Introduction

A private household can be a hectic and demanding place to manage, especially if you have other commitments such as work or family. This is where a house manager can be a lifesaver, taking on many of the day-to-day tasks and freeing up your time.

But what exactly does a house manager do?

And how do you go about finding the right person for the job?

In this blog post, we’ll answer all these questions and more, giving you everything you need to know about hiring a house manager for your private household.

Why You Need a House Manager.

The many hats a house manager wears

As the head of household staff, a house manager wears many hats. They may be responsible for managing other members of staff, such as cleaners, cooks, chauffeurs, and gardeners. In addition to these duties, they may also be responsible for budgeting, ordering supplies, overseeing maintenance of the property, and liaising with outside contractors. House managers may also be responsible for greeting and caring for guests, serving drinks and food, and answering the telephone and door.

Freeing up your time

One of the main reasons why people hire a house manager is to free up their time. If you are a busy professional or have a large family, having someone to take care of the day-to-day running of your household can be a huge relief. A house manager can take care of all the little details that you don’t have time for, so that you can focus on more important things.

The benefits of having a house manager

There are many benefits to having a house manager in your home. A good house manager will be efficient and organized, with an eye for detail. They will also be discreet and responsible, with a good understanding of your likes and dislikes. Having a house manager can make your life easier and less stressful, as well as freeing up your time to do the things you enjoy most.

What Are a House Manager’s Responsibilities?

Budgeting

A house manager is responsible for overseeing and managing the budget for the household. This includes maintaining accurate records of income and expenses, as well as preparing financial reports for the family. The house manager will also work with the family to develop a budget that meets their needs and goals.

Representation

A house manager represents the family in all interactions with service providers, contractors, and other individuals who work on behalf of the household. This includes communicating with these individuals to schedule appointments, resolve problems, and ensure that services are delivered as promised. The house manager also serves as a point of contact for these individuals when the family is not available.

Supervision

The house manager is responsible for supervising the other staff members who work in the household. This includes ensuring that they are performing their duties as assigned, providing training and development opportunities, and taking disciplinary action when necessary. The house manager also works with other staff members to develop work schedules and assignments that meet the needs of the family.

Organizational Duties

The house manager is responsible for organizing and overseeing all aspects of household operations. This includes developing systems and procedures for managing inventory, scheduling repairs and maintenance, coordinating event planning, and making travel arrangements. The house manager also works with outside vendors to ensure that all services are provided as agreed upon.

Service Duties

The house manager is responsible for greeting guests and visitors, serving drinks and food, chauffeuring guests around town, and providing general assistance as needed. The house manager may also be responsible for Housekeeping duties (only when the duties with the housekeeper cross over).

Supervision Duties and tasks of a house manager

Ensuring the household/estate and grounds are run smoothly and efficiently at all times

The house manager is responsible for ensuring that the household and grounds are running smoothly and efficiently at all times. This includes supervising and managing other staff members, as well as being in charge of the budgets of the household.

Supervising and managing other staff members

The house manager is responsible for supervising and managing all other staff members within the household. This includes recruiting and interviewing new staff, training other staff members, and be in charge of the budgets of the household.

Recruit and interview for new staff

The house manager is responsible for recruiting and interviewing new staff for the household. This includes screening candidates, checking references, and onboarding new employees.

Training other staff members

The house manager is responsible for training other staff members within the household. This includes orienting new employees to the household, as well as providing ongoing training and development opportunities for all employees.

Be in charge of the budgets of the household

The house manager is responsible for being in charge of the budgets of the household. This includes tracking expenses, making recommendations on cost-saving measures, and preparing financial reports.

Organisational Duties and tasks of a house manager

Organising and overseeing maintenance of the property

The house manager is responsible for organising and overseeing the maintenance of the property. This includes ensuring that all repairs and upkeep are carried out in a timely and efficient manner. The house manager will liaise with outside contractors as necessary and ensure that all work is carried out to a high standard.

Organising and liaising with outside contractors

The house manager is responsible for organising and liaising with outside contractors. This includes ensuring that all repairs and upkeep are carried out in a timely and efficient manner. The house manager will organise for quotes to be obtained from different contractors, select the most appropriate contractor for the job, negotiate terms and prices, and oversee the completion of the work.

Organising family and household events

The house manager is responsible for organising family and household events such as birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas parties, etc. This includes planning the event, arranging for catering, coordinating with other staff members, managing guests lists, sending out invitations, etc.

Arrange entertainment for social gatherings and events

The house manager is responsible for arranging entertainment for social gatherings and events such as parties, balls, dinners, etc. This includes booking performers, coordinating with other staff members, managing guests lists, sending out invitations, etc.

Make travel and holiday arrangements

The house manager is responsible for making travel and holiday arrangements for the family or household staff. This includes booking flights/transportation, accommodation, activities/tours/excursions, car hire/taxis/transfers, etc.

Service duties of a house manager

Greeting and caring for guests and visitors

The house manager is responsible for greeting and caring for guests and visitors. This includes being hospitable, providing tours of the property, answering questions, and generally making sure that visitors feel welcome and comfortable.

Serving drinks and food

The house manager is responsible for serving drinks and food to guests. This includes setting up refreshments, serving drinks, clearing away dishes, and generally ensuring that guests have everything they need.

Chauffeur duties

The house manager may also be responsible for chauffeur duties, such as driving guests to and from airports or other destinations. This involves knowing the area well, having a clean driving record, and being able to drive in a professional manner.

Housekeeping duties (only when the duties with the housekeeper cross over)

The house manager may also be responsible for some housekeeping duties, such as keeping the kitchen clean or doing laundry. However, these duties will usually be delegated to the housekeeper or other staff members.

Answer the telephone and door

The house manager is usually the one who answers the telephone and door when guests arrive. This involves being friendly and helpful, as well as being able to give directions or answer any questions that guests may have.

What Are the Most Critical Skills for a House Manager?

Being a good communicator, understanding the client’s likes and dislike

A house manager must be able to communicate effectively with their employer in order to understand their specific needs and wants. They should be able to keep open communication lines in order to avoid any misunderstandings. Additionally, they should be able to provide updates on the household regularly.

Being responsible, efficient, discreet, and organized

A house manager must be responsible for the overall running of the household. This includes being efficient in their work and completing tasks discreetly. They should also have excellent organization skills in order to keep on top of all the different aspects of their job.

Proven work experience as a House Manager or similar role

It is important that a house manager has prior experience working in a similar role. This will ensure that they are familiar with the duties and responsibilities associated with the job. Additionally, it will allow them to hit the ground running and be more effective in their role from the start.

What are the personal qualities of a house manager?

Communication

A house manager needs to be an excellent communicator. They will need to be able to communicate effectively with the family they work for, as well as other staff members. They should be able to give clear instructions and feedback, and should be able to understand what is being communicated to them.

Responsibility

A house manager needs to be a responsible individual who can be trusted to take on a lot of responsibility. They will need to be able handle important tasks such as managing budgets, organising events, and supervising other staff members. They should also be reliable and punctual, and should always have the best interests of the family they work for at heart.

Organization

A house manager needs to have excellent organizational skills in order to keep on top of all the different tasks they will need to perform. They should be able to plan and schedule their own work, as well as the work of other staff members. They should also have good time management skills, so that they can make sure all tasks are completed within the required timeframe.

Leadership

A house manager needs to have strong leadership qualities so that they can effectively manage other staff members. They should be ableto motivate and inspire others, and should always set a good example for others to follow. They should also be fair and just in their decision-making, and should always act in the best interests of the family they work for.

Discretion

A house manager needs to be a discreet individual who can be trusted not to share confidential information about the family they work for with anyone else. They should also be respectful of the family’s privacy at all times, and should not try to intrude on their personal lives or affairs unless it is absolutely necessary.

How to Find the Right House Manager for Your Family.

Defining the role

When looking for a house manager, it is important to firstly define the role. Depending on the size of your household and family, the duties of a house manager will vary. If you have young children, for example, you will need someone who is experienced in child care. If you have elderly parents living with you, you will need someone who is experienced in caring for older adults. Once you have defined the role, you can begin to look for candidates who meet your specific needs.

Writing a job description

Once you have defined the role of house manager, the next step is to write a detailed job description. Include a list of all required duties and responsibilities, as well as any desired skills or qualities. Be sure to include an overview of your family’s lifestyle and expectations for the position. This will help to ensure that only qualified candidates apply for the job.

Posting the job

Now that you have written a detailed job description, it is time to post the position. There are many ways to do this, including online job boards and social media platforms. You can also ask friends or family members if they know anyone who might be interested in the position. Be sure to specify that you are looking for a live-in or live-out house manager, as this will impact applicants’ ability to meet your needs.

Screening candidates

After receiving applications for the position of house manager, it is time to start screening candidates. Begin by reviewing each resume and cover letter carefully, paying attention to any relevant work experience or qualifications listed therein. Then, conduct phone interviews with promising candidates in order to get a better sense of their personality and fit for the position. Finally, invite your top candidates to come for in-person interviews so that you can get to know them even better before making your final decision.

Checking references

Before extending an offer of employment to your chosen candidate , be sure to check their references . This can be done by contacting previous employers or personal references provided by the candidate . Checking references is an important way to verify claims made on resumes and during interviews , as well as get insights into an applicant’s character and work ethic .

Salary of a House Manager

Entry level/Less experienced House Manager is a candidate with 2-4 years experience

The average salary for an Entry Level House Manager is $52,000.

Mid level/More experienced House Manager is a candidate 4-8 years experience

The average salary for a Mid Level House Manager is $65,000.

High level/Very experienced House Manager is a candidate with 8+ years experience

The average salary for a High Level House Manager is $75,000+.

Holiday package

A holiday package for a house manager typically includes 2 weeks paid vacation, health insurance, and a retirement plan.

Live In vs Live Out

Pro’s and con’s of live in house manager

A live-in house manager is somebody who lives on the property they are managing. This has a few advantages and disadvantages.

The advantage of having a live-in house manager is that they are always on call. If there is an emergency, they can take care of it immediately. They also don’t have to commute, so they can start working earlier and end working later.

The disadvantages of having a live-in house manager are that they may be less efficient because they are tired from being on call all the time. They also may not have as much privacy as they would like.

Pro’s and con’s of live out house manager

A live-out house manager is somebody who does not live on the property they are managing. This also has a few advantages and disadvantages.

The advantage of having a live-out house manager is that they can have a more normal life outside of work. They can go home to their own families at night and have weekends off. They may also be more efficient because they are well rested.

The disadvantage of having a live-out house manager is that if there is an emergency, they may not be able to get to the property right away. They also have to commute, which takes up time that could be spent working.

How to Onboard Your New House Manager.

The first few days

The first few days with your new house manager are crucial in setting the tone for the rest of the relationship. During this time, it is important to introduce your house manager to the staff and lay out expectations for their role. It is also a good idea to take some time to show them around the property and familiarize them with the layout and operations.

Settling into a routine

After the initial introduction, it is important to help your house manager settle into a routine. This may involve working with them to create a schedule of tasks and responsibilities, as well as outlining how you expect communication to flow between you and them. It is also a good idea to provide them with any training or resources they may need to be successful in their role.

Training and development

As part of settling into a routine, you should also provide your house manager with any training or development opportunities you feel would be beneficial. This could include anything from formal courses on household management to more informal mentorship from yourself or other members of your staff. Providing these opportunities will show your commitment to their success in the role and help them grow in their career over time.

Managing expectations

One of the most important things to do when onboarding your new house manager is manage expectations from both sides. Make sure that you are clear about what you expect from them in terms of their duties and responsibilities, as well as what they can expect from you in terms of support and feedback. Establishing these expectations early on will help avoid misunderstandings down the road.

How can Lighthouse careers help?

We present candidates that have a background in luxury yachting.

At Lighthouse, we only work with the top 1% of yacht crew. Our house managers come from a luxury hospitality background and are used to dealing with high-end clientele.

We screen candidates for you –

We know how important it is to find the right fit for your family. That’s why we personally interview and vet all of our candidates to make sure they’re the best possible match for your needs.

We introduce to top talents only

We have a extensive experience as household recruitment agency, with over 20 years of experience in the industry, we have access to the best house managers in the business. You can be confident that you’re getting the cream of the crop when you work with us.

We offer a free 90 day replacement garantee

We’re so confident in our ability to find you the perfect house manager that we offer a free 90 day replacement guarantee. If for any reason you’re not happy with your hire, just let us know and we’ll find someone else who is a better fit for your family.

Conclusion

A house manager can be a great asset to any private household. They can take on many different responsibilities, freeing up your time and making your life easier. When hiring a house manager, it is important to define the role clearly, write a detailed job description, and check references carefully. The right house manager for your family can make all the difference in your day-to-day life.

If you’re looking for help finding the perfect house manager for your needs, look no further than Lighthouse Careers. We specialize in placing candidates with a yachting background who are used to luxury and high standards of service. We’ll screen candidates for you and only introduce you to top talent, saving you time and energy. Plus, we offer a free 90 day replacement guarantee so you can be sure you’re making the best decision for your family.

Take the first step towards finding your dream house manager today by contacting Lighthouse Careers.