House manager working for a private family

House managers, or household managers, are highly valuable members of domestic staff who are responsible for maintaining all aspects of the property. Every day as a house manager brings new challenges and opportunities to facilitate a seamless household operation. A house manager’s life is a dynamic journey where no two days are alike. Here you’ll find a complete job description with all the necessary information about this vital role in luxury households.

  • Primary missions: household’s day-to-day organization, staff supervision, event coordination
  • Live-in or live-out
  • Salary: $50,000 – $100,000 a year
  • Type of job: Domestic staff

The role of a house manager is constantly evolving, adapting to integrate modern efficiencies with traditional responsibilities, reflecting the dynamic nature of today’s luxury households.

Missions and responsibilities

As a house manager, your job revolves around ensuring the smooth operation of a household. A house manager oversees the organization and running of their employer’s household. Primary responsibilities include :

  • Managing day-to-day operations
  • Looking after the family calendar
  • Supervising staff 
  • Handling household budgets and financial records
  • Overseeing Security
  • Stock and supply operations
  • Maintaining household equipment
  • Coordinating events
  • Providing regular property reports

The responsibilities of a house manager are diverse and tailored to the needs of the household. Tasks range from scheduling maintenance to grocery shopping and overseeing household inventories.

A house manager also needs to supervise and coordinate with household staff to maintain an efficient and harmonious environment. Guiding the household staff, the house manager ensures every member contributes to the seamless running of the home.

How to become a House Manager ?

Find a job as a house manager requires specific skills and qualifications. Stepping into this role means embracing a path of continuous learning and adaptation.

Education and skills

No formal education is required, but training in areas like hygiene, protocol, and food can be beneficial for the job

Schools such as the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne in Switzerland or Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration in the United States are prestigious for hospitality and service management education.

Candidates might also benefit from specialized courses such as sommelier training , enhancing their ability to manage diverse aspects of a high-end household. The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) or the Court of Master Sommeliers are examples where individuals can gain specialized knowledge that enriches their role within private service.

Key skills include excellent communication, organization, time management and multitasking abilities. You must be able to work in semi-formal or formal environment. Finally, you may be required to have a valid clean driving license, as the job of a house manager sometimes include driving.

Experience

Proven experience in a similar role is often required, with a preference for candidates who display responsibility, efficiency, and discretion. Excellent references from previous employers are also generally requested.

Work conditions

House managers typically work in full-time jobs, often within the employer’s residence (live-in), and may receive benefits like housing and meals. They generally work around 40 hours a week, not counting events or weekend work that may be required.

A house manager’s day-to-day job can be tiring: he or she must be able to manage a large number of tasks and unforeseen events. But it’s also satisfying to know that the house manager is primarily responsible for the smooth running of these superb properties.

A day in the life of a House Manager: a practical example

One vivid anecdote that brings to life the multifaceted role of a house manager involves a scenario recounted by a seasoned professional in the field. They described a particularly hectic day that began with the early morning orchestration of a complex household’s activities: coordinating with vendors for an upcoming event, managing a sudden plumbing issue in the guest wing, and ensuring that the family’s dietary and scheduling needs for the day were flawlessly executed. 

Amid these tasks, the house manager also had to unexpectedly step in to resolve a disagreement between two staff members, all while maintaining the seamless operation of the household and preparing for a significant family gathering in the evening.

This example underscores the house manager’s role as not just a coordinator but a problem-solver, communicator, and the glue that holds the daily life of a luxury household together.

Salary

Salaries range significantly based on factors like location, experience, the size of the household, and the number of household employees you’re supervising, typically between $50,000 to $100,000 a year.

Similar jobs

Related jobs include estate manager, personal assistant, nanny and housekeeper, each with distinct focuses and responsibilities. House managers frequently collaborate with other household staff, ensuring all aspects of home management are covered.

Housekeeper

While both roles are pivotal in maintaining a household, a house manager and a housekeeper have distinct responsibilities. The housekeeper focuses primarily on cleaning and organizing the home, handling tasks like laundry, dusting, and vacuuming. In contrast, a house manager oversees the broader spectrum of home management, including supervising staff, managing budgets, and coordinating events. Think of the house manager as a conductor orchestrating the smooth running of the entire household, while the housekeeper plays a crucial role in maintaining its cleanliness and order.

Estate Manager

An estate manager usually handles larger properties or multiple residences, focusing on a broader range of responsibilities including overseeing extensive property maintenance, managing large-scale projects, and often handling more complex financial and administrative duties

A house manager, on the other hand, typically oversees a single residence, focusing on the day-to-day management of the home and its staff. The estate manager is akin to a CEO overseeing multiple departments, whereas the house manager could be likened to a department manager specializing in the efficient operation of one key area.

Personal Assistant

The personal assistant is often more involved in managing the personal schedule, correspondence, and specific needs of an individual or family. Their job is more tailored towards administrative tasks, managing appointments, and often involves accompanying their employer in various capacities.

The house manager is more focused on the home itself, ensuring its smooth operation, overseeing staff, and managing household projects. If the personal assistant is the right-hand man to an individual, the house manager is the guardian of the home’s wellbeing.

Nanny

A nanny is primarily focused on childcare, dedicating their efforts to nurturing and looking after the children’s needs, from their daily care to educational activities. The nanny’s world revolves around the wellbeing and development of the children, while the house manager’s domain is the entire household’s operation and harmony.

Top Cities to find jobs as a House Manager

Major cities worldwide, known for their affluent populations, offer the most job opportunities for House Managers : New-York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Paris, Dubai, Totonto, London, Hong Kong…

Job growth trend

The demand for house managers is subject to economic fluctuations, with a consistent need in affluent households. But it is set to increase over the next decade, in correlation with the growing number of senior households, particularly in Western countries.

This should be reflected in a growing demand for qualified house managers, skilled in providing care to older persons. We anticipate growth in the employment of house managers over the next years.

House Manager job perspectives

The job of a house manager is evolving, adapting to the changing needs of modern affluent families. With an increasing emphasis on technology integration, sustainable practices, and personalized services, house managers are finding themselves at the forefront of innovative household management. 

The demand for skilled house managers who can seamlessly integrate traditional responsibilities with modern efficiencies continues to grow. As high-net-worth households seek to balance busy lifestyles with the desire for well-managed homes, the house manager’s job becomes ever more vital and respected in the private service industry.

Example of a House Manager job description

Here’s an example of a typical job description for a House Manager.

We are looking for an experienced House Manager for a prestigious property in New York City. 

Job duties and responsibilities

  • Manage and coordinate all aspects of the household’s operations
  • Supervise interior design projects
  • Coordinate multiple private events
  • Supervise and train household staff
  • Manage household budget

Profile requirement

  • Proven experience in a similar role
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills
  • Discretion and confidentiality
  • Fluency in English

Job conditions

  • Full-time position
  • Live-out
  • Opportunities for professional development
  • Salary based on experience

Frequently Asked Questions about House Manager jobs

What qualifications do I need to become a House Manager?

No formal qualifications are required, but a background in hospitality, management, or similar fields can be advantageous. Essential skills include organization, leadership, and a keen eye for detail.

How can I progress in my career as a House Manager?

Advancement often comes through gaining experience in larger, more complex households or taking on additional responsibilities. Continuous learning and networking within the industry are also key.

Is previous experience in private service necessary to find a house manager job?

While beneficial, it’s not always necessary. Many successful House Managers have transitioned from roles in hospitality, event planning, or corporate administration.

What are the typical working hours for a House Manager?

The role often requires flexibility, with hours varying depending on the household’s needs. It typically includes full-time hours with the potential for overtime during events or travel.

Can a House Manager role lead to other opportunities?

Absolutely. Many House Managers go on to become Estate Managers, Directors of Residences, or consultants within the luxury home management sector.

Are you a recruiter? Hire a house manager

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