Having a house manager can be key to the successful operations of any team of domestic staff—especially in larger households. House managers are in charge of butlers, housekeepers, private chefs and more, and are the key to simplifying the day-to-day activities of everyday life.
The term ‘house manager’ can refer to a variety of roles that vary between different households and clients, but generally speaking, house managers are individuals placed in charge of ensuring the household is operated smoothly, and that day-today tasks are taken care of.
In this post, we will explore what exactly a house manager is, what they do, and how to decide whether or not you could benefit from a house manager in your household. Plus, we will discuss the potential costs of hiring a house manager to your domestic staff.
What is a House Manager?
A house manager is an employee hired by an individual whose primary duty is to make sure all household operations run smoothly–from cleaning and cooking to scheduling other household appointments.
Ultimately, a house manager is going to be made responsible for the day-to-day activities and tasks in order to free up the client so that they have the time to prioritize other areas of their life. Exactly what those tasks are is up to the client to determine and relay to the house manager.
Different households will require different things from their house manager. In some cases, a house manager position may be short-term, particularly during busy times, while in other cases the position may be a permanent or long-term in nature.
Generally speaking, a house manager will only oversee the management of a single household. For those with multiple households or properties, the position would instead be called an estate manager.
What Does a House Manager Do?
As mentioned, the actual tasks that a house manager will perform for a client will vary. This is why it is important for house manager candidates to have a diversified skill set that can meet the challenges of many situations. A strong candidate for a house manager position will have:
- Relevant house management experience
- A strong ability to multitask
- Leadership skills to oversee other staff
- Adaptability to sudden changes in plans
- Technical and computer expertise
- Strong communication skills
Though house managers often work within a larger group of staff of which they oversee, they can also work alone as well. Additionally, a house manager may be placed in charge of preparing and serving meals, although a private household chef may be better suited for such a position.
Ultimately, it is up to the client to decide exactly what responsibilities the house manager will be given. The beauty of the house manager is their flexibility, giving clients a wide range of options for how to employ their skills. Here are a few examples of common tasks given to house managers:
- Completing daily errands
- Answering telephones and taking messages
- Planning parties or events
- Recruiting new staff for positions such as housekeeper, chef, etc.
- Making travel arrangements for the client
Do I Need a House Manager?
Determining whether you are in need of a house manager comes down to an assessment of whether or not all your household needs are being met, as well as a measure of how much time is being potentially mismanaged without the help of a managing domestic staff.
Even if there are little to no other staff within a household currently, a house manager could still be majorly beneficial and may even lead to the hiring of additional staff members down the line. Thus, hiring a house manager can be a good starting point for building a larger staff, but can also remain a good solo-position that covers your necessary arrangements.
For those living in Southern California, we offer a hand-selected candidate hiring process to choose the best domestic staff for you. While you’re here, check out the list of domestic services we offer, including house managers.
How Much Does a House Manager Cost?
A house manager position is generally salaried and not hourly, and that salary must be worked out between the candidate and the client. We offer salary negotiations once the best candidate for you has been selected.
According to reported salaries on Glassdoor, house managers in Southern California can average between $38,000 to $84,000. That figure varies depending on certain cities, but generally we see salaries within that range.
Since the house manager position typically is salaried, the job is treated with the utmost respect and can act as a stepping stone in his or her career. Their hire is an investment in their future as well as an investment in the overall functionality of your household.
Ready to hire a House Manager in Southern California?
Deciding to hire a house manager is a big step, and it is important to find someone who is well-suited and specialized enough to meet your specific needs, while also having a diverse skillset and the ability to adapt to changing situations.
Here at Seaside Staffing, we offer award-winning domestic services from candidates that are highly-vetted and matched with clients that they will best complement. These considerations include scrutiny over the type of living arrangement you have, as well as the availability of the house manager for which you seek.
To learn more about our house managers, submit a request for contact and describe to us exactly what you are looking for in a candidate. Once you have submitted, we will review your request and contact you shortly!
