Estate Manager

ESTATE MANAGER

Atherton, California | Full-Time | $185,000–$245,000

THE ROLE

We're a small, collaborative team that values precision and anticipatory care. The Estate Manager will oversee the estate's day-to-day management, ensuring the property is maintained and operated efficiently. This role involves working closely with the Principals and the family office to ensure the property aligns with their preferences.

One of the principals is a trained chef with Michelin-starred restaurant experience - kitchen organization and cleanliness will be of paramount importance. The Estate Manager will also oversee on-site teams, including housekeeping, facilities and maintenance, and landscaping, and will collaborate closely with the security team to ensure seamless operations. This is a full-time, onsite position requiring hands-on involvement in both daily operations and strategic planning. Some evenings, weekends, and holidays may be required.

WHO YOU ARE

You're an exceptional leader who embodies operational excellence and thrives in dynamic environments. A sharp communicator, both in writing and in person, you make sound judgments, solve complex problems proactively, and bring a high level of emotional intelligence to every interaction. You build trust easily, navigate organizational dynamics with ease, and lead teams with both confidence and grace.

Your attention to detail and understanding of the aesthetic standards required to manage a prominent estate ensure everything runs seamlessly. You've successfully led teams, delivered thoughtful performance reviews, and handled conflict with effectiveness and composure. You foster collaboration, maintain a calm and efficient environment, and are genuinely passionate about creating a well-run, beautifully maintained home.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee all management and maintenance of the estate
• Manage the estate budget and make recommendations for improvements
• Supervise housekeepers, landscaping, facilities and maintenance, renovation and construction teams, and other vendors
• Ensure all security protocols are in place and followed in coordination with the security team
• Coordinate with contractors, vendors, and service providers for work on the estate
• Manage inventory of equipment, supplies, and household items
• Work closely with the landscaping team on beautification plans
• Coordinate scheduling and travel-related activities for the Principals
• Communicate regularly with the Principals and family office on estate operations and any issues that arise

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree required
• Minimum 7 years of experience as an Estate Manager or in a similar role — longevity in past positions is important
• Experience working in a family office environment
• Yacht-level attention to detail
• Skilled in managing budgets, controlling expenses, approving invoices, and reporting on monthly expenditures
• Experienced in sourcing, vetting, and managing vendors for repairs, maintenance, and special projects
• Adept at negotiating contracts and ensuring timely, quality service delivery
• Strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously
• Deep experience leading multi-faceted teams, including performance reviews and conflict resolution
• Knowledge of residential real estate and familiarity with property maintenance and repair
• Experience or genuine interest in art, architectural design, interior design, or real estate development
• Comfortable with technology and software for task and project management, including AI tools such as ChatGPT and Claude
• Exceptionally process and checklist-oriented
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information at all times
• Proactive, approachable, communicative, and calm under pressure
• Flexible and available for on-call needs or emergencies
• Must pass a thorough background check and reference verification
• Must be authorized to work in the United States
• Must be local to the Bay Area, or planning to relocate already  - no relocation assistance is offered

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Starting salary of $185,000–$245,000, commensurate with experience
• Discretionary performance bonus
• Highly competitive benefits package - details shared with qualified candidates

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for all.

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.