For families juggling a variety of schedules, several properties, or household needs that go beyond the ordinary, hiring the right team of staff can make all the difference.
Estate manager and household managers are some terms that are often used in the domestic staffing industry, and while there is some overlap in those roles, they are different when it comes to responsibilities and scope.
Here, we’ll break down some of the most important distinctions.
What to Know About Each Position
Must Knows About the Household Manager Position
A household manager is usually in charge of daily operations of a family’s home or estate. This might include overseeing the various household staff coming and going in the home, creating staff schedules and managing the family’s schedules, and coordinating vendors.
Their goal is to ensure the home runs smoothly. And depending on the specific home and their size of household staff, it might require more juggling of staff and their schedules, household purchases and deliveries, or even errands outside of the home.
A household manager might also create a manual for household procedures, manage family travel or daily logistics. Someone in this role may also ensure special events are pulled off seamlessly, but primarily, their job is to serve as the central point of communication for all things related to the estate.
Must Knows About the Estate Manager Position
When it comes to hiring an estate manager, keep in mind that this person will generally have a larger, more broad property management position. You may own a large estate, have multiple properties in the area or off site, and may need extensive amenities accounted for.
A qualified estate manager could not only oversee the daily household operations but also make sure the property and its system or vendors are in place to take care of it.
For example, an estate manager might be in charge of the innerworkings of a larger scale renovation or construction project, the installation of a pool, tennis court, smart-home system, or the securing of additional vehicles or boats for the estate.
When multiple properties are in volved, the estate manager will likely coordinate the various contractors or vendors involved in caring for the home, establish maintenance schedules, oversee estate staff for the different properties, monitor budgets or other estate expenses, and prepare the property for guest arrivals.
So, what’s the difference?
It really boils down to the scope. A household manager is usually involved with the people and daily operations, but an estate manager has a broader view of the home’s property, systems, and staff.
This distinction is made from home to home – there is not always a one-size-fits-all job decription.
One family might call a professional a household manager, while another one might assign some of those same duties to an estate manager.
Questions to Help you Define the Right Role for Your Family
Before you start the job search, be sure you outline exactly what your home needs and what you’re looking for. Each home is unique and knowing what’s required before you start the hiring and interview process is key.
A vague job description can make it difficult to identify candidates with the right experience. Here are some important questions to keep in mind.
- How many residences will the employee oversee and how many staff do they need to supervise?
- Will they manage property maintenance, renovations, or other home projects?
- Are vehicles, boats or other asset maintenance part of the role?
- Will they manage household budgets or expenses?
- Who will handle family scheduling and logistics and will they communicate with contractors and vendors?
- Will the position require travel between residences?
The answers can help determine whether the position is better structured as a household manager, estate manager or another senior private-service role.
Ready to Find the Right Fit?
Your home is unique and we understand that. Our team of experienced recruiters works with each client to understand what they need and how we can help find the most qualified estate manager or household manager for your home.
Contact us today or complete our New Hire Form to get the process started!
