Estate Manager / House Manager - Luxury Private Residence

Role Overview

This position is for a seasoned Estate Manager / House Manager to run the everyday operations of an ultra-luxury private home in Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. The role is senior in nature and requires a consistently high standard of service aligned with five-star hospitality. The selected professional will oversee household teams, coordinate contractors and vendors, safeguard the property and its assets, manage budgets, and ensure smooth, discreet, and efficient delivery across every part of the residence.

The ideal background includes significant experience in luxury homes, private estates, family offices, boutique hotels, or VIP households, along with excellent organisation, leadership, and attention to detail.

Household Operations

• Take full ownership of the residence’s daily running.
• Create and refine household procedures and service standards.
• Keep the property in pristine condition at all times.
• Plan and coordinate the daily household timetable and activities.
• Oversee guest arrivals, special occasions, and private gatherings.

Team Leadership and Staff Management

You will guide a broad household team that may include executive housekeepers, housekeepers, private chefs, kitchen assistants, butlers, chauffeurs, gardeners, maintenance staff, security staff, laundry staff, pool teams, and outside service partners.

• Support hiring and recruitment efforts.
• Handle onboarding and training.
• Build schedules and duty rosters.
• Monitor performance, attendance, and presentation standards.
• Encourage staff development and handle disciplinary issues where needed.

Property and Facilities Oversight

The role includes managing key estate systems and assets such as the building structure, MEP systems, HVAC, swimming pools, elevators, security and CCTV systems, access controls, home automation, AV systems, lighting controls, kitchens, marble, joinery, glazing, landscaping, irrigation, furniture, artwork, and decorative items.

Preventive maintenance plans must be coordinated carefully, with all contractors supervised to ensure top-quality delivery.

Vendor and Contractor Coordination

• Identify and appoint suitable service providers.
• Negotiate service agreements and contracts.
• Track the quality of services delivered.
• Assess quotations and maintenance proposals.
• Manage annual maintenance contracts.
• Check invoices before they are approved for payment.
• Ensure all contractors follow safety and security rules.

Procurement and Inventory Control

• Oversee household buying and purchasing.
• Maintain stock levels and inventory records.
• Control general supplies and premium household consumables.
• Manage uniforms, linens, tableware, and equipment.
• Set up and maintain inventory tracking processes.

Budgeting and Financial Administration

• Prepare operational budgets and monitor spend.
• Keep household expenses under control.
• Maintain accurate expense documentation.
• Prepare monthly management reports.
• Track maintenance-related costs closely.

Health, Safety, and Compliance

• Ensure the estate follows health and safety requirements.
• Design and maintain emergency response procedures.
• Carry out regular inspections.
• Keep insurance records current.
• Make sure statutory inspections are completed on time.

Hospitality and Guest Experience

• Coordinate guest stays and arrivals.
• Oversee meal service standards.
• Manage private events with care and precision.
• Deliver a seamless experience for every guest.
• Protect confidentiality and exercise discretion at all times.

Experience and Professional Profile

The preferred candidate should bring 7 to 10 years of experience in managing luxury private residences, villas, estates, boutique hotels, or UHNW family offices. Prior supervision of multi-skilled household teams is important, as is a strong understanding of facilities and property management. Experience managing high-value residential assets is also expected.

Strong written and spoken English is required. Candidates should be highly organised, detail-focused, confident with Microsoft Office and digital maintenance platforms, and able to lead with professionalism. A UAE driving licence is preferred.

Education and Qualifications

A degree or diploma in Hospitality Management, Facilities Management, Hotel Management, or Business Administration is preferred. Professional certifications in Facilities Management or Hospitality are an advantage. Experience with luxury smart homes, integrated building management systems, preventive maintenance planning, and contractor coordination will be beneficial.

Personal Attributes

• High integrity and absolute discretion.
• Strong service mindset.
• Composed under pressure.
• Excellent problem-solving ability.
• Polished appearance and strong etiquette.
• Hands-on leadership style.
• Willingness to work beyond standard hours when necessary.

What the Role Offers

• A salary aligned with experience.
• A long-term career opportunity.
• The chance to work in one of Dubai’s most prestigious private residences.
• A respectful, professional, and supportive work culture.
• The opportunity to lead and shape a high-performing household team.

Location and Employment Details

This is a full-time, onsite role based in Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE.