What Is A House Manager?

You might have heard of the term House Manager before, but it can be one of the most confusing roles to understand. A House Manager can mean very different things for different households, so what a House Manager is can be difficult to describe. However, there are definitely more general tasks and duties that can be found in pretty much any House Manager job.

So, what really is a House Manager?

Many clients are now looking for not only a Butler or Housekeeper. But instead, for someone who can manage their household completely. The House Manager may be the only member of staff in a smaller household. Or they may be in charge of a number of other household staff.

Responsibilities

The role of a House Manager can be extremely varied. It often differs depending on the client and their household. The general responsibilities of the House Manager would be as follows. Overseeing the smooth running of the house and ensuring good general upkeep and maintenance of the property and land.

Also, the House Manager may supervise other household staff. Just to ensure their work is up to a high standard. Finally, general administration and managing budgets, and liaising with contractors.

The responsibility of a House Manager is typically more than that of the Butler or Housekeeper. However, smaller households may combine Butler and House Manager, or Housekeeper, and House Manager into one role. Employees may also be able to be promoted from one of these positions into House Management, depending on the household.

Typical Duties

They can have many responsibilities and these can vary a lot. This is mostly depending on the type and size of the property they are managing. Some typical duties can include:

• Ensuring the household/estate and grounds are run smoothly and efficiently at all times
• Supervising and managing other staff members
• Organising and liaising with outside contractors
• Training other staff members
• Organising and overseeing maintenance of the property
• Ensuring the property is secure at all times
• Organising family and household events
• Greeting and caring for guests and visitors
• Serving drinks and food
• Chauffeur duties
• Housekeeping duties
• Running errands and shopping
• Taking responsibility for the household inventory. Also ensuring that supplies are always replenished
• Answer the telephone and door
• Arrange entertainment for social gatherings and events
• Arrange all aspects of moving house if the client is moving
• Be in charge of the budgets of the household
• Make travel and holiday arrangements
• Packing of luggage
• Recruit and interview for new staff
• Maintain records where needed
• Perform any other tasks, within reason, required by the employer

As you can see, they can take on a variety of different tasks. In smaller households, they may be taking on the tasks of both Housekeeper and House Manager. Or of Butler and House Manager. Whereas in a larger property or estate, the House Managers’ role may be solely focused on the management of the property.

Experience

House Managers experience completely depends on how long they have been working in the field, as well as the type and size of the properties they have worked in. They may have previous experience working as a domestic staff member in (this could be as a Butler, Housekeeper, etc.):

• Working in large properties or estates
• Looking after multiple properties
• Managing other staff
• Working in properties overseas
• Working in Commercial or Hotel settings.

If you are new to hiring a House Manager, or staff in general, this great website can help you get started on all things salary and employment.

Salary of a House Manager

Firstly, please note that salaries can differ extremely per household, but also per country. In general, you will pay more for someone who comes with lots of experience and extra skills (such as speaking an extra language). This overview gives an indication of salaries in the UK.

Entry level/Less experienced – is a candidate with 2-4 years experience.
Expect a salary of £430-660 gross a week live in and £510-740 gross a week live out.
Yearly salary range from £22,000 gross to £38,000 gross.

Mid level/More experienced – is a candidate 4-8 years experience.
Expect a salary of £740-1200 gross a week live in and £820-£1400 gross a week live out.
Yearly salary from £38,000 gross to £72,000 gross per year.

High level/Very experienced – is a candidate with 8+ years experience.
Expect a salary of £1200 gross a week live in and £1500 gross a week live out
Yearly salary from £73,000 gross upwards.

How Polo & Tweed’s House Management Training Can Prepare You for Success in Your Career as a House Manager: