Houseman

Houseman

Private Family

Palm Beach (November-April) | Southampton (April-November)

Role Overview

The Houseman supports the daily operation and overall readiness of private residences in Palm Beach and Southampton. During the winter season, the role is based in Palm Beach and living in home or other will be discussed. During the summer season, the Houseman will reside on property in Southampton and support the family in a live-in capacity.

This is a highly hands-on role requiring strong organizational skills, clear communication, and the ability to work directly with the principal. The ideal candidate is proactive, resourceful, and comfortable executing tasks independently while maintaining alignment with household standards.

Core Responsibilities

Hands-On Property Support

• Maintain interior and exterior areas of the residence to expected standards.
• Conduct regular walkthroughs to ensure readiness and identify maintenance needs.
• Assist with organization, storage systems, seasonal setup, and breakdown.
• Support property preparation during transitions between Palm Beach and Southampton.
• Handle stock management of the homes, communicating gaps to family and assistants.
• Communicate with assistants to ensure home is properly prepared ahead of principals’ arrival.
• Provide daily care and oversight for household animals, including feeding, walking, basic grooming support, coordinating vet visits, and monitoring wellbeing.

Vendor & Research Coordination

• Conduct efficient research on products, services, and property-related needs as requested.
• Source, compare, and coordinate vendors and service providers.
• Schedule and oversee vendor work, ensuring quality and timeliness.
• Maintain organized documentation of vendors, service records, and warranties.

Direct Principal Support

• Work hands-on with the principal on everyday and special projects.
• Provide clear, concise, prompt updates when assigned research or operational tasks.
• Execute requests promptly and professionally while maintaining discretion.
• Respond to communications via text and digital platforms throughout the day.

Household Team Collaboration

• Coordinate with household staff to ensure tasks are clearly assigned and completed.
• Serve as liaison between residences.
• Communicate expectations effectively and follow through on deliverables.
• Support a smooth, respectful, and accountable team environment.
• Adapt responsibilities fluidly as household needs evolve.

Technology & Administrative Support

• Comfortable using computers and digital tools for research, communication, and documentation.
• Manage spreadsheets, vendor logs, and household tracking systems with accuracy.
• Document outcomes on Basecamp promptly after vendor visits or completed tasks.
• Assist with organizing digital files, warranties, manuals, and household records.
• Quickly learn and adapt to home technology systems, smart home platforms, and related software.

Seasonal Structure

• Palm Beach: Winter season (November – April)
• Southampton: Summer season (April – November)
• Travel required between residences during seasonal transitions.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a private household environment as a senior employee required.
• Highly organized with strong follow-through and attention to detail.
• Must have own system for tracking tasks, reminders, and checkoffs.
• Strong research skills with ability to present clear, concise findings.
• Comfortable working directly and frequently with the principal—much communication will be via text rather than face-to-face.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Hands-on, practical, and solutions oriented.
• Physically capable of performing active property-related tasks such as vacuuming and mopping.
• Ability to wear many hats, take direction, and adapt quickly.
• Reference from a previous principal required.