Estate Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Estate Manager

Katonah, NY

Salary $160K to $180K DOE plus benefits

Must live in the area

The Home

This recently renovated home sits on private grounds in Katonah, New York. The house is quiet and warm, with a sophistication that carries through the grounds, much like the principal. The property serves as both, a private residence and an intimate sanctuary of conscious living, reflection and meaningful gatherings. This is a sustainable home, and that shapes how the property is built, run and maintained.

The principal divides time between this home and elsewhere. Guests visit often, and family and extended family stay throughout the year.

The Role

Experience matters here, but so does temperament. Communication and team play count as much as a résumé, along with a calm demeanor under pressure and a sense of self and surroundings.

The estate manager should know how to run a household at this level, be fluent with household management apps and electronic calendars, and be able to set them up properly. The role directs household staff and coordinates outside vendors and practitioners such as chefs, catering, mindful and wellness professionals among others, and plans small events about twice a month.  The property is home to a significant collection of crystals placed throughout the residence and grounds. The Estate Manager must approach their presence and care with appreciation for the crystals and ensure that all related handling, cleaning and maintenance protocols are followed. While prior knowledge is not required, curiosity, respect for conscious living and a genuine interest in learning about the crystals are highly encouraged.

Plans change here, so the estate manager needs to pivot while keeping control of the details and keeping the principal updated.

Responsibilities

Property and home

•    Run any capital improvements through a bidding process

•    Weekly walkthroughs of the property and the perimeter

•    Work closely with landscapers and specialists to support the health of the land, gardens and surroundings ecosystem

•    Track home maintenance schedules and seasonal openings and closings

•    Oversee the stewardship of the crystals throughout the home and grounds, coordinating any cleaning, handling or specialized care in accordance with the principal’s guidance

•    Arrange snow removal planning and spring cleanup

•    Maintain alarm, fire and life safety systems, and a plan for storms and power outages

•    Support the care of the pieces throughout the home and grounds

•    Maintain the vehicles

•    Keep warranties, service records and manuals organized and accessible

Budget and vendors

•    Develop, manage and reconcile the household operating budget with accuracy and transparency with a resource efficient mindset Work with the principal to negotiate vendor agreements, scope and schedule

•    Coordinate insurance schedules for the home, the collection and the vehicles

Guests and events

•    Pre-plan and manage guest arrivals, room prep, dietary and transportation needs

•    Plan small events, roughly twice a month, including rentals, staffing and cleanup

Staff and household

•    Manage and schedule staff, including vendors

•    Pre-plan coverage for holidays and family stays

•    Weekly written updates to the principal through the app

•    Help manage care for a small dog

Requirements

•    Experience running a private household of this size

•    Household management apps and electronic calendars

•    Directing housekeepers and vendors

•    Budget management and vendor negotiation

•    Guest treatment and hospitality

•    Deep respect for nature and sustainability mindset

•    Steady under pressure and through sudden change (e.g. highly organized, warm, grounded, able to anticipate needs while respecting boundaries)

•    Demonstrate commitment to environmental responsible household and property management

•    Discretion and deeply respectful of the principal, guests, practitioners, property and land

•    Must live in the area, 30 minutes during peak rush hour.