Owners of private estates wishing to ensure a harmonious living environment and the seamless operation of their households typically appoint House Managers to manage these responsibilities. If you’ve decided to hire this professional, certain skills, qualities, and experience are characteristics of professionals in this role. We reveal what to look for during the hiring process.

The House Manager’s Role

The role of a House Manager is multifaceted. In overseeing the Principal’s property, a House Manager’s job description will include these and many other duties:

• Negotiation with and supervision of contractors working on the property
• Maintenance of household finances and budgets
• Supervision of Private Chefs, Groundskeepers, and other Household Staff
• Household calendar and schedule management
• Preparation of financial statements

It is because of their many responsibilities that House Managers must possess the following professional qualities:

Skills

Effective Communication

Effective communication is at the heart of all of the Household Manager’s duties. They must clearly communicate the Principal’s instructions to and their expectations of staff, vendors, and others. Excellence in communication also helps them in negotiation and conflict resolution.

The Capability to Solve Problems

With so many tasks to oversee, House Managers may encounter a range of challenges on a daily basis, all which must be resolved. It is in these instances where House Managers employ their problem-solving skills to find creative solutions, make fast decisions, and adapt to unexpected changes.

Security and Safety

House Managers must be aware of, understand, and be able to execute the security and safety protocols set forth by their Principals. These protocols can include first aid, accident prevention, and risk mitigation.

The Ability to Organize

House Managers find themselves having to complete a variety of tasks during their workday. In order to accomplish them all on time, organizational skills are a must. Within this skillset is effective delegation, task prioritization, schedule management, and tracking of the deadlines and multiple tasks assigned to them.

Observational Skills and a Long Memory

Household management requires not only interacting with various staff, contractors, and residents of an estate, but also remembering crucial information, such as faces, preferences, names, and other details. This is possible with the observational skills House Managers also must possess.

These skills allow House Managers to go beyond mere interaction to full engagement of everyone they come into contact with.

Qualities

Trust and Discretion

The House Manager position involves being privy to many private and sensitive documents and information. As a result, they must be trustworthy. Because they oversee the estates of celebrities and other high-net-worth individuals, House Managers must also be able to uphold their Principal’s privacy by maintaining discretion at all times.

A Willingness to Be Flexible and Adapt

Being flexible is a professional attribute that serves House Managers well, as their hours are never set in stone. Adaptability allows House Managers to meet the needs of all of an estate’s residents. Together, these two qualities are incredibly important for any accomplished House Manager to possess.

Friendliness and Professionalism

No matter what may be occurring during their day, part of the Household Manager’s job description is to always remain friendly and professional. It is this attitude that helps House Managers to create a harmonious environment to live and work in.

Experience

Hospitality

A background in the hospitality industry is a must for those in Household Manager positions. Some hospitality roles to look for include those in front desk management, housekeeping supervision, and personal assistant duties.

Management

Skilled House Managers will have at least a few years experience in household and property management. Their management experience should also include the management of Household Staff, as well as prior experience working in a Household Staffing role.

Luxury Services and Lifestyle

House Managers have experience in luxury services, such as high-profile event planning, catering, and interaction with luxury vendors. They should also have prior experience with house and property management for celebrities or other high-net-worth clients.

Premier Domestic Staffing Solutions

Household Managers use their vast array of skills, qualifications, and experience to make estate ownership a stress-free and enjoyable experience. Staffing at Tiffanie’s specializes in the placement of Household Managers and other highly qualified Domestic Staff in the homes of top executives, professional athletes, celebrities, and other discerning clients.

We use a refined and meticulous process to match clients’ personalities and work ethic with those of top-tier House Managers and other Household Staff. Learn more about our process or contact us today for more information at (866) 484-5550.