Sophisticated and Collaborative Estate Manager

A kind, down-to-earth private family based in Del Mar is seeking a highly capable Estate Manager to oversee and build out the infrastructure across two residences. This is a unique opportunity to step into a role with a relatively low-maintenance household, but where systems, processes, and oversight need to be established from the ground up. The ideal candidate is hands-on, solutions-oriented, and collaborative, someone who is equally comfortable rolling up their sleeves to address day-to-day needs while also implementing structure, organization, and long-term operational systems. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned Estate Manager who enjoys creating order, building systems, and supporting a kind, respectful family in a long-term, collaborative role.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee day-to-day operations across multiple residences, ensuring all properties are maintained to a high standard
• Collaborate closely with a small, high-functioning team to maintain strong communication and alignment across both properties
• Manage ongoing maintenance, repairs, and property needs, proactively identifying and addressing issues
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all vendors, contractors, and service providers
• Oversee and regularly refine security protocols and home systems to ensure optimal safety, privacy, and functionality
• Ensure proper care, maintenance, and oversight of a waterfront property, including proactive management of environmental exposure, exterior upkeep, and specialized vendors
• Maintain detailed and organized records of expenses, inventory, and ongoing operational needs
• Assist with household scheduling, seasonal planning, and broader operational forecasting
• Recruit, hire, and onboard household staff and vendors as needed, building a high-performing and cohesive team
• Train, supervise, and mentor team to ensure consistent service standards and alignment with the household’s expectations
• Oversee and coordinate home improvement projects and renovations, ensuring timelines and quality standards are met
• Build and implement household systems, procedures, and checklists to ensure efficiency and consistency
• Establish and maintain household manuals, inventories, and documentation
• Support small-scale gatherings and guest experiences, ensuring thoughtful, polished execution with a strong service focus
• Act as a filter for the principals, streamlining communication and ensuring priorities are executed seamlessly
• Coordinate across residences, including a secondary property out of state, ensuring continuity of operations
• Oversee travel-related home preparation and post-travel resets
• Support light personal logistics as needed, ensuring a seamless day-to-day experience

Requirements: 

• 5-10+ years of experience as an Estate Manager or in a similar high-level household management role
• Prior experience managing a waterfront or coastal property
• Experience building systems and infrastructure from scratch within a private household or family office environment
• Strong experience hiring, training, and managing household staff
• Strong project management experience, including renovations and vendor oversight
• Proven ability to lead and collaborate with staff and vendors
• Hands-on, proactive mindset with a willingness to jump in where needed
• Excellent communication skills with a calm, professional, and service-oriented demeanor
• High level of discretion, emotional intelligence, and sound judgment
• Grounded, thoughtful, and easy to work with
• Able to integrate naturally into a relaxed, collaborative household
• Solutions-driven and resourceful, with strong follow-through
• Able to balance big-picture thinking with day-to-day execution
• Comfortable in an evolving environment where structure is still being built
• Strong sense of humor and positive energy, contributing to a warm, approachable, and enjoyable household environment

Compensation: Up to $225K+, excellent healthcare benefits, PTO

Location: San Diego, CA