Defining your role - Clearing up the confusion around Estate Management
One of the biggest causes of confusion in estate management is a lack of understanding of what differentiates our role from others in the industry.
Why is this so important?
Because as you speak to potential clients, vendors and other people you’ll depend on in your day-to-day, you need to be able to clearly differentiate your role and position yourself correctly so there are no misunderstandings down the line.
There is so much muddied waters between roles like estate managers, house managers, property managers, chiefs of staff, directors of residences, concierge managers, and butlers.
Don’t let this lead to misunderstandings about your responsibilities and expertise. First, let’s get a clear picture on what each professional does and how they contribute to the smooth operation of high-end properties and estates.
Estate Manager vs. House Manager
One of the most common misconceptions you’ll have to deal with is that we do basically the same job as House Managers. Let’s dissect the differences:
Estate Manager: An estate manager is responsible for overseeing large properties or multiple homes within an estate. This role involves strategic planning, financial management, and coordination of a wide range of activities to ensure the estate runs smoothly. Estate managers handle complex tasks that go beyond basic property maintenance, in general making life much easier for the family they work for.
Our duties might include:
Budget Management: Overseeing the financial aspects of the estate, including budgeting and expense management.
Staff Supervision: Hiring, training, and managing a team of domestic staff, including housekeepers, gardeners, and personal assistants.
Property Maintenance: Ensuring the upkeep of the estate, including scheduling repairs, renovations, and regular maintenance.
Event Coordination: Planning and managing events, from small family gatherings to large social functions.
External Coordination: Working with contractors, landscapers, and other service providers to maintain and enhance properties.
Administrative Tasks: Handling insurance claims, legal documents, and preparing invoices.
Security Management: Implementing and overseeing security measures to ensure the safety of the property and its occupants.
Technology integration: Implementing and managing smart home systems and other technologies to enhance security, efficiency, and overall convenience.
Lifestyle Enhancement: Curating and organizing experiences, services, and amenities to enhance the overall lifestyle of the residents.
House Manager: A house manager typically works in a smaller household, often overseeing one property and a smaller team of domestic staff. Their role is more hands-on and focuses on the day-to-day operations of the household. Key responsibilities include:
Household Maintenance: Ensuring the property is well-maintained and addressing any maintenance issues.
Staff Supervision: Managing household staff, such as housekeepers and cooks, to ensure their work meets the household’s standards.
General Administration: Handling household budgets, paying bills, and managing schedules.
Personal Assistance: Assisting with tasks such as running errands, organizing travel, and managing household supplies.
Event Assistance: Helping with event planning and execution, including greeting guests and serving at gatherings.
Key Difference: Unlike house managers, we estate managers have a broader scope. We should be in a position to oversee multiple properties or large estates and handle more complex financial and administrative tasks.
Estate managers are involved in vital strategic planning and we often manage a larger team of staff, while house managers focus on the hands-on, day-to-day running of a single household.
Make sure you are hired for your skill set and responsibility level or you could find yourself kept frustratingly far from any decision-making or strategy.
Other roles often confused with estate managers:
Property Manager:
While we manage private properties on an in-depth level, property managers are mainly concerned with rental properties and tenant relations, ensuring compliance with legal standards and handling maintenance issues.
Chief of Staff and Director of Residences:
Chiefs of staff operate at a higher strategic level than estate managers, often overseeing multiple properties and estate managers. They focus on developing policies and ensuring consistent management practices across all properties, rather than the day-to-day operations of a single estate.
Director of Residences:
While estate managers handle the detailed management of individual estates, directors of residences ensure that all properties in the portfolio are managed consistently and efficiently, aligning with the family’s long-term goals.
Concierge Manager:
Concierge managers are primarily focused on enhancing the personal experience and satisfaction of residents or guests through tailored services and support. While estate managers can also manage concierge services, it’s just one element in our overseeing of the property itself and ensuring it remains in top condition.
Butler:
Butlers provide highly personalized and direct service to their employers, often focusing on formal service and personal assistance. While butlers handle the intimate and hands-on aspects of service, we stay a step back and focus on the bigger picture.
Next time you hear someone confuse an estate manager with a house manager, property manager, or butler, be prepared to confidently explain the nuanced differences and highlight the specialized skills each role brings to the table.
Clarifying these roles helps in setting the right expectations allowing experts in other areas perform their duties effectively, contributing to the overall success and smooth operation of the estate, while you shine and are fully appreciated in yours.