work cohesively to deliver exceptional service to the principals and their guests.
Staff Recruitment, Management & Development
- Lead, manage, and inspire a multidisciplinary household team of approximately 25 employees.
- Supervise senior household personnel including the Head Butler, Head Housekeeper, Private Chef, as well as Butlers, Housekeepers, Gardeners, Technicians, Drivers, Security Personnel, and other domestic staff.
- Recruit, onboard, and manage all household personnel as required.
- Delegate responsibilities effectively while maintaining clear reporting structures and accountability.
- Develop and implement staff training programs to maintain exceptional service standards.
- Establish and enforce household protocols, etiquette standards, grooming requirements, and confidentiality procedures.
- Prepare staff schedules, duty rosters, and work assignments.
- Conduct regular performance evaluations and support ongoing staff development.
- Mentor department heads and ensure effective communication between all household divisions.
- Foster a positive, professional, and service-oriented working environment.
- Resolve staffing issues, mediate conflicts when necessary, and promote collaboration across all household departments.
Personal Assistant & Lifestyle Management
- Serve as the primary point of contact for personal and professional matters on behalf of the
principals. - Manage calendars, appointments, meetings, and personal schedules.
- Coordinate domestic and international travel arrangements, including flights, visas, accommodation, transportation, and itineraries.
- Manage personal correspondence, invitations, and RSVP responses.
- Coordinate shopping requirements, wardrobe management, and personal errands.
- Assist with the management of luxury assets, including artwork, jewelry, collections, and other valuable personal belongings.
- Oversee household budgets, staff payroll, and approved operational expenses.
- Support family lifestyle requirements and special requests as needed.
- Liaise with family offices, personal advisors, and external service providers when required.
Hospitality & Event Management
- Plan and coordinate family events, private gatherings, formal dinners, receptions, and
business functions. - Work closely with chefs and hospitality teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
- Coordinate guest accommodation, transportation, entertainment, and event logistics.
- Oversee event setup, table arrangements, décor, floral displays, and overall ambiance.
- Manage VIP and high-profile guest relations with professionalism and discretion.
- Ensure all events are executed to the highest standards.
Security & Confidentiality
- Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all family, business, and household matters.
- Coordinate with security personnel to ensure the safety and privacy of family members and
guests. - Implement and monitor household security protocols and procedures.
- Act as a key contact during emergencies and contingency situations.
- Ensure all staff comply with confidentiality and security requirements.
Requirements
Key Skills & Competencies
- Leadership and People Management
- Staff Recruitment, Training, and Development
- Excellent Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Strong Intercultural Communication Skills
- Strong Organizational and Time Management Skills
- Proactive and Solution-Oriented Approach
- High Level of Discretion, Confidentiality, and Professionalism
- Estate and Household Operations Management
- Luxury Hospitality and Guest Experience Management
- Event Planning and Coordination
- Personal Assistant and Executive Support Skills
- Vendor and Contractor Management
- Budgeting, Expense Control, and Financial Administration
- Travel Planning and Logistics Coordination
- Problem Solving and Decision-Making Skills
- Ability to Manage Multiple Priorities Simultaneously
- Protocol, Etiquette, and VIP Guest Relations
- Security Awareness and Risk Management
- Attention to Detail and Quality Assurance
- SOP Development and Process Improvement
- Emergency Response and Contingency Planning
Personal Attributes
- Highly Organized
- Proactive and Self-Motivated
- Trustworthy and Discreet
- Flexible and Adaptable
- Service-Oriented Mindset
- Calm Under Pressure and Stress-Resistant
- Professional Appearance and Demeanor
- Strong Sense of Ownership and Accountability
- Positive and Professional Attitude
- Natural leader with excellent interpersonal and team management skills.
- Minimum 5–10 years of experience in Estate Management, Household Management, Luxury Hospitality, Private Family Office, or a similar senior management role.
- Proven experience managing large household teams and service departments.
- Experience overseeing 20+ household staff within a private estate, palace, luxury residence, five-star hotel, or UHNW family office is highly preferred.
- Experience supporting Ultra-High-Net-Worth (UHNW) individuals or private families is highly preferred.
- Strong knowledge of luxury hospitality standards and household operations.
- Experience in event planning and guest relations.
- Strong financial management, budgeting, and administrative skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and administrative systems.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Additional languages are considered an advantage.
Reporting Line
Reports directly to the Principal / Family Representative and serves as the primary coordinator
for all estate operations, household staff, hospitality services, and lifestyle management
requirements
Work conditions
- Accommodation provided.
- Annual performance bonus.
- Employment visa provided.
- Comprehensive medical insurance provided.
- One annual return flight ticket to the candidate's home country.
- Supportive and professional working environment within a prestigious private household.
Salary
The epitome of dedication and passion as a recruitment consultant at Morgan and Mallet International.
His responsibilities encompass every aspect of the recruitment process, from initial job postings to final candidate selection. Meticulously screens resumes, arranges interviews, and maintains a comprehensive database of potential hires. He’s the bridge between the company and the candidates, communicating effectively and ensuring a smooth journey throughout the hiring process. He understands the importance of finding the perfect match for each role and goes above and beyond to make it happen. With his unwavering commitment, he ensures that both the clients and their candidates receive the utmost satisfaction from their recruitment experience.
Never Miss the Right Role
Join our mailing list for select household staff positions.