Director's chair with a clapperboard, symbolizing the leading role of an Estate Manager.

Estate Manager

An Estate Manager is a highly skilled professional responsible for overseeing the management and maintenance of large private properties, such as estates, ranches, and vacation homes. The role involves ensuring that the property operates efficiently and effectively, meeting the owner's expectations. Estate Managers supervise staff, manage budgets, coordinate maintenance and repairs, and plan events. They work closely with property owners to discuss requirements, plans, and any upcoming events. Additionally, they handle hiring contractors, training staff, and implementing optimal practices for daily estate operations.

Estate Managers also play a crucial role in maintaining the overall aesthetic and functionality of the property. This includes managing landscaping, overseeing agricultural activities, and ensuring that all facilities are in top condition. They are often responsible for coordinating travel arrangements for the property owners and their guests, as well as managing any additional properties or assets, such as yachts or private aircraft. The position requires a high level of discretion and confidentiality, as Estate Managers are often privy to sensitive information about the property owners and their families.

In essence, an Estate Manager is the top-level household management employee who ensures that all operations run smoothly and are completed according to the wishes of the estate owner.

~ A good Estate Manager knows how to create luxury in any environment. ~

 

Estate Manager responsibilities can include

      • Ability to seamlessly fit into a harmonious work environment.
      • Strong communicator, both written and verbal
      • High level of discretion, loyalty, integrity & honesty
      • Highly organized & an excellent eye for detail.
      • Interviewing and managing all household staff
      • Facilitate between households and offices
      • Vendor management
      • Contract and invoice review
      • Overseeing maintenance and upkeep of the interior and exterior of all properties
      • Construction management
      • Supervising vehicle maintenance & documentation
      • Interior design coordination
      • Maintain operational budgets
      • Create household reference manuals for each service environment
      • Process and maintain payroll systems
      • Log and maintain inventory of all valuables, including art & antiques
      • Wine cellar management

Top 20 Hard Skills

      • Operational Know-How: Extensive knowledge of estate operations, including maintenance, staff supervision, and vendor management.
      • Hospitality Skills: Strong hospitality skills to ensure a high level of service for residents and guests.
      • People Leadership: Exceptional leadership skills to manage and motivate a diverse team of staff and contractors.
      • Financial Management: Proficiency in budgeting, accounting, and financial management.
      • Tech Savvy: Ability to use various software for budgeting, scheduling, and managing smart home systems.
      • Project Management: Experience in managing complex and demanding projects.
      • Vendor Management: Skillful oversight of vendors and contractors to ensure quality work.
      • Event Planning: Experience in planning and executing events.
      • Maintenance Skills: Hands-on maintenance skills and the ability to troubleshoot and repair systems and equipment.
      • Communication Skills: Excellent written and oral communication skills.
      • Discretion and Confidentiality: Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion in all matters.
      • Customer Service: Strong customer service skills to interact with residents and guests.
      • Organizational Skills: Exceptional organizational and multitasking skills.
      • Attention to Detail: Keen attention to detail to ensure the highest standards of cleanliness and order.
      • Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills to address issues that arise.
      • Human Resources: Knowledge of human resources processes, including hiring, training, and managing staff.
      • Safety and Security: Ability to manage safety and security systems and protocols.
      • Travel Coordination: Experience in coordinating travel arrangements for family members.
      • Yacht Management: Knowledge of yacht management and maintenance.
      • Culinary Skills: Experience in providing culinary services within a private household.

Top 10 Soft Skills

      • Leadership: Proven leadership skills to supervise and motivate staff and crew, as well as provide guidance and improve policies and procedures.
      • Communication: Prioritize open and honest communication, both written and verbal, to interact effectively with staff, vendors, and property owners.
      • Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional interpersonal skills to maintain a positive working environment and support the success of the team.
      • Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills to address issues that arise and find solutions to complex problems.
      • Flexibility: Demonstrates flexibility in handling every task assigned and adapting to changing circumstances.
      • Time Management: Strong organizational and time management skills to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.
      • Discretion and Confidentiality: Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion in all matters.
      • Empathy: Demonstrates empathy and the ability to understand the unique circumstances of the team.
      • Commitment: Highly committed to supporting the success of the team and maintaining a positive working environment.
      • Curiosity and Lifelong Learning: A commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement.
** While a Private Service Professional can handle most if not all of the above tasks, it is important to remember that every task takes time, and Employers should listen to their staff when they express how much time something takes to accomplish their duties. Your staff is dedicated to you, and "No" is not a part of their dictionary.  If they ask if something should take priority over another task or ask to delegate the task to maintain efficiency, they are really saying that their plate is full and additional tasks might prevent them from doing other duties.