Estate Manager/Houseman job (M/F) in Southampton, New York, USA

New York

Job Description

A private household based in New York is seeking a highly organised and hands-on Estate Manager / Houseman to oversee the day-to-day operations, maintenance, and practical running of the family’s primary residence in Southampton, New York.

This position combines property oversight, project coordination, and traditional private household service. The successful candidate will take ownership of maintenance requirements, supervise repairs and renovation projects, coordinate external contractors, and ensure that the residence remains in excellent condition throughout the year.

Working alongside an established household team, including housekeeping staff and a part-time assistant, the Estate Manager / Houseman will operate within existing procedures and reporting structures. The family values a professional who can work independently, anticipate requirements, maintain accurate records, and resolve issues efficiently without requiring constant supervision.

The role also involves preparing the residence for entertaining, assisting with guest accommodation, managing operational expenses, and helping care for the household’s dogs. The ideal candidate will combine practical problem-solving abilities with the polished conduct, discretion, and service standards expected in a formal private household.

This is an opportunity for an experienced private service professional seeking a long-term position within a structured household, with scope to develop their responsibilities over time.

Responsibilities

Estate Operations and Property Maintenance

Oversee the general upkeep of the Southampton residence, ensuring that the property and its essential systems remain in good working order.
Develop and monitor maintenance schedules, arranging routine servicing and addressing repairs promptly.
Coordinate repair, refurbishment, and construction projects from initial planning through completion.
Liaise with contractors and service providers, monitor progress, and ensure that work meets the household’s expectations.
Assist with project-related measurements, layout planning, and design coordination where required.
Identify maintenance concerns proactively and implement practical solutions with an appropriate sense of urgency.
Support the wider operational requirements of the property and ensure that outstanding tasks are followed through to completion.

Household Service and Guest Preparation

Assist with the smooth running of the residence, providing practical support across front-of-house and back-of-house operations.
Prepare dining areas for formal dinners and private entertaining, following the household’s established service standards.
Ensure guest bedrooms are properly prepared, comfortable, and presented to a high standard.
Assist with household errands, including purchases, collections, and returning items to stores.
Help ensure that the property is ready for the family’s arrival, visitors, and scheduled events.
Work closely with the housekeeper, head housekeeper, and part-time assistant to coordinate daily priorities and maintain consistent standards.

Administration and Financial Oversight

Maintain accurate household records, maintenance logs, project documentation, and operational information.
Use Microsoft Excel and other computer-based systems to track tasks, expenses, and ongoing projects.
Review, document, and approve household expenses within the scope of the role and established authorisation procedures.
Keep invoices, receipts, and relevant records organised for review by the appropriate household manager.
Provide clear written updates on project progress, maintenance issues, expenditures, and outstanding actions.
Follow established reporting procedures and ensure that household information remains accurate and up to date.

Pet Care and Professional Conduct

Assist with the daily care and supervision of the household’s dogs.
Ensure the dogs’ routine needs are addressed in accordance with the family’s instructions.
Maintain strict confidentiality regarding the family, its property, visitors, and personal affairs.
Demonstrate sound judgement and maintain appropriate professional boundaries while remaining attentive to the family’s requirements.
Contribute to a well-organised working environment by communicating effectively and taking responsibility for assigned duties.

Job Requirements

At least five years of experience in formal private service, ideally in estate management, butler service, or a comparable senior household support position.
Strong practical knowledge of property maintenance, contractor coordination, and household operations.
Proven ability to organise repairs, renovations, and multiple ongoing projects efficiently.
Excellent organisational skills and the confidence to manage responsibilities independently.
Strong computer literacy, particularly in Microsoft Excel, spreadsheets, and digital recordkeeping.
Excellent written communication skills and the ability to produce clear, accurate reports.
A proactive mindset, sound judgement, and the ability to prioritise competing demands.
A polished, professional manner suited to a traditional private household.
Comfortable working within an established management structure and following defined procedures.
Absolute discretion when handling confidential household information.
Genuine affection for dogs and willingness to assist with their daily care.
Local candidates based in the New York area are strongly preferred.

The successful candidate will be dependable, detail-oriented, and comfortable balancing hands-on property responsibilities with administrative oversight and household service. Previous experience in a well-structured private residence will be particularly valuable.

Working Conditions

Job Title: Estate Manager / Houseman
Location: Southampton, New York, USA
Employment Type: Full-time, live-out
Work Environment: Formal private household with an established team and defined operating procedures
Paid Vacation: Two weeks initially, increasing by one additional week every two years
Holidays: Paid holiday entitlement
Health Insurance: Not provided
Timekeeping: Working hours recorded and approved through the household manager
Recruitment Process: Formal interviews, professional reference checks, and a paid trial day

Salary

$120,000–$150,000 per year, depending on experience, qualifications, and suitability for the position.

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This job offer is brought to you by Luc Moreau

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Luc Moreau

Private Employer

Spécialisé dans la fourniture de solutions de recrutement et de dotation en personnel pour divers secteurs d'activité de VIP Household. Fort de plus de trente ans d'expérience dans le secteur, je mets à votre disposition une expertise approfondie. Je suis fier de détenir les certifications ELAC et CSP, qui attestent de ma maîtrise du droit du travail et des meilleures pratiques en matière de recrutement.

This job offer is managed by MMI's agency New York- USA

Address : 2040 Forest Ave, Staten Island, New York, NY - United States

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