For those with a passion for organization, leadership, and luxury service, becoming a household manager is one of the most rewarding careers in private service. From overseeing estate staff and coordinating vendors to managing schedules, inventories, and formal events, the household manager plays a central role in ensuring the smooth operation of high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth residences.
Whether you’re coming from hospitality, administration, or a related field, this guide will walk you through how to become a household manager, what skills are required, and how to secure a position through trusted agencies like The Estate Agency.
What Does a Household Manager Do?
A household manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a private residence or estate. This may include:
- Supervising and scheduling domestic staff (housekeepers, nannies, chefs, etc.)
- Managing vendors, contractors, and service providers
- Overseeing home maintenance and repairs
- Planning formal events and dinner parties
- Managing household inventories and supply orders
- Handling travel arrangements and calendar coordination for the principal
- Ensuring security protocols are followed
- Liaising between the principal and external parties
This role requires discretion, leadership, and a strong understanding of high-end service.
Step 1: Gain Experience in Hospitality or Administration
Start Where Organization Meets Service
Most successful household managers start in fields like:
- Hotel management
- Concierge or guest services
- Personal assistant roles
- Event planning
- Yacht or private jet crew
- Estate housekeeping or butlering
These roles teach attention to detail, discretion, and client-centered thinking—all essential to household management.
Step 2: Build the Right Skill Set
What High-Net-Worth Employers Are Looking For
To become a household manager, you need more than just experience—you need a refined skill set, including:
- Staff leadership and delegation
- Vendor negotiation and relationship management
- Household budgeting and expense tracking
- Advanced scheduling and logistics
- Event coordination and formal service knowledge
- Smart home technology familiarity
- Confidentiality and professional discretion
- Adaptability to changing needs and environments
Soft skills like empathy, quick thinking, and emotional intelligence are equally important in luxury households.
Step 3: Consider Specialized Training or Certification
While not always required, completing professional training can enhance your credibility. Look for programs in:
- Household management or estate management
- Butlering or formal service
- Event planning or protocol
- High-level administrative support
- Security awareness for private estates
Courses offered by reputable private service schools can give you an edge when applying to exclusive households.
Step 4: Create a Professional Resume for Private Service
A household manager resume should highlight your:
- Relevant experience in luxury or service environments
- Leadership over staff and vendor coordination
- Problem-solving examples in high-pressure situations
- Tech proficiency (smart home systems, scheduling platforms, etc.)
- Trustworthiness, longevity in past roles, and discretion
Use language that reflects familiarity with UHNW expectations and polished service.
Step 5: Register With a Trusted Agency
Why The Estate Agency is the Industry Standard
Exclusive homes don’t post job listings on public boards. Instead, they work with trusted placement services like The Estate Agency, which connects top-tier candidates with discerning employers across the U.S. and globally.
Our recruiters understand the nuances of private service, and we place experienced, trusted professionals in long-term roles with excellent compensation and career potential. Whether you’re just entering the space or looking to move into a household manager position, we help you present your strengths with clarity and confidence.
Step 6: Prepare for the Interview (and Trial)
UHNWI Expect More Than Just Qualifications
When interviewing for a household manager position, be prepared to:
- Present past examples of leadership and crisis management
- Show poise, professionalism, and confidentiality
- Undergo a multi-stage interview process and background checks
- Participate in a trial period to demonstrate your fit with the household
- Align with the values and lifestyle of the principal(s)
You’ll need to strike a balance between confidence and humility, precision and flexibility.
Step 7: Stay Current with Industry Trends
Household management is evolving. Principals now expect:
- Tech integration (smart homes, digital calendars)
- Wellness-oriented service (organic catering, sustainability)
- Cross-functional roles (e.g., house manager with PA duties)
- Emergency-readiness and contingency planning
Continuing education, networking, and refinement of your service style will keep you in demand.