Junior Estate Manager

DM Estate Staffing•Palo Alto, CA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Two principals are seeking a full-time Junior House Manager to support the day-to-day operations of their two Palo Alto homes. This hands-on role is for an organized, resourceful person who is excited to help build household operations from the ground up. The Junior House Manager will work closely with the principals' Director of Personal Affairs, who will provide guidance and training, and will take ownership of keeping both homes stocked, running smoothly, and well documented. The principals also have homes in San Francisco, where occasional support may be needed, though the Palo Alto homes are the priority. The team operates at a fast, start-up pace. The role calls for someone comfortable jumping in, figuring things out, and adapting as needs change. The ideal candidate is eager to learn, open to feedback, brings life experience and good judgment, works efficiently, and knows when to handle matters independently and when to escalate them. Mornings are spent on administrative work from home, with midday and afternoons on-site at the homes meeting vendors and handling household needs. The workday wraps up by 5:00 to 6:00 PM. The person must be flexible and on-call for emergencies. 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.

Requirements

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.
Familiarity 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 already 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.

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 ensure their work meets household 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 documentation of 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.