A private household in Santa Barbara is seeking an experienced House Manager to oversee daily property operations and ensure the home runs smoothly, efficiently, and with consistency. This is a hands-on role for a seasoned professional who is comfortable working independently, building systems, and taking full ownership of household operations while understanding the importance of alignment before final decisions are made.
The position is based primarily out of a professional office near the residence, with regular on-site presence as needed for home walkthroughs, maintenance oversight, and project coordination. The environment is intentionally low-traffic and highly private, requiring a calm, organized, and discreet individual who operates with professionalism and care.
The ideal candidate is proactive, detail-oriented, and interested in a long-term role. Success in this position requires sound judgment, the ability to anticipate needs, and comfort maintaining organization and forward progress even when the principal is off-site. While the House Manager will be expected to take initiative and manage matters independently, major decisions and recommendations should be thoughtfully presented and reviewed with the principal prior to execution. This role is well suited to someone who takes pride in maintaining high standards, creating structure, and ensuring continuity across household operations.
The House Manager will report directly to the Director of Operations, who will provide onboarding and ongoing collaboration. Clear communication, transparency, and discernment are essential, with an emphasis on providing visibility into what is being handled, exercising thoughtful judgment and discretion, and knowing when to seek guidance before moving forward.
Responsibilities:
• Manage the overall upkeep of the property, including the residence, grounds, vehicles, and household systems
• Oversee the daily operations and maintenance of the Santa Barbara residence
• Conduct regular home walkthroughs, maintenance oversight, and AV and electronic systems checks, including Wi-Fi and sound systems
• Source, vet, hire, and oversee all vendors and contractors, including obtaining quotes, verifying credentials, insurance, and references, coordinating access, and ensuring quality of work
• Initiate and oversee all general maintenance tasks and repairs
• Create a maintain a detailed house manual
• Create and maintain detailed checklists, calendars, and cleaning and maintenance schedules for the home, vehicles, and equipment, ensuring all schedules are adhered to
• Collaborate with and support two on-site house cleaners
• Provide special attention and care to fine furnishings and finishes
• Organize and manage household inventories, closets, storage areas, and household supplies
• Manage packages, deliveries, and general household logistics
• Oversee and report on household budgets and expenses
• Run errands as needed and upon request
• Maintain productivity, organization, and accountability when the principal is out of state
• Provide clear communication, reporting, and status updates to the Director of Operations and principal
• Greet guests and visitors, answer phones, and take messages on behalf of the principal as appropriate
• Serve as the point person in emergencies, including inspecting and securing the property, and promptly informing the principal and Director of Operations of any urgent issues
• Support special projects as needed and proactively address issues as they arise
• Maintain discretion, confidentiality, and a calm, professional presence at all times
• Handle additional House Manager responsibilities as needed and requested
Requirements:
• Strong command of the English language; exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal
• Excellent professional references required
• Minimum 3-5+ years experience in a House Manager or similar private service role with the ability to work independently
• Understands and protects confidential matters with the highest levels of diplomacy, confidentiality, and discretion
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to implement and maintain systems
• Excellent judgment, initiative, and problem-solving ability
• High emotional intelligence and professional communication style
• Demonstrated reliability, see-it-through mindset, and long-term orientation
• Comfort managing a residence even when the principal is away for extended periods
• Tech-savvy and comfortable using systems to track maintenance, schedules, and household needs
• Able to anticipate needs with a proactive approach and strong dedication to responsibilities
• Self-starter who can work with little direction
• Valid Driver’s License; and has their own vehicle
• Authorized to work within the United States
Salary: Highly Competitive - DOE; All salaries are Dependent On Experience, References, and results of a Federal Background Check
Benefits: Benefits offered after 30 days of employment