✦ Salary Benchmarks
✦ Specialist Agency
✦ VIP & UHNW
A house manager is one of the most important hires a private family makes. Get it right and your household runs effortlessly. Get it wrong and the whole operation suffers.
This guide covers everything you need to know — what a house manager actually does, what to look for, what to pay, and how to run the process correctly from brief to hire.
What Does a House Manager Actually Do?
A house manager oversees the day-to-day running of a private residence — managing household staff, maintaining the property to the principal’s standards, coordinating contractors and maintenance, overseeing household budgets and ensuring everything operates smoothly and invisibly. In a fully staffed household, the housekeeper, chef, chauffeur and other staff report to them. Suppliers and contractors deal with them. The principal interacts with the household through them.
What to Look For
Essential Qualities
Experience in a comparable private household · Staff management capability and natural authority · Impeccable attention to detail · Discretion and complete trustworthiness · Strong organisational skills
Desirable Qualities
Butler or formal service training · UHNW or high-profile employer background · Financial literacy for household budgets · Knowledge of fine art, silver or wine · Multilingual for international households
The Hiring Process — Step by Step
1. Define the role clearly
Before speaking to any agency, map out exactly what you need — which staff the house manager will oversee, which properties are involved, whether travel is required, and what your household standards look like.
2. Brief the agency thoroughly
The quality of the candidates you see is directly proportional to the quality of brief you provide. Be specific about your household, your expectations and the personality you need.
3. Meet a shortlist properly
Expect to meet three to five candidates. The first interview tests capability and experience; the second tests personality fit and household-specific understanding.
4. Take up references properly
Always speak directly to the principal or family office from a previous role. Written references alone are insufficient. You want to understand how the candidate operated day-to-day, not just that they were competent.
5. Use a trial period
A short paid trial — typically two to four weeks — allows both sides to test the fit before a permanent contract is signed.
Find a house manager through EED
EED places house managers with VIP, celebrity and UHNW families in London, Dubai and internationally. Register as a client and we will be in touch to discuss your requirements in complete confidence.