Working for a private UHNW family office this role is responsible for the seamless management of multiple residences, lifestyle operations, and support services in South Africa. The South African residences serve as key family properties that require year-round operational oversight, hospitality excellence, and discreet lifestyle coordination.
This role will manage and maintain the residences to exceptional standards, ensuring seamless household operations, staff leadership, budget management, property upkeep, and lifestyle support. The role provides on-the-ground operational oversight during periods of residence while working closely with the London-based Executive Assistants to deliver exceptional service, efficiency, and discretion.
This right candidate will be a highly organised, service-oriented professional with 3–5 years’ experience in household management, luxury hospitality, concierge, or private estate operations. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, financial oversight, cultural awareness within South Africa, and the ability to anticipate the family’s needs while managing multiple priorities in a dynamic private household environment.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
- Lead all day-to-day operations of the South African residences, ensuring the property is maintained to impeccable standards at all times.
- Act as line manager for all employed and freelance household staff, including chefs, housekeepers, nannies, chauffeurs, security personnel, and maintenance teams.
- Oversee recruitment, onboarding, rota scheduling, performance management, and professional development of all household staff.
- Establish and maintain exceptional hospitality and service standards for family members and guests.
- Manage household budgets, annual forecasting, expense tracking, and financial reporting in coordination with family office stakeholders.
- Process invoices, supplier payments, and service provider accounts accurately and efficiently.
- Coordinate all household maintenance, preventative servicing, repairs, renovations, and long-term property upkeep, including swimming pool and grounds management.
- Manage home, property, vehicle, and related insurance policies, ensuring compliance and timely renewals.
- Oversee vehicle fleet maintenance, servicing schedules, registrations, and operational readiness.
- Coordinate and regularly review household security protocols, systems, and third-party providers to ensure family safety and privacy.
- Arrange all South African travel logistics for family members and international guests, including airport transfers, chauffeurs, vehicle hire, accommodation, and helicopter bookings where required.
- Manage household procurement, errands, and lifestyle requests with efficiency and discretion.
- Serve as the primary in-country liaison between the South African residence and London-based Executive Assistants for ad hoc lifestyle support.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety standards across the property and household operations.
- Build strong relationships with trusted local vendors, contractors, and hospitality providers.
- Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and understanding of South Africa’s diverse communities and service environments.
- Maintain absolute confidentiality, professionalism, and discretion at all times.
Qualifications and Accreditations
Degree – Hospitality Management / Business Administration
Accreditations – Health & Safety / First Aid
3–5 years’ experience in private household management, luxury hospitality, concierge, or estate operations
Budgeting, accounting, and invoice management experience
Knowledge of South African culture, service standards, and operational environment
