What does a House Manager do?
The role of a House Manager in a private household is to oversee the day-to-day operations of their Principal’s household or multiple properties.
UHNW/HNW Principals often spend a large majority of their time travelling, so they need full confidence their property will be secure and well-run in their absence.
Responsibilities of the role include:
- Management and supervision of all aspects of housekeeping of a 5* property, or multiple properties
- Recruiting, managing, and training a large numbers of household staff, such as housekeepers, butlers, and maintenance assistants
- Setting up policy and procedures for staff
- Managing and reporting of substantial departmental budgets
- Overseeing the work of contractors
- Keeping detailed and accurate records of household inventories and extensive wine cellars
- Operating household systems such TV, Wi-Fi, and security
What skills does a House Manager need?
Leadership
Within large households, there is often a mix of staff from various backgrounds and cultures working closely together. The House Manager maintains a healthy working environment, ensuring morale remains high whilst maximising on each staff member’s strengths and capabilities.
Multi-tasking
A House Manager must work hard, fast, and smart. They will manage a high-volume work and shifting priority environment and be used to working with a high level of ambiguity. No day is often the same.
Attention to detail
A vital skill in house management – whether it’s analysing the cleanliness of rooms, completing complex travel documentation, or managing multiple staff rotas.
Flexibility
A House Manager must be flexible with their work patterns as their responsibilities very much depend on the needs of their Principal and the time of the year. During the holidays, they may be expected to work longer hours or weekends but when the Principal is away their hours may be reduced.
Organisation
To keep track and complete multiple projects, tasks and handle ever-changing demands, a House Manager is expected to be highly organised.
Discretion
When choosing a House Manager, confidentiality and discretion remain of utmost importance to clients, especially as they may be handling sensitive information such as financial and medical records.
Communication skills
A House Manager must have exemplary communication skills to not only help them successfully define expectations and provide constructive feedback but to build professional relationships and form trust with their Principal and the wider team.
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