Job Description
House Manager - Calgary
The House Manager is responsible for the overall operation, presentation, service delivery, and daily coordination of a private residence. This role ensures the household runs smoothly, discreetly, and to a consistently high standard.
The successful candidate will act as the central point of coordination for household operations, staff, vendors, events, administration, financial tracking, and direct support to the Principal. This position requires strong household management experience, excellent judgment, hands-on service ability, discretion, and the ability to anticipate needs before they arise.
The role combines private household operations, traditional butler-style service, personal assistance, vendor and project management, and administrative oversight.
Key Responsibilities
Household Operations & Service Delivery
• Oversee day-to-day household operations, ensuring cleanliness, organization, presentation, and service standards are consistently maintained.
• Conduct daily walkthroughs of the property, including interior and exterior areas, to identify and resolve issues proactively.
• Establish, maintain, and improve household systems, protocols, service standards, and operating procedures.
• Manage household inventory, supplies, provisioning, purchasing, and procurement processes.
• Oversee kitchen operations, food service, household dining, and special event execution.
• Maintain household aesthetics, including flowers, seasonal décor, household dressing, and event presentation.
• Support housekeeping standards and provide hands-on coverage when required.
• Assist with pet care and household animal-related needs.
• Provide occasional driving support as required.
Team Leadership & Coordination
• Recruit, onboard, train, schedule, manage, and develop household team members.
• Provide daily direction, support, and performance oversight to ensure service standards are met.
• Build a cohesive, professional, and discreet household team aligned with the expectations of the Principal.
• Write and manage household schedules, ensuring appropriate coverage at all times.
• Cover team member duties and household schedules as needed.
Vendor & Project Management
• Engage, manage, and oversee external vendors, contractors, trades, and service providers.
• Coordinate renovations, construction projects, landscaping, system upgrades, and property improvements.
• Review quotes, negotiate pricing, review invoices for accuracy, and confirm work is completed to agreed standards.
• Maintain strong vendor relationships to support quality, responsiveness, and accountability.
• Identify issues early and provide practical solutions or “Plan B” options when needed.
• Yacht management may be included as an optional responsibility, depending on experience and household needs.
Administration & Financial Management
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date household records, including invoices, contracts, vendor records, employee records, schedules, and operational documentation.
• Manage household budgets, expenses, reconciliations, bill payments, bank accounts, and credit cards.
• Oversee payroll administration and related household employee documentation.
• Prepare monthly expense reports and provide visibility into household financials.
• Support occasional company-related financial or administrative coordination as required.
• Coordinate with company executives, executive assistants, finance contacts, and other professional partners when needed.
• Answer telephone calls, take messages, manage general mail, correspondence, invitations, and household communications.
Principal Support
• Act as a trusted point of contact for the Principal, ensuring household operations align with expectations.
• Anticipate the needs of the Principal and provide proactive, discreet, and professional support.
• Manage communications on behalf of the Principal, including calls, correspondence, invitations, and follow-ups.
• Support personal requirements, including wardrobe management, personal purchasing, prescriptions, lifestyle preferences, and ad hoc tasks.
• Coordinate with external professionals to support travel, events, meetings, personal logistics, and special projects.
• Welcome and host guests, visitors, family members, and business guests with a high standard of hospitality.
• Support planning and service for family, social, and business events held within the household.
Security & Risk Management
• Ensure household security systems, protocols, and procedures are in place and functioning effectively.
• Monitor and address risks related to the property, vendors, operations, staff, and guests.
• Maintain strict confidentiality, discretion, and professionalism in all aspects of the role.
• Respond calmly and proactively in emergency situations.
• Exercise sound judgment, diplomacy, and respect for boundaries at all times.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will bring strong private household management experience and a service-oriented mindset. This person must be highly organized, discreet, proactive, and comfortable working in a hands-on role where no task is too small when supporting the smooth operation of the residence.
The successful candidate will have:
• Previous household management, estate management, butler, or high-end private service experience.
• Strong ability to anticipate the needs of the Principal and household.
• A professional, kind, well-mannered, and compassionate personality.
• Excellent respect for boundaries, confidentiality, discretion, and diplomacy.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• The ability to work collaboratively with staff, vendors, service providers, and professional contacts.
• Proven ability to build and maintain positive working relationships.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to identify issues before they become problems.
• Excellent organization, prioritization, decision-making, and multitasking skills.
• Strong problem-solving ability and adaptability.
• Comfort developing systems, protocols, schedules, and household procedures.
• Strong record-keeping and administrative skills.
• Tech-savviness and the ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Comfort working hands-on when required.
• Calm, professional judgment in emergency or high-pressure situations.
• A strong drive to serve, support, and exceed expectations.
• A valid driver’s license.
• Comfort around dogs and chickens or other household animals.
The standard workday is eight hours; however, flexibility is required to meet the needs of the household and scheduled events. Availability outside of standard working hours may be required to support ongoing operations, special events, or urgent matters.
Our Culture & Benefits
At Strategic Group, we’re committed to helping you build a career you’re excited about. If you’re passionate about working with a dynamic, motivated team in a fast-paced environment, please submit your resume and cover letter today, and join us in making an impact.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and celebrate diversity in all its forms. Our inclusive workplace ensures every employee feels valued and empowered to bring their best self to work.
As part of the Strategic Group team, you’ll enjoy a competitive compensation package, including an extended health and dental benefits plan, company events, flex days, and more.
This position is based in Calgary, Alberta. Applicants must be located in Calgary or the surrounding area.
We appreciate all applications, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.