A Complete Guide to Hire or Become a House Manager

With luxury estates growing in size and complexity, house managers have become essential to maintaining daily operations. Their ability to handle logistics, anticipate needs, and create a seamless living experience makes them invaluable to affluent families and executives. A well-run home should feel effortless. A house manager brings clarity, organization, and systems designed to support the lifestyle you’ve built — without requiring your daily involvement.

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So what exactly is a household manager? A house manager plays a crucial role in the seamless operation of a private residence, ensuring that the household runs efficiently and meets the expectations of the homeowner. This job requires a blend of administrative expertise, leadership skills, and an acute attention to detail. Whether managing a large estate or a high-profile household, house manager responsibilities can extend to cover staffing, budgeting, event planning, and even general home maintenance.

What Does a House Manager Do?

House manager duties vary depending on the household size, needs, and whether they are managing a single residence or multiple properties — but in general, household managers oversee all aspects of a private residence. A typical house manager job description might include:

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• Staff Management – Hiring, training, and supervising household staff such as housekeepers, nannies, chefs, drivers, and security personnel.
• Event Planning – Organizing social gatherings, formal dinners, and private functions, ensuring every detail is executed flawlessly.
• Household Budgeting – Managing household finances, overseeing payroll, handling invoices, and keeping track of expenses.
• Property Maintenance – Coordinating repairs, overseeing renovations, and scheduling maintenance for HVAC, plumbing, security systems, and landscaping.
• Inventory & Procurement – Keeping track of household supplies, groceries, and luxury goods, ensuring all necessities are available at all times.
• Security Oversight – Working with security teams to maintain a safe and secure environment, particularly for high-profile individuals.

Difference between a Household Manager and an Estate Manager

While both roles ensure smooth household operations, a house manager typically oversees one residence and a smaller team, overseeing day-to-day tasks and hands-on responsibilities. An estate manager works at a more senior level — managing multiple properties, large staffs, vendors, and high-value assets for a single principal or family, often with 10+ years of experience. On larger estates, house managers may report to an estate manager or director of residences. At Career Group Companies, we place both house managers and estate managers and can help you determine the right fit based on the size and complexity of your household.

How to Become a House Manager

If you are interested in becoming a household manager, consider the following steps:

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1. Gain Experience in Hospitality or Estate Management – Many house managers start as personal assistants, estate coordinators, or hospitality professionals in luxury hotels.
2. Develop Strong Leadership Skills – Since duties of a house manager include overseeing large teams, leadership and communication skills are essential.
3. Consider Household Management Training – Programs such as the Certified Household Manager (CHM) certification can improve credibility.
4. Build a Professional Network – High-net-worth individuals often hire through referrals and private staffing agencies, such as Career Group Companies.
5. Stay Organized and Discreet – Attention to detail and confidentiality are key to success in this field.

How to Hire a House Manager

When you hire a house manager, you need to find someone who understands luxury home operations, confidentiality, and high-level service. As a leader in private and domestic staffing, we take a nuanced, hands-on approach to each search. This is what our typical search process looks like:

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• Determine Your Needs – Based on a thorough intake call, we will determine your needs. Do you need a live-in or live-out manager? How large is your property?
• Look for Experience in Luxury Homes – We have a curated network of talent available with prior work experience in estate management, high-end hospitality, or executive assistance.
• Conduct a Thorough Vetting Process – Check references, confirm background checks, and evaluate problem-solving skills.
• Work with a Luxury Staffing Firm – Agencies specializing in high-net-worth clients will have a deeper understanding of the talent market while bringing a discerning eye to each search. Ensure your recruiting partner has worked on a similar caliber search in the past and will be able to find qualified house managers who can meet and exceed expectations.

When You Should Hire a House Manager

Hiring a house manager isn’t just for those with sprawling estates or full-time household staff — it’s for anyone whose lifestyle demands more time, organization, and peace of mind. If your time, attention, or sense of ease is being stretched thin, it might be time to consider bringing in professional support. Here’s when you should hire a house manager:

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• Your time is being pulled in too many directions – If you already have a nanny, housekeeper, or other household staff but still find yourself managing schedules and logistics, a house manager can take over the oversight of your home and staff — ensuring your home runs smoothly so you can focus on your career, family, or well-deserved downtime.
• Your current house manager isn’t meeting expectations – If you're still handling issues yourself, fielding complaints from other staff, or noticing lapses in organization, it may be time for a change. A strong house manager should proactively manage operations, communicate clearly, and create a seamless experience behind the scenes.
• You are expanding your real estate portfolio – As you transition into a larger residence or take on multiple properties, you need someone who can oversee operations across locations, implement consistent systems, and uphold the same level of care and detail in every home.
• You’re entering a new chapter – Whether you’re starting a family, planning renovations, or taking on larger household projects, these lifestyle changes warrant more support. You need someone who can adapt to evolving needs, manage the added complexity, and maintain consistency throughout your home life.

If you’re ready to invest in a more supported lifestyle, our private staffing team is here to help. For over 40 years, we have helped high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and celebrities secure the perfect fit for their unique household staffing needs. With a deep understanding of luxury service and an unmatched network of top-tier candidates, we make the process feel seamless — and tailored to you.

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Ready to Find the Right House Manager?

Whether you’re seeking your next role as a house manager or looking to hire someone who can elevate your home’s day-to-day operations, we’re here to help. Explore opportunities or get in touch with our private staffing team to start your search today.

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