For UHNW households, hiring household managers is a critical decision. This individual oversees not only your property but also your lifestyle—ensuring that every element of your home runs flawlessly. A well-qualified household manager will safeguard your privacy, manage staff with professionalism, and enhance your quality of life behind the scenes.
Vetting candidates thoroughly is essential. Here’s how to ensure that you hire a household manager who is experienced, trustworthy, and perfectly suited to your home.
Understand the Role of a Household Manager
A household manager acts as the principal’s right hand—handling:
- Staff hiring, training, and scheduling
- Vendor and contractor relations
- Household budgeting and purchasing
- Property maintenance and seasonal upkeep
- Event planning and execution
- Inventory management for luxury goods, wine, and art
- Calendar management and travel coordination
- Liaising with estate managers, personal assistants, and family office staff
For homes with complex operations—multiple properties, art collections, or formal entertaining—the household manager is the key to long-term consistency.
Key Qualities of an Exceptional Household Manager
Leadership and Team Management
Look for candidates who have successfully led teams of housekeepers, chefs, chauffeurs, and security personnel. They should inspire loyalty, maintain high standards, and foster a positive working environment.
Discretion and Trustworthiness
Your household manager will have access to sensitive personal and financial information. The best candidates demonstrate absolute discretion, loyalty, and an understanding of professional boundaries.
Organizational Mastery
A skilled household manager brings structure to even the most complex estates. Look for:
- Exceptional scheduling and project management skills
- Financial acumen and budget oversight
- Vendor negotiation and contract management
- Maintenance and facilities planning
Flexibility and Problem Solving
No two days are alike in a UHNW home. Top candidates remain composed and solutions-focused when unexpected issues arise—whether handling last-minute guests or emergency repairs.
Service Orientation
While managing the household behind the scenes, your manager should also understand hospitality and luxury service—ensuring that your standards and preferences are reflected throughout the property.
The Vetting Process: How to Choose the Right Candidate
Professional Background
Prior experience in UHNW households, luxury hotels, or estate management is essential. Look for candidates who have:
- Managed homes of similar size and complexity
- Worked successfully with multiple staff and vendors
- Supported formal and informal households
- A track record of long-term placements
Reference Checks
Always conduct in-depth reference checks with former employers. Ask about:
- Discretion and loyalty
- Leadership style and team management
- Financial and organizational competence
- Flexibility and problem solving
- Ability to maintain service standards over time
Background Screening
Use a trusted placement agency like The Estate Agency to ensure full background checks, including:
- Employment verification
- Criminal background screening
- Credit checks (if handling finances)
- Education and certification verification
Trial Period
Whenever possible, arrange a short-term trial. This allows you to assess:
- Compatibility with your family and household culture
- Ability to adapt to your routines and preferences
- Leadership skills in managing existing staff
- Attention to detail in managing the property
How The Estate Agency Sources Elite Household Managers
At The Estate Agency, we understand that hiring a household manager is about more than filling a role—it’s about finding the perfect match for your lifestyle, property, and family.
Our Household Manager Placement Services Include:
- Global recruitment of experienced household managers
- Deep vetting for discretion, trustworthiness, and leadership
- Personality and lifestyle matching
- Trial coordination and onboarding support
- Post-placement follow-up to ensure long-term success
To hire an exceptional household manager for your estate, visit theestateagency.com.