How to Become a Household Manager: A Step-by-Step Guide

Apr 4

Household management is a prestigious and rewarding career for individuals who thrive in organization, leadership, and high-end service environments. As a household manager, you will oversee the daily operations of a private residence, ensuring the home runs smoothly and efficiently. Many high-net-worth families rely on skilled household managers to maintain order, supervise staff, and provide an exceptional level of service.

If you are interested in a career as a household manager, here is a comprehensive guide to help you get started.

What Does a Household Manager Do?

Household managers are responsible for a wide range of tasks, depending on the size of the home, the number of staff members, and the specific needs of the household. Some of the most common duties include:

Staff supervision: Overseeing housekeepers, nannies, personal assistants, and other domestic staff
Scheduling and logistics :Managing household calendars, appointments, and travel arrangements
Vendor management: Hiring and supervising landscapers, chefs, maintenance professionals, and service providers
Inventory and supplies: Ensuring the household is stocked with necessary items, from cleaning supplies to gourmet ingredients
Budgeting and financial oversight: Managing household expenses, invoices, and budgets
Event planning: Coordinating private events, dinner parties, and special occasions
Security and property maintenance: Ensuring the safety and upkeep of the home

The role requires strong leadership, discretion, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask in a high-pressure environment. Learn more about what a house manager does and what to expect as an average salary.

Step 1: Gain Experience in Private Service

Most household managers begin their careers in domestic service roles, such as:

Nanny
Family Assistant
Housekeeper

Gaining experience in luxury home environments allows you to develop the skills needed to oversee a household efficiently. Many of the best household managers have backgrounds in hospitality, event planning, executive assisting, or high-end customer service.

If you do not have direct experience working in private homes, consider working at luxury hotels, private clubs, or concierge services to build relevant skills.

Step 2: Develop Essential Skills

Household managers need a diverse skill set, combining organization, leadership, and discretion. Key skills include:

Time management: Balancing multiple responsibilities while ensuring the household runs efficiently
Leadership: Managing and delegating tasks to staff with confidence
Problem-solving: Addressing unexpected challenges and finding solutions quickly
Discretion and confidentiality: Respecting the privacy of high-profile families
Financial management: Handling budgets, invoices, and payroll for household staff
Hospitality and service mindset: Providing a seamless and luxurious living experience for the family

Taking courses or certifications in household management, estate management, or hospitality can further strengthen your qualifications.

Step 3: Understand the Lifestyle of High-Net-Worth Families

Household managers work in high-pressure, fast-paced environments where expectations are extremely high. Understanding luxury service etiquette and the needs of high-net-worth individuals is critical.

Familiarize yourself with:

Formal and informal service protocols
High end housekeeping standards
Luxury brands
Researching, sourcing, and vetting contractors and vendors
Travel coordination
Household manual development and budgeting
Event planning and high-end catering

Attending private service industry networking events or shadowing experienced household managers can provide valuable insights. Learn more about how to gain experience working for high-net-worth or high-profile families.

Step 4: Network and Find the Right Household Management Position

The best household management positions are rarely posted on traditional job boards. Instead, they are filled through private staffing agencies and referrals within the industry.

To secure a top-tier role, you need to:

Build relationships with domestic staffing agencies that specialize in high-net-worth clients
Connect with estate managers, personal assistants, and other private service professionals
Create a polished resume showcasing your experience in private service and leadership
Maintain an impeccable professional reputation, as discretion and trust are key in this industry
Be able to provide iron-clad references and glowing letters of recommendation

Step 5: Apply for Household Manager Roles

Once you have the necessary experience, skills, and network, you can begin applying for household manager positions. Some important factors to consider when evaluating job offers include:

Salary and benefits: Compensation varies based on experience, household size, and location
Work schedule: Some positions require flexibility, travel, or weekend availability
Household dynamics: Understanding the expectations and preferences of the family you will be working for

Working with a reputable staffing agency can help you find positions that align with your expertise and career goals.

Start Your Career as a Household Manager with My Household Managed

If you are ready to take the next step in your household management career, we can help. My Household Managed specializes in placing experienced private service professionals with high-net-worth families who value professionalism, discretion, and expertise.

Submit your application to join our exclusive talent pool and let us connect you with premier household management opportunities.

Apply Now to take the next step in your career as a household manager.

Looking for a job as a household manager in Chicago, Palm Beach, or Miami?
At My Household Managed, we specialize in matching luxury homes with exceptional domestic staff.
Contact My Household Managed today and take the first step toward finding your dream job.