Junior House Manager

Junior House Manager
Private Residences · Palo Alto, California
Candidates must live in the South Bay!

The Role

Two principals are seeking a full-time Junior House Manager to support the day-to-day operations of their two Palo Alto homes. This is a hands-on role for someone who is organized, resourceful, and excited to help build household operations from the ground up. You'll work closely with the principals' Director of Personal Affairs, who will guide and train you, and you'll take ownership of keeping both homes stocked, running smoothly, and well documented. The principals also have homes in San Francisco, so occasional support there may be needed, but the Palo Alto homes are the priority.

The ideal candidate has 2 to 3 years of experience in private household operations, though we're open to candidates whose backgrounds don't follow a traditional private service path. This team moves at a fast, start-up pace. The right person is comfortable jumping in, figuring things out, and adapting as needs change. You're eager to learn, open to feedback, and bring some life experience and good judgment to the role. Above all, you make things easy, stay efficient, and know when to handle something yourself and when to escalate it.

Location Requirement

Candidates must already live in the South Bay so they can reach the Palo Alto homes quickly, including in an emergency. This requirement is non-negotiable.

Schedule

• Mornings: Administrative work from home
• Midday and afternoons: On-site at the homes, meeting vendors and handling household needs
• Wrap up by 5:00 to 6:00 PM each day
• Be flexible and on-call for emergencies 

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of two Palo Alto residences
• Source, vet, hire, and meet with vendors and service providers
• Coordinate with the existing housekeeper and gardener and make sure their work meets the household's standards
• Serve as the first point of contact for vendor questions and invoices
• Manage household stocking and inventory, including groceries and supplies
• Handle light laundry as needed
• Build and maintain household manuals for each home, including how items are organized
• Create and manage preventative maintenance schedules and protocols
• Create a guest guide for each home
• Build packing lists and help with packing and unpacking
• Support the San Francisco homes as needed
• Work closely with the Director of Personal Affairs and escalate decisions when appropriate
• Support occasional dinner parties in the future as needs grow

Qualifications

• 2 to 3 years of experience in private household operations, or relevant experience in a fast-paced environment such as a start-up, hospitality, or executive support
• Familiar with household stocking and inventory management
• Experience building organizational systems, such as household manuals and preventative maintenance plans
• Experience vetting, hiring, and managing vendors
• Comfortable working collaboratively with the client's Director of Personal Affairs
• Resourceful, adaptable, and comfortable with ambiguity
• Open to learning, taking direction, and receiving feedback
• Highly organized and efficient, with strong follow-through
• Discreet and respectful of the principals' privacy
• Must be comfortable signing an NDA
• Must live in the South Bay
• Reliable vehicle and valid driver's license
• Legally authorized to work in the US
• Able to undergo a background check and provide excellent references

Compensation and Benefits

• $130,000+ per year | depending on experience
• Full benefits package
• Healthcare coverage
• 2 weeks PTO per year
• 5 paid sick days 
• 9 paid holidays
• 401k + employer match
• DoorDash credit for lunch

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.