How Ultra-High-Net-Worth Families in New York Build

Exceptional Household Teams

A Guide to Recruiting Executive Assistants, House Managers and Nannies

 

New York is home to some of the most sophisticated private households and family offices in the world. Ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) families across Manhattan, the Hamptons, Palm Beach and other key locations rely on highly experienced professionals to manage their homes, schedules and family lives.

Behind many successful UHNW households is a carefully structured team of private household staff, including Executive Assistants, House Managers, Estate Managers, professional nannies, housekeepers and private chefs.

At Eden Private Staff, we specialise in the recruitment of exceptional professionals for private households and family offices. While headquartered in London, we work extensively with New York and US-based clients, placing experienced staff who understand the expectations of UHNW lifestyles.

This article explores how wealthy families build high-performing household teams and why working with a specialist private staff recruitment agency serving New York clients can transform household operations.

The Growing Demand for Private Household Staff in New York

New York’s ultra-wealthy families often manage complex lifestyles involving multiple residences, demanding professional commitments and frequent international travel.

Many households operate similarly to boutique organisations, requiring coordination across:

• Manhattan residences
• Hamptons summer homes
• Palm Beach or Aspen properties
• international travel schedules
• family offices and advisors

As a result, the demand for experienced private household staff in New York has increased significantly.

Common roles recruited for UHNW households include:

• Family office Executive Assistants
• House Managers and Estate Managers
• Professional nannies and childcare specialists
• Housekeepers and domestic couples
• Private chefs
• Drivers and security staff

Recruiting the right professionals ensures that a household operates efficiently while maintaining the discretion, privacy and service standards expected by UHNW families.

Why New York Families Use Specialist Household Staffing Agencies

Hiring private household staff requires far more than reviewing resumes.

Candidates must possess a rare combination of:

• technical expertise
• emotional intelligence
• discretion and confidentiality
• experience in UHNW environments
• cultural adaptability

For this reason many families prefer working with a specialist private household staffing agency serving New York and international clients, such as Eden Private Staff.

Our recruitment process includes:

• detailed consultation with clients
• rigorous candidate vetting
• comprehensive referencing
• careful cultural matching

This approach ensures the candidate not only has the necessary experience but also fits naturally within the household environment.

Key Roles in New York UHNW Households

Executive Assistants and Family Office EAs

Executive Assistants working within New York family offices play a central role in managing both professional and personal aspects of a principal’s life.

Unlike corporate assistants, family office EAs often manage:

• complex international travel
• coordination between household staff
• personal logistics and scheduling
• communication with advisors
• property and estate coordination

For principals managing businesses, investments and multiple homes, the family office EA becomes the operational backbone of their daily life.

At Eden Private Staff we frequently recruit family office Executive Assistants for New York principals, ensuring seamless coordination across residences and business interests.

Case Study: Supporting a New York Family Office

The Situation

A UHNW principal based in Manhattan with homes in the Hamptons and London required a senior Executive Assistant capable of coordinating both business and personal responsibilities.

The family office lacked a central point of coordination, creating inefficiencies between advisors, household staff and the principal’s schedule.

Eden Private Staff Solution

Eden Private Staff placed a senior family office EA with extensive experience supporting internationally mobile principals.

She implemented:

• a structured communication framework between staff and advisors
• improved diary and travel management systems
• weekly operational briefings for the principal

The Outcome

Within months the family office experienced significantly improved efficiency, and the principal gained greater visibility across personal and professional commitments.

House Managers and Estate Managers in the US

Large residences in New York, the Hamptons and Palm Beach require experienced professionals to oversee property operations.

A House Manager or Estate Manager is responsible for ensuring that every aspect of the property functions seamlessly.

Responsibilities often include:

• supervising domestic staff
• coordinating maintenance and vendors
• managing household inventories
• organising events and hospitality
• maintaining service standards

Many UHNW households treat the role of House Manager as the operational CEO of the home.

Eden Private Staff regularly recruits experienced House Managers for US estates and international residences.

Case Study: Transforming a Hamptons Estate

The Situation

A family with a large Hamptons property employed multiple staff but lacked operational structure.

Daily tasks were managed informally, leading to inefficiencies and communication gaps.

Eden Private Staff Solution

Eden Private Staff introduced a highly experienced Estate House Manager who had previously managed international estates.

They implemented:

• structured staff schedules
• operational procedures
• vendor management systems
• household inventory processes

The Outcome

Within three months the estate operated with hotel-level efficiency, creating a calm and organised environment for the family.

Professional Nannies in New York UHNW Households

For many families in New York, professional nannies are essential members of the household team.

Career nannies provide far more than childcare. Their responsibilities often include:

• establishing routines for young children
• supporting educational development
• coordinating activities and schedules
• travelling with families
• working alongside other household staff

Families often look for nannies who combine warmth, professionalism and educational expertise.

Eden Private Staff specialises in recruiting highly experienced nannies for UHNW families in New York and internationally.

Case Study: Supporting a Busy Manhattan Family

The Situation

A Manhattan couple balancing demanding careers required a nanny capable of supporting a newborn while maintaining routines for their toddler.

The role required someone comfortable working alongside parents and other household staff.

Eden Private Staff Solution

Eden Private Staff placed a career nanny with experience working in international UHNW households.

She introduced:

• structured routines for both children
• development-focused learning activities
• clear communication with parents

The Outcome

The children thrived under the structured environment and the family retained the nanny long term.

Discretion and Trust in UHNW Staffing

Trust is one of the most important factors when recruiting private household staff.

Professionals working in UHNW homes may have access to:

• personal information
• family schedules
• financial or property details
• private residences

For this reason candidates must demonstrate absolute discretion and professionalism.

At Eden Private Staff we carefully vet candidates to ensure they meet the expectations of the world’s most private households.

The Global Nature of Modern UHNW Households

Many New York families now maintain residences across multiple international locations.

Common lifestyle patterns include:

• New York primary residence
• Hamptons summer property
• Palm Beach winter residence
• European travel or seasonal homes

This global lifestyle requires staff who understand international service standards and travel logistics.

Eden Private Staff frequently recruits professionals capable of supporting multi-residence households across the US and Europe.

Why American Clients Work With Eden Private Staff

Although Eden Private Staff is headquartered in London, we are increasingly trusted by New York and US clients seeking experienced private household staff.

Our consultants have extensive experience placing professionals for:

• New York family offices
• Hamptons estates
• Palm Beach residences
• international UHNW households

Clients choose Eden Private Staff because of our:

Global candidate network
We maintain relationships with highly experienced household professionals worldwide.

Rigorous vetting process
Every candidate undergoes detailed screening and referencing.

Understanding of UHNW households
Our consultants understand the operational dynamics of complex private homes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring Private Household Staff in New York

What is a private household staffing agency?

A private household staffing agency helps families recruit experienced professionals such as Executive Assistants, nannies, housekeepers and estate managers.

Why do New York families use staffing agencies?

Agencies provide access to vetted candidates with UHNW experience and manage the recruitment process from sourcing to placement.

What roles are most commonly hired in New York private households?

Common roles include:

• family office Executive Assistants
• professional nannies
• house managers
• housekeepers
• private chefs

Does Eden Private Staff work with US clients?

Yes. Eden Private Staff regularly supports families and family offices in New York and across the United States.

About Eden Private Staff

Eden Private Staff is a leading international recruitment agency specialising in private household staff and family office professionals.

We support UHNW families worldwide with placements including:

• Executive Assistants and Personal Assistants
• House Managers and Estate Managers
• Professional Nannies
• Housekeepers and domestic couples
• Private chefs and specialist staff

Our mission is simple: to connect exceptional people with exceptional households. 

+ 44 (0) 2074716000 or email info@edenprivatestaff.com