THE ROLE OF A HOUSE MANAGER
The increasing demand for experienced, reliable and trustworthy House Managers has shown us that this remains an essential and pivotal role within a household and that House Managers have rapidly become indispensable. Also, increasingly evident is that the role has evolved and undergone significant changes over the years due to a variety of factors such as the huge advancements in technology and an equally huge change in our lifestyles, priorities & expectations. This will include the ‘global perspective’ which means a House Manager could very well be managing a portfolio of households, staff & logistics in different locations across the world.
In light of the above, the House Manager’s responsibilities & skills have expanded considerably and are now much more than simply basic ‘household management’. Their knowledge and skills will now be utilised to include areas such as technology integration within the household – such as managing more sophisticated home security devices and systems and understanding digital platforms; sustainability and energy efficiency – as the world concerns itself with environmental issues, a House Manager will be expected to implement improved sustainable practices for the household, for example reducing energy consumption, managing recycling and sourcing sustainable products; health and well-being – promoting and maintaining wellness for example overseeing the hire and scheduling of personal trainers, fitness and well-being practitioners; personalised and customised services – this could include organising and planning unique experiences, overseeing specialised diets or managing hobbies & collections.
In addition to an expansion of a House Manager’s responsibilities, there is also evidence that many clients require candidates who possess a formal education and certification in areas such as hospitality, estate management and other related fields.
So, key to the House Manager position are a plethora of responsibilities and tasks that demand expert management skills that will ensure a harmonious and efficiently run household.
Here is an overview of the main focus of a House Manager:
Household Operations
The House Manager will oversee all the day to day operations of the household, ensuring that it runs smoothly and efficiently. This involves managing other staff, organising & co-ordinating schedules, diaries and activities as well as general repairs, maintenance and renovations.
Staff Management
House Managers are generally tasked with recruitment, training & supervising household staff. They will also liaise with their employer regarding job descriptions, setting performance standards and organising staff rotas/schedules.
Budgeting & Finance
In line with instructions, the House Manager can create and manage a household budget, track expenses, handle bill payments and staff payroll.
Travel & Diary Management
A House Manager will often handle all the travel arrangements for the client/family which includes itineraries, flights, accommodation, transport and even passport & visa arrangements.
Security & Emergency Procedures
The House Manager will ensure the safety and security of the family and household by overseeing security systems, liaising with private security firms and having overall responsibility for implementing appropriate safety protocols.
Personal Assistance
Often the House Manager will provide support and assistance to household members through handling a variety of tasks such as running errands and organising personal appointments.
Special Events & Projects
These could include for example the House Manager overseeing a renovation project (collaborating with contractors, vendors & service providers as well as handling the budget & logistics) or a special party (booking caterers, menu planning, hiring temporary staff and entertainment).
In conclusion, a House Manager’s role is extremely dynamic and encompasses a very diverse range of responsibilities. They need to possess exceptional organisational skills for planning, time management and executing logistics. And finally, a good House Manager will have exceptional interpersonal skills in communication, relationship building and discretion.
For advice and information on finding a House Manager for your household, please speak to the Eden Team on 0207 4716000
