Household Manager

Job Title: Household Manager (Spanish Speaking Required / Portuguese a Plus)

Location: Washington, DC

Schedule:
Full-Time, averaging 40–45 hours per week

Combination of weekdays, weekends, and evenings, including time on and off property

Compensation: Starting salary of $125,000 per year, commensurate with experience

Benefits: Benefits offered

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Household Manager will be responsible for managing the family’s main household operations for a family of seven, including five children under the age of 11. The role includes overseeing up to 15 staff members and ad hoc contractors while providing daily support for all household needs, with the core focus centered on the children’s well-being.

The Household Manager will be an experienced self-starter with a professional outlook and a “lead from the front” attitude. This role requires proactive problem-solving with a high level of independence, discretion, trustworthiness, and the ability to balance assertiveness with compassion in staff management. Flexibility for after-hours support is required to adapt to the dynamic needs of the household and principals.

The Household Manager reports to the Estate Manager and works closely with the Estate Manager and Principals to implement family plans and visions while continually developing and improving systems. Core duties include managing inventory and purchasing, overseeing staff, managing schedules and onboarding, and coordinating vendors for household maintenance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Staff Management

• Onboard and train staff as needed for the Principals’ primary residence.

• Manage staff scheduling, including vacation and sick leave, ensuring coverage at all times.

• Act as a key resource for HR-related issues, implementing house rules, policies, and procedures.

• Manage additional vendors and service providers as the property and Principals’ needs evolve.

Childcare

• Adjust childcare to reflect the needs of the Principal family, including regular observation and review to ensure age-appropriate care and interactions.

• Coordinate educational, health, and recreational activities, including schedules and calendars.

Housekeeping

• Oversee housecleaning services and guide cleaning standards based on Principal preferences.

• Maintain responsibility for cleanliness and organization of the main residence and additional facilities such as offices and storage areas.

• Ensure daily and weekly cleaning assignments are appropriately delegated.

• Maintain cleaning standards with attention to specialty décor and furniture.

• Ensure equipment, supplies, and staff training meet established processes.

• Open the main residence daily and clear personal items before contractor work to protect privacy.

Household Operations

• Manage household inventory and purchasing, maintaining organized systems for tools, supplies, and repair inventory.

• Oversee financial management, including budgeting for operational expenses and coordination with household bookkeepers.

• Manage documents for legal, tax, and insurance matters, including organization of private documents.

• Conduct initial assessments and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

• Monitor improvements and update the Estate Manager on employee handbook and onboarding or training suggestions.

• Support household errands, logistics, projects, and renovations, including research and implementation.

• Manage all household maintenance issues and resolutions.

• Manage incoming packages and returns.

• Oversee automobile upkeep, including detailing, registration, insurance, garage coordination, and repairs.

Culinary

• Ensure culinary service aligns with family and guest preferences in coordination with the Principals and the cook.

• Approve weekly family menus and order lunches on days the cook is not working.

Travel and Lifestyle

• Plan and manage vacations, including travel arrangements, activities, and schedules.

• Ensure Principals and children are packed appropriately using checklists and wardrobe preferences.

• Assist with coordination of care for the Principals’ parents when required.

Physical Demands

• Maintain full mobility of upper and lower body.

• Reach overhead and work in positions including standing, bending, kneeling, squatting, and sitting for extended periods.

• Lift up to 50 pounds throughout the workday.

• Climb stairs regularly.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Professional, dependable, and punctual with strong confidentiality and conduct standards.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate, resolve conflicts, and manage relationships with adults and children.

• Highly organized, able to juggle priorities and manage multiple calendars under pressure.

• Team-oriented with the ability to support colleagues and build positive team culture.

• Flexible and comfortable working in fluid, sometimes chaotic environments.

• Spanish speaking required; Portuguese a plus.

• Experience managing a fully staffed household highly desirable.