House Manager Job Description

A House Manager is the main point of contact within a house for the Principal and their household staff. The House Manager will co-ordinate everything going on in the house, effectively running it like a managing director would a business. They will oversee the recruitment of domestic staff, schedule maintenance contractors or interior designers and arrange appointments. This is usually a live-out, office-based role within a private household.

What are the duties and responsibilities of a house manager?

The responsibilities of a House Manager will vary depending on the size of the household. Other factors to take into consideration are how many people live in the property, plus how many other staff there are to manage. It’s important that a House Manager has a broad range of relevant skills and excellent common sense. Knowledge of fine wines, how to look after antiques and social etiquette is as important as being able to understand spreadsheets.

Often House Managers will have worked in hospitality and then worked their way up to other private household positions. Experience is incredibly valuable and finding a House Manager who is able to hit the ground running and understand exactly what the job involves is priceless.

Responsibilities include:

  • Managing and training domestic household staff
  • Overseeing contractual workers
  • Buying household supplies
  • Welcoming and looking after guests
  • Organising events – big and small
  • Paying bills
  • Handling budgets
  • Organising household schedules and rotas
  • Planning menus

It does not normally fall upon the House Manager to cook and clean. However, in smaller households their role might include more responsibilities. Sometimes a House Manager can act as a Butler too.

What skills does a House Manager need?

House Managers must be good, calm communicators. They need to understand your likes and dislikes, for example the types of household brands you prefer, your favourite aperitif. But they need to also be intuitive and take initiative. They must be discreet but also confident when it comes to making decisions and managing people. House Managers will have a wealth of knowledge about what it takes to run a household behind the scenes, whether that is a sprawling country estate or an immaculate town house. Their organisational skills will keep your household running impeccably. They will be diplomatic and professional at all times. It will be key that they can be flexible and reliable, with a positive attitude.

What is the average salary for a House Manager?

London salaries can range from approximately £50,000 to £70,000. All salaries depend on experience, the number of properties overseen and the amount of travel required.
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