Household Manager

What is the role of a Household Manager?

The role of a Household Manager is to provide a professional and high level of service to exacting standards and fine attention to detail when managing private estates and homes in the UK and internationally. They are expected to turn their hand to any task and excel in every aspect of running their employers home in an efficient and effective manner, as well as manage all household staff.

Duties of a Private Household Manager

Responsibilities of a House Manager can greatly vary from one household to another based on the individual needs and preferences of the employer, including factors such as:

Size of the property to be maintained
Number of staff members employed
Frequency of the owner or family staying at the residence
Guests visiting the property
Events and functions hosted throughout the year

Despite these variations, common tasks typically include:

Hiring, training, and supervising household staff while scheduling their shifts
Supervising contractors working on the property or premises
Maintaining inventories and tracking purchased items
Managing household finances and payroll
Handling administrative duties
Organizing travel arrangements and reservations
Planning and coordinating social events and gatherings
Running necessary errands

Key Attributes and Skills of a Private House Manager

Household Managers must possess a strong level of interpersonal skills and maintain a professional appearance, in addition to demonstrating exceptional organisational, communication, time-management, and leadership abilities. The role demands the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and effectively prioritise responsibilities, including the delegation of household tasks. Flexibility and a willingness to provide support to staff members are essential qualities. Proficiency in IT is also necessary to maintain accurate records of administrative duties.

In modern household management, it is common for individuals to take on additional responsibilities beyond traditional duties. These may include tasks like transporting children to and from school, managing dry cleaning services, and running various errands. Such additional duties are typically outlined in the job description and agreed upon prior to employment, with positions reflecting a combination of roles such as Household Manager/Butler, Household Manager/Chauffeur, Household Manager/PA etc.

Qualifications for Private Household Manager

To thrive as a Private Household Manager, although formal qualifications are not required, it is crucial to have the essential skills and knowledge needed to fulfill the responsibilities of this prestigious role with maximum professionalism. This includes closely supervising the household and its staff. Those who have extensive experience as Butlers in private residences have acquired valuable insights into the role. Combining a strong academic foundation, like degrees in Business or Management, with practical business expertise and administrative skills can greatly enhance your chances of success in this particular field.