Hire a Director of Residences
Executive-Level Estate Management for Ultra-High-Net-Worth Families
My Household Managed (MHM) connects family offices, Ultra-High-Net-Worth (UHNW) individuals, and prominent families with experienced Director of Residences and Director of Properties professionals.
Whether you call this role a Director of Residences, Director of Properties, or Estate Director, our executive-level candidates provide strategic oversight across multiple luxury properties, ensuring seamless operations and unparalleled service standards.
What Is a Director of Residences?
A Director of Residences (also known as Director of Properties or Estate Director) is an executive-level private service professional who oversees multiple estate managers, house managers, and senior household staff across a portfolio of luxury properties. This role serves as the Chief Operating Officer for all residences, acting as the direct liaison between principals and household operations while maintaining continuity and excellence across every property.
Unlike an estate manager who focuses on day-to-day operations at one or two properties, a Director of Residences takes a strategic, analytical approach to ensure consistent standards, streamlined operations, and seamless service delivery across all homes, whether they're located across town or around the globe.
When Do You Need a Director of Residences?
Consider hiring a Director of Residences or Director of Properties if you meet one or more of the following critera:
Own three or more fully-staffed luxury properties
Employ 15+ household staff members across multiple locations
Travel frequently between residences and need consistent service
Require executive-level coordination of estate managers
Need one point of contact for all property-related decisions
Want to ensure continuity in hospitality and security protocols
Seek strategic oversight for capital improvements and renovations
Strategic Estate Leadership
Multi-property portfolio management and coordination
Standard operating procedure development across all residences
Executive-level staff supervision and team leadership
Financial & Administrative Oversight
Estate-wide budget creation, management, and financial reporting
Capital project planning and renovation management
Vendor contract negotiations and service provider oversight
Asset management and luxury collection administration
Operations & Lifestyle Management
Seasonal property openings, closings, and transitions
Security protocol implementation for high-profile families
Event planning and production across multiple venues
Private aviation and luxury vehicle fleet coordination
Quality Control & Continuity
Regular property audits and service standard enforcement
Household manual creation and protocol standardization
Preventative maintenance programs across all properties
Inventory control and luxury asset preservation
Emergency preparedness and crisis management planning
Core Responsibilities of a Director of Residences
What Makes an Exceptional Director of Residences?
The most successful Directors of Residences typically possess 20+ years in private service or hospitality management, often with a bachelor's degree in Management or Hospitality and specialized training from reputable private service institutions. They must demonstrate strategic thinking, exceptional leadership abilities, financial acumen, and absolute discretion while managing complex multi-property operations.
These executive-level professionals are trusted with significant authority and resources, including corporate credit cards, dedicated property accounts, company vehicles, and comprehensive benefits packages with housing stipends. Their expertise commands executive compensation, reflecting their critical role in maintaining seamless operations across luxury estate portfolios.
Executive Leadership & Strategic Skills
Strategic thinking and analytical problem-solving
Exceptional leadership and team management abilities
Financial acumen and budget management expertise
Discretion and confidentiality in sensitive matters
Adaptability and crisis management capabilities
Operational Excellence & Industry Expertise
Technological proficiency
Knowledge of luxury homes, fine art, and antiques
Asset management and preventative maintenance oversight
Experience in hotel management or luxury hospitality
Entertaining and event production capabilities
Personal Attributes & Communication
Excellent communication and collaborative approach
Service-minded attitude with executive presence
Attention to detail and proactive, self-starter mentality
Flexibility to "wear multiple hats" when needed
Cheerful, bright disposition with excellent work ethic
Travel ready for domestic and international assignments
What Skills Will A Good Director of Residences Possess?
What is the difference between and Director of residences and an estate manager?
Director of Residences VS Estate Manager
While both roles are essential in luxury estate management, they serve different functions and operate at different levels within the household hierarchy.
Director of Residences: A Director of Residences operates at the executive level, providing strategic oversight across multiple properties and estate teams. This role focuses on ensuring consistency, quality, and continuity across all residences, working closely with family offices and principals to maintain service standards regardless of location. Directors of Residences supervise estate managers and senior household staff, traveling regularly between properties to conduct audits and maintain operational excellence. Their responsibilities are strategic and analytical—designing systems, training estate managers, and managing household budgets across multiple homes.
Estate Manager: An estate manager is hands-on and property-focused, managing the day-to-day operations of one or two specific residences. They control daily functions, supervise on-site staff, direct property maintenance, and handle immediate operational needs. Estate managers work directly with vendors, contractors, and household staff to ensure their assigned properties run smoothly. They are the "boots on the ground" professionals who implement the standards and procedures established by the Director of Residences.
The Hierarchy: In larger household structures, estate managers typically report to the Director of Residences, who then reports to the Chief of Staff or directly to the principal. This creates a clear chain of command that allows for specialized expertise at each level while maintaining overall strategic alignment.
What Services Does a MHM Estate Manager Provide?
An estate manager runs a home like a well-oiled machine. An estate manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the home, maintaining household manuals and home security procedures, establishing protocols, and managing short and long-term projects. Some of the duties include of an estate manager include:
Managing Multiple Fine Residences
Operations and Logistics
Budget Creation and Oversight
Staff Recruitment, Training, Documentation, Payroll and Supervision
Estate Organization & Inventory Control
Business and Family Office Communications
Record Keeping and Gifting Programs
Art Collection Administration
Construction and Renovation Project Management
Vendor Management and Contract Negotiations
Preventative Maintenance
Seasonal Property Management
Private Jet and Luxury Vehicle Fleet Management
International and Domestic Travel Coordination
Event Planning and Production
Meal Planning and Wine Collection Supervision
Security Protocols for VIPs and Public Figures
Complete Your Household Team
Beyond an exceptional Director of Residences, we can help you build a complete team of household professionals tailored to your unique lifestyle and needs.
Whether you're seeking a dedicated housekeeper to organize and deep clean your home, a personal assistant to organize your life, or a family assistant to transport your children to after-school activities and run errands, our network of trusted experts is ready to serve you.
How Much Does a Director of Residences Cost?
Directors of Residences command executive-level compensation, reflecting their strategic responsibilities and multi-property oversight. Salaries for experienced candidates may include comprehensive benefits and performance bonuses. To receive a tailored estimate and find the right match for your estate, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our team.
View our placement process here.
Why Work With My Household Managed to Hire an Estate Manager?
With over 15 years of experience in luxury domestic staffing, MHM understands the nuances of executive-level private service roles. Our personalized placement process ensures you're matched with a Director of Residences who aligns with your family's values, lifestyle requirements, and long-term vision. We provide comprehensive candidate screening and background verification, along with deep understanding of family office integration and reporting structures. Our network includes seasoned professionals who have risen through the ranks, many starting as estate or house managers before mastering executive-level private service leadership.
How Do I Get Started with MHM?
If you are an individual or a family office interested in finding a Director of Residences through MHM, your first step is to fill out a family inquiry form. This will allow our team to learn a little more about your needs. Once we receive your inquiry, a member of our team will be in touch with you personally to schedule a discovery call. You can fill out your inquiry form here.
My Household Managed is a leading estate management agency in Chicago, Palm Beach, and Miami.
We’re here to help you find the perfect Director of Residences for your properties. Our extensive screening and interview process provides our families with an added level of security and reassurance that their families and households will be in great hands.
Need more questions answered about working with MHM?
Request a free discovery call here.
We look forward to making your life a little easier!
