Household Manager

HOUSEHOLD MANAGER 

McLean, Virginia 

Full-Time | Immediate Start 

$150,000 – $175,000+ Annually | Comprehensive Benefits Package 

Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 5:30 pm | Administrative Tasks handled remotely

Local Candidates Only 

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking a seasoned, hands-on Household Manager who brings a genuine hospitality mindset, an exceptional eye for detail,  and a proactive, anticipatory approach to private household management. This person will serve as the primary point of  contact for the day-to-day interior operations of the home — someone who creates order instinctively, builds systems that  last, and addresses needs before they are ever expressed. 

The ideal candidate for this role will ideally come from a housekeeping or executive housekeeping background - though this is not required - with a strong knowledge of surface care, cleaning techniques, and the specific requirements of maintaining a high-caliber home, as well as the ability to provide thoughtful oversight and support to full-time housekeepers. They understand that excellence in a home of this caliber is not reactive; it is constant, deliberate, and deeply felt. This role is suited to a true household professional who takes quiet satisfaction in an immaculate, well-ordered environment and approaches each day with intention, care, and a commitment to consistently elevated standards.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES 

Household Operations 

• Uphold the highest standards of cleanliness, presentation, and order throughout the home; conduct regular walkthroughs and address any concerns proactively and without prompting 
• Ensure all areas of the residence are consistently organized, clean, and ready for use 
• Oversee the care of hardwood floors, delicate surfaces, and all furnishings — applying an 'everything in its place'  standard throughout every room 
• Manage and maintain inventory of pantry provisions, household cleaning supplies, and cat care items, ensuring  seamless replenishment 
• Polish silver and care for specialty household items with appropriate technique and attention
• Provide daily care for the two household cats: twice-daily feeding and litter box maintenance
• Submit a daily end-of-day summary report 

Staff & Vendor Management 

• Directly supervise two housekeeping staff members, managing their schedules, coverage arrangements, vacation  coordination, and day-to-day direction; serve as their primary point of accountability 
• Collaborate with the Estate Manager on property-wide operational needs and provide capable coverage support  during their absence 
• Coordinate with external landscapers, gardeners, contractors, and service providers as needed; manage scheduling,  access, and timing for deliveries and ongoing projects

Organization, Systems & Seasonal Transitions 

• Establish and maintain intuitive, lasting organizational systems throughout the residence — ones that are easy to  follow and consistently upheld 
• Develop and maintain household reference guides and standard operating procedures; hold the team accountable to  using them as part of daily practice 
• Keep the linen room, pantry, and all supply areas clean, logically arranged, and consistently stocked
• Proactively manage all seasonal transitions, including wardrobe rotation, décor changes, and full household  preparation for each season 
• Use downtime purposefully to advance ongoing organization projects, special tasks, and continuous improvement of  household systems 

Wardrobe, Entertaining & Additional Support 

• Oversee the care, organization, and seasonal rotation of the household wardrobe; assist with packing for travel and  ensure the home is immaculately prepared prior to arrivals 
• Support light in-home entertaining — including dinner parties, small private events, and seasonal holiday preparations
• Run occasional household errands as needed 

IDEAL CANDIDATE 

The right person for this role brings a minimum of five years of experience as a House Manager, Household Manager, or Executive Housekeeper in a large luxury residence.  They are warm, discreet, genuinely proactive, and highly organized — someone who takes quiet pride in an immaculately kept home and finds real satisfaction in running it seamlessly, day after day. 

Candidates with culinary skills, experience managing luxury wardrobe collections, familiarity with silver polishing and the care  of fine household items, and a background supporting private in-home entertaining will be strongly preferred. Comfort with,  and genuine fondness for, cats is essential. 

CULINARY SKILLS 

While not a hard requirement for this role, basic cooking skills are a meaningful bonus. This household values self-sufficiency and thoughtful support, and a House Manager who can prepare a simple meal brings genuine added value to the role. 

Candidates with a natural comfort in the kitchen, an ability to follow recipes with confidence, or any formal or informal culinary background are encouraged to note this when applying. It will be viewed favorably. 

HOUSEHOLD ENVIRONMENT 

This is a fragrance-free household. All household members and staff are asked to refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, or scented personal care products while on the property. Cleaning products used throughout the home are non-toxic and largely scent-free — primarily water- and vinegar-based formulations. Candidates must be fully comfortable operating within these parameters and genuinely willing to align their personal care routines accordingly. This is a non-negotiable aspect of the role.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS 

• Proven experience working in large, multi-staffed private residences — ideally estates of comparable scale and complexity 
• Strong knowledge of surface care and cleaning techniques, as well as housekeeping oversight
• Familiarity with smart home technology, modern household systems, and luxury household appliances
• Consistently professional appearance and demeanor 
• Punctual, organized, and highly reliable — a self-directed professional who requires little oversight
• Warm, collaborative, and personable; able to work gracefully alongside a variety of household staff and principals
• Flexible, calm, and resourceful — approaches challenges with creativity and composure
• Genuinely positive presence with a deep care for the home and the people within it 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills 
• Exceptional organizational ability, attention to detail, and consistent follow-through 
• Comfortable with modern productivity tools; advanced proficiency in Excel preferred • Ability to manage multiple priorities with calm efficiency 
• Local candidates only - must be a commutable distance to McLean, VA
• Three professional references required 
• Willingness to complete a comprehensive background check 
• Valid driver's license and reliable personal vehicle 
• Legally authorized to work in the United States 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Ability to perform full-time, active physical work throughout a large private residence 
• Comfortable with reaching, bending, stooping, lifting, and carrying typical household items as part of daily responsibilities 
• Availability for limited on-call support during non-business hours as occasional needs arise

DM Estate Staffing is a domestic staffing firm headquartered in Silicon Valley, dedicated to connecting exceptional Private Service Professionals with private clients and family offices across the United States. Built over more than a decade on referrals and repeat clients, we have grown thoughtfully by doing one thing well: finding the right person for the right home.

Every member of our recruiting team has worked personally in the homes of prominent private clients, as estate managers, private chefs, household leaders, and more. That lived experience is what sets us apart. We don't just understand private service in theory; we've navigated its nuances, its demands, and its deeply personal nature from the inside. That perspective shapes every search we conduct and every candidate we represent

We encourage you to regularly explore our job board and apply for any roles that align with your experience and aspirations. When your background aligns with what our clients are looking for, we will be in touch. We hope to have the opportunity to work with you soon.