In the world of high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) households, staffing isn’t just about filling roles; it’s about providing expert support to meet the specific needs of busy, affluent families. From Palm Beach’s waterfront estates to the elegant high rises of Chicago, certain household roles are indispensable, helping ensure that day-to-day operations run smoothly, discreetly, and with a level of polish only achievable through professional expertise.

Here’s a look at the most in-demand roles in household staffing and why affluent families are willing to invest in the very best.

Estate Manager

Why It’s In-Demand: An estate manager is the backbone of any luxury household, responsible for overseeing the entire operation. This role is particularly essential for families with multiple properties or estates requiring constant, high-level supervision. In locations like Palm Beach and Chicago, where many families split their time seasonally, estate managers play a critical role in ensuring seamless transitions between homes.

What They Do: Estate managers are responsible for hiring, training, and managing all household staff, coordinating schedules, overseeing budgets, and ensuring the property is maintained to the highest standards. They can also handle special projects, major events, and renovations, working directly with vendors and contractors. If you have just one property that you are looking to manage, you could also consider hiring a house manager.

Why Families Pay Top Dollar: An experienced estate manager is not only highly organized but brings discretion, leadership skills, and a deep understanding of high-end property management. They allow families to enjoy their homes without being bogged down by logistics, making their services invaluable.

Private Chef

Why It’s In-Demand: For UHNW families who entertain frequently or have specific dietary preferences, a private chef is indispensable. Particularly in food-focused cities like Chicago, a talented chef can elevate the family’s daily life with exquisite cuisine, tailored to personal tastes and nutritional needs.

What They Do: Private chefs plan, prepare, and serve meals according to family preferences, often handling everything from grocery shopping to food storage and kitchen organization. They create custom menus, accommodate dietary restrictions, and offer restaurant-quality meals for family dinners, intimate gatherings, or large-scale events. Read more about the difference between a personal chef and private chef here.

Why Families Pay Top Dollar: Private chefs not only bring culinary skill but also versatility, able to adapt to various dietary needs and preferences. For families who travel, many chefs are willing to travel with them, ensuring a consistent dining experience wherever they are.

Nanny (Including ROTA Nannies)

Why It’s In-Demand: In families with young children, finding a highly skilled nanny is a top priority. UHNW families in Palm Beach and Chicago are increasingly seeking out ROTA nannies, who work in rotations to provide round-the-clock support, particularly valuable for busy parents who travel frequently or work long hours.

What They Do: Nannies offer childcare services that go beyond supervision, focusing on the child’s emotional, physical, and intellectual development. They handle meal preparation, organize educational activities, and manage transportation to and from activities. ROTA nannies work in shifts, typically on a two-week rotation, ensuring children receive consistent care at all hours.

Why Families Pay Top Dollar: High-caliber nannies are often trained in child development, CPR, and early education. Their ability to provide specialized, round-the-clock care makes them indispensable to families, especially those with non-traditional schedules.

Housekeeper

Why It’s In-Demand: Housekeepers are essential for maintaining the pristine conditions expected in luxury homes. In bustling urban environments like Chicago or sprawling estates in Palm Beach, families look for housekeepers who can manage a high level of detail and organization, ensuring their homes are always ready for guests.

What They Do: Housekeepers handle cleaning, laundry, organization, and care of fine furnishings, artworks, and other valuable items. They may also manage inventories and occasionally assist with table settings and food service for events.

Why Families Pay Top Dollar: A high-end housekeeper is meticulous, with a deep understanding of cleaning techniques suited for luxury materials like marble, silver, and antiques. Families recognize that a well-kept home elevates their lifestyle, making skilled housekeepers a crucial part of household staffing.

Personal Assistant

Why It’s In-Demand: Personal assistants offer organizational and logistical support to keep their employers’ personal and professional lives running smoothly. In busy cities like Chicago, a personal assistant’s connections and know-how can streamline everything from event planning to personal errands.

What They Do: Personal assistants handle an array of tasks, including managing schedules, booking appointments, making travel arrangements, and overseeing events. They often liaise with vendors, plan logistics for trips, and handle special requests.

Why Families Pay Top Dollar: Personal assistants enable families to focus on high-level tasks by handling the details. Their discretion, organizational skills, and ability to anticipate needs make them invaluable.

Yacht Steward/Stewardess

Why It’s In-Demand: For families in Palm Beach, where yachting is a popular pastime, yacht stewards or stewardesses are indispensable. They provide onboard hospitality and service, ensuring an elevated experience on the water so that even when they’re not at home, they can enjoy the comforts of a luxury lifestyle.

What They Do: Yacht stewards manage guest services on yachts, from meal service to cabin maintenance, and ensure all guests have a comfortable and luxurious experience. They often have extensive knowledge of fine wines, cuisine, and event service, and are trained in safety protocols.

Why Families Pay Top Dollar: Yachting requires a unique blend of hospitality, technical knowledge, and safety awareness. UHNW families are willing to pay a premium for stewards who provide a seamless, top-tier experience at sea.

Driver or Chauffeur

Why It’s In-Demand: High-net-worth families value safety, comfort, and privacy when it comes to transportation, especially in busy cities like Chicago. Hiring a chauffeur also allows families to relax when travelling between properties, by ensuring they’re picked up in a level of luxury they are used to. A professional driver or chauffeur is essential for ensuring safe, efficient, and stress-free travel.

What They Do: Drivers handle day-to-day transportation needs, from school drop-offs to airport transfers. They maintain the family’s vehicles, ensuring they’re always clean, fuelled, and ready for use, and are skilled in defensive driving.

Why Families Pay Top Dollar: Chauffeurs bring professionalism, discretion, and reliability to their role, ensuring the family can travel with peace of mind, whether for work or leisure.

Investing in Expertise for Elevated Living

These in-demand roles are about more than meeting basic needs; they’re about elevating and supporting the lifestyle that HNW and UHNW families have worked hard to build. The right household staff bring invaluable peace of mind, security, and comfort, enabling families in Palm Beach and Chicago to focus on their priorities with confidence.

Whether you’re looking for a dedicated estate manager, a round-the-clock nanny, or a yacht steward, My Household Managed specializes in matching families with high-caliber professionals who bring expertise, dedication, and discretion to every role.

Ready to elevate your household staff? Inquire with us today to find the talent that meets your unique needs and standards.