An estate manager (also called an estate director, director of properties, director of residence, chief of staff or often abbreviated to EM) is an individual who is responsible for the supervision and management of the day-to-day operations of private estates. From maintenance and repairs, to estate budget and event co-ordination, estate managers are a hugely important role in the smooth running and (where appropriate) the profitability and productivity of an estate.

In this blog we’ll discuss what an estate manager is, what the job entails, and what is required to become an estate manager.

What Does an Estate Manager Do?

Generally, an estate manager is responsible for managing the day-to-day running of a private estate/multiple properties on behalf of their principal. An estate manager is specifically hired to manage an estate or in other words, a large household with multiple buildings or properties and very often, hundreds of acres of land. Because an estate is larger and more complex to run than a household, the role of estate manager can differ to that of a house manager. An EM oversees all maintenance and repairs to the estate grounds and buildings, manages house staff and groundskeepers, and sometimes coordinates events and functions on the estate. Importantly, they are also responsible for managing the estate budget and ensuring that the land/property is is being used for its full potential - be that for farming, commercial or private reasons. Responsibilities can vary based on the type of estate you’re working for but could also include tasks such as managing social media accounts, acting as HR for domestic staff, organizing commercial shoots/events, or even management of arable/livestock activity if a farm-based estate.

Managing Staff as an Estate Manager

A key responsibility of an Estate Manager or Estate Director is to manage the estate staff and groundskeepers at the request of the Principals. For instance, if there are large outdoor areas on the estate that need managing, you would be responsible for hiring and supervising a suitable groundskeeper or gardener who can tend to the gardens. An estate manager might also be responsible for managing the following staff depending on the type and size of the estate:

Farmworkers
Equestrian Staff
Gamekeepers
Bookkeepers/accountants
Household Managers
Personal Assistants
Executive Assistants
Private chefs
Domestic Service Staff (butlers, housemen, housekeeper, laundress, etc)

How Do You Become an Estate Manager?

The requirements to be an estate manager will vary dependent on the Principals but generally at least a high school diploma or GED is necessary. It is also expected that you have previous experience working within households/properties of this nature and an employer will expect to see strong letters of recommendation from previous employers that will testify to your trustworthy and reliable nature. After all, employers are trusting their estate manager to work in their home and deal with their families, personal and financial information, property and belongings, to run a home well a business.

The best estate managers are all-rounders who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. You are likely to be undertaking a huge variety of roles which could be anything from dealing with antiques and fine art to organizing events with external businesses or from managing farm land to managing fine art collections, wine collections, private vehicles, aircraft, and watercraft, so make sure you have experience based on the type of estate you are looking to apply to. You need to be practical but financially minded as you will be responsible for the estate’s budget and it is essential that you can demonstrate how you can provide the highest level of personal service for private families/individuals. Other skills and abilities that could help you are:

Human resources experience
Knowledge of how to care for fine interiors, garments, jewelry, etc.
Strong organizational and leadership abilities, with the ability to document and establish procedures and delegate tasks
A background in hospitality or hotel management
Independent and team project management
Knowledge of IT and social media
Groundskeeping or Gamekeeping (if appropriate)

Does an Estate Manager Wear a Uniform?

Different households will have different requirements for staff attire. More formal households may require a specific uniform, semi-formal households may request business attire or black pants/skirt and a white buttoned shirt, and an informal home typically allows the estate manager to wear whatever they are comfortable with — subject to the homeowner’s agreement. There may also be some situations where you need to “dress for your day” depending on what events or tasks you will be undertaking.

It is best for employer and employee to discuss this sooner rather than later to avoid any surprises (as an estate manager, you don’t want to show up in jeans if the homeowner has a more formal preference; as a homeowner, you don’t want to blindside the estate manager with a uniform requirement on day one of the job).

What Are the Top Skills of an Estate Manager?

To be a successful estate manager, one must have a number of important qualities including:

Must ask questions to understand responsibilities and ensure needs are being met, and must convey any concerns or issues that arise.
Must trust their capabilities to get work done and hire the right staff as needed (repairs, gardening, etc.)
Must be able to build a relationship with their employer built on trust and mutual understanding.
Must be able to use their initiative and work alone as well as taking direction from the estate owner and working as a team
Must be able to think on their feet to come up with quick solutions to any conflicts or complications or anticipate potential issues before they arise.
Must keep track of duties and handle a list of multiple responsibilities at a given time.
Must keep confidential home and family information private.

What Is the Average Salary of an Estate Manager?

The pay an estate manager will receive will vary greatly depending on the specifics of the home and responsibilities performed. For instance, if the estate is a single property with little land attached, there will likely be less work to do, and therefore the pay may be less. However, if the estate manager is expected to be take care of multiple properties or vast land space, they should expect a pay rate that reflects that.

Location also plays a role in wages. The cost of living in a large city is higher than a small rural or suburban town, and a full-time estate manager should be paid to support that cost of living. Keep in mind that oftentimes, estate managers may be provided free room and board at the estate, and are reimbursed for things like gas etc. Other times, you may be provided with accommodation onsite but expected to pay for your own groceries, utilities etc.

On average, an estate manager in the United States is paid anywhere from $65-$144 per hour. Current market rate in Chicago for an experienced estate manager is about $72-$96 per hour with full benefits. This will all be discussed in the hiring and interview process.

Bringing you peace of mind: My Household Managed

My Household Managed was founded by a former recruiter and nanny, so we understand the importance of people’s rights as domestic employees and act as an advocate for them when placing them in a job. Our goal is to find the perfect match for both homeowner and job candidate, while saving both the time and energy in the process.

Our 10-step process is as follows:

Client/family office submits an online application
We have an introductory call with the client to get to know them and their family, lifestyle, and specific needs
We create a customized job description and post it to our website (once we have client approval)
We perform an applicant search through our database, or source new candidates
We narrow down to the 3-5 best-matched candidates and share their resumes, references, interview notes, and any other important information
A phone or virtual interview is held between the client and candidate
If the client is interested, a second interview is held at the estate
A written offer is made to the chosen candidate, followed by a background check
Along with the client, My Household Managed creates a work agreement — signed by both the homeowner and new employee
My Household Managed provides new hire resources, including onboarding materials for the employee; payroll, tax, and insurance information; and 30-day and 10-month check ins