House Manager
House Managers serve as the liaison on behalf of the entire domestic staff, reporting to a more senior point of contact or the principals directly. House Managers focus primarily on the operations of the interior of the residences. This role often acts as a direct gatekeeper to the principals for all matters related to the household and domestic staff.
A house manager is typically responsible for all staff in a single property. They will organise staff schedules, which often include the housekeepers (executive housekeepers and regular housekeepers or laundresses) and nannies. A house manager is usually responsible for attending to most staff-related issues within that particular property. Their responsibilities may also overlap with those of a butler or personal assistant. They deal with vendors, preempt maintenance issues and ensure the smooth running of the household.
The position of House Manager is one that can be necessary for houses with several staff needing supervision and guidance. The position can also greatly benefit those with more than one residence or those who often need to leave a busy household unattended.
- Managing the day-to-day household functions of several residences across multiple properties
- Oversight of an extensive multi-residence domestic staff
- Development and implementation of company policies and employee manuals
- Serving as principals’ representative for major construction and renovation projects, as well as project management
- Overseeing smart home technology, detailed security and camera systems
- Approving household budgets, finances and vendor selection
- Event production & management
- Creating and adhering to annual maintenance schedules and house manuals
- Enacting and executing standard operating procedures
- Effectively managing staff, and overseeing vendors and contractors
- Event planning and management
- Exceptional “razor-sharp” eye for detail and organizational skills, aesthetically-minded
- Technology savvy with proficiency in both Mac and PC; Smart Home systems knowledge
As with all domestic staff a house manager can be employed in conjunction with other roles depending on the hours required or the size, structure and number of properties involved. The most common combinations are as follows.
- House Manager / PA
- House Manager / Nanny
- House Manager / Chef
- House Manager / Butler
- House Manger / Chauffeur
A House Manager can also be part of a domestic working couple and the role may be undertaken by either of the partners. Another possible scenario is to have a House Manager who can also assist in a commercial enterprise alongside the house management duties. Marshall Harber have many superior house managers with both household and commercial experience. Please discuss your requirements with our consultants and they will be able to find the combination that best suits your needs.
- Starting salaries are from £800 to £1000 upwards net per week. Full-time annual salary depends on candidate’s credentials, experience, and duties, as well as previous salaries had. Very experience and exceptional candidates can earn in a excess of £100 000 per annum.
- Room & board to be provided by the family.
- Salary guide is based on a 5 day or 5 and half day work week, 8-12hrs a day, and is presented to you as a guide. Final salary always varies depending on the overall package offered.
Butlers are a specialised type of household staff responsible for efficiently running a formal household and meeting the employer’s personal needs.
House or Estate Managers coordinate the smooth operation of your household, anticipating and managing daily family challenges.
A good housekeeper provides the client with a wide variety of professional domestic services and takes on the responsibilities of cleaning, laundry, cooking and running errands. Each household is unique therefore the duties and responsibilities are usually discussed at interview stage.
A Live-In Housekeeper gives a wide range of support and care to your family. It gives you the flexibility to call on them for additional hours if you need extra support. Live-In Housekeeper is a favourable option for many clients.
A Housekeeper Nanny is required when duties involve the household and not just the children. The duties are wide ranging, depending on the needs of the family.
For clients with large homes, estates or gardens, a domestic couple may be the most suitable choice.
Hiring a houseman is fantastic solution for many households, a houseman ensures the general upkeep of a home, offers versatility and added security for the household.
A private personal chef can be an excellent option for a household that require a high standard of cooking while also tailoring the meals to specific personal preferences.
In home Elderly Carers and Companions help makes aging at home possible, by running routine errands, doing light housekeeping and providing a helping hand with the everyday tasks that often become more difficult for the elderly.
An estate manager is required when there are large, multi-property estates owned by a family. An estate manager’s focus is largely on a bigger picture, making sure that each home runs consistently and efficiently.
A Lady’s Maid is hired to serve as a lady-in-waiting to her female employer. This means she serves as a personal maid to the lady of the house. The valet is a manservant to the gentleman of the house.
How We Work
Once you’ve decided what type of services you’re looking for, you need to register with Forbes Private Staff by filling out our client registration form. This will ask you to list your candidate preferences and unique requirements, as well as you will be able to read our Term of Business and familiarise yourself with our fees. Once registration is received, your information will be carefully reviewed by a member of our staff who will then contact you directly to discuss all your specific requirements in a greater detail, to note down all the final information we need to start your perfect candidate search.
The Steps We Follow
- Understanding Your Needs
- The Matchmaking Process
- Interview
- Contract
- Follow Up and Ongoing Support
Placement Fees
At Forbes Private Staff it is crucial that the candidate you choose is the right match for your family, and to ensure this we provide 12 weeks of free replacement and ongoing after-placement support.
UK Placements
- Client registration Fee – FREE
- Permanent Full-Time Placement in Childcare (52 weeks + ) - 15% of the Annual Salary
- Permanent Full-Time Placement in Private Household (52 weeks +) – 15% of the Annual Salary
- Full-time Governess or Tutor Placements – 17% of the Annual Salary
- Full-Time Dual Residency Placements - required to work in the UK and Overseas - 18% of the Annual Salary
- Part-Time Governess or Tutor Placements – 19% of the Annual Salary
- After School Childcare Placements – 18% of the Annual Salary
- Part-Time Placements in Childcare and Private Households – 18% of the Annual Salary
- Maternity Nurses - £170 per week, min 2 weeks.
- Temporary Placements – £100 per day or £450 per week.
- Trials - £450 per week, up to 4 consecutive weeks; or fixed daily fee of £90.
Overseas Placements
- Client Registration Fee - FREE for Permanent Placements
- Client Registration Fee - £100 for Temporary or Holiday Placements
- All Permanent Placements – 20% of the Annual Salary
- Maternity Nurses - £230 per week, min 2 weeks
- Temporary Placements – £100 per day or £500 per week.
- Trials - £500 per week, up to 4 consecutive weeks.
To our loyal returning clients and our current client referrals, we offer a 10% discount on your placement fees.
Our Registration is FREE of charge to all our candidates.
For more information, please contact us or register online, and we’ll contact you to discuss your requirements and answer any questions you might have.
What our clients say about us?
‘Impeccable staff, trustworthy and punctual. A great company to deal with who consistently deliver. Highly recommended.’
‘I’d like to say how pleased I and my wife have been with the service we received from you and from our housekeeper who has been reliable and efficient throughout the several years she’s been with us. All the best for the future.’
‘You were more than helpful at arranging the service I wanted and it was executed perfectly. I will most definitely be using your services again. Thank you.’
