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House Manager Job

  • Sector: Private Households & Estates
  • Function: Butler, House Manager
  • Contact: Andy Hodges
  • Contact Phone: +442072339950
  • Start Date: ASAP for the right candidate
  • Location: Cannes
  • Salary: €5,000 to €6,000 NPM
  • Job Ref: 171226
  • Contact Email: andy@greycoatlumleys.co.uk

Full-time Live-in House Manager Job – Private Estate, Cannes, France

We are seeking an experienced and highly organized House Manager to oversee the daily operations of a prestigious private estate in Cannes. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining the property to the highest standard, managing a large household team, ensuring security, overseeing budgets and finances, and acting as the owner’s trusted representative on-site — both when the family is in residence and during their absence. The House Manager will reside in the guardian’s house on the estate year-round, with responsibility for arming and securing the property each night. When the principals are away (approximately half the year), the House Manager will ensure the estate remains in excellent condition, manage staff and contractors, and handle any emergencies. Reports to the Estate Owner / Principal.

This is a dynamic, hands-on role with significant seasonal variation. When the family is in residence — especially during the busy summer months — the estate hosts a large family and numerous guests, requiring exceptional hospitality coordination, service oversight, and problem-solving under pressure. During quieter months, the focus shifts to preventative maintenance, project management, and staff training.

Key Responsibilities

Household Operations & Maintenance

  • Oversee the daily running of the estate, ensuring all interior and exterior areas are maintained to impeccable standards.

  • Manage upkeep of gardens, pool, and grounds, coordinating with gardeners, pool technicians, and contractors.

  • Plan and oversee repairs, renovations, and preventative maintenance schedules.

Security & Safety

  • Arm and secure the house each night after all residents have gone to bed.

  • Oversee and coordinate 24/7 security team operations, ensuring protocols are followed.

  • Act as the primary on-site contact in emergencies, liaising with local authorities and emergency services as required.

  • Ensure security and safety procedures are upheld both during family stays and when the property is vacant.

Staff Management

  • Lead, train, and supervise household staff, including: chef, butler/server, three maids, and four security staff.

  • Prepare staff schedules, arrange cover for absences, and ensure smooth communication between departments.

  • Maintain high service standards, staff professionalism, and a positive team environment.

  • Financial & Administrative Management

  • Prepare and manage the household budget with attention to cost efficiency.

  • Process invoices, manage expense tracking, and maintain financial records.

  • Source, negotiate, and manage supplier and contractor relationships.

Guest & Event Coordination

  • Coordinate with the chef, butler, and security during high-capacity summer periods when the estate is busy with family and guests.

  • Ensure smooth logistics and presentation for private gatherings.

  • Local Liaison & Problem Solving

  • Maintain strong relationships with local service providers, suppliers, and emergency contacts.

  • Use local knowledge to swiftly handle repairs, special requests, and unexpected issues.

  • Arrange services, deliveries, and procurement as required by the principals.

Qualifications & Experience

  • Experience managing a large private estate, luxury residence, or high-end hospitality property.

  • Proven leadership skills and experience managing diverse teams.

  • Strong financial management skills, including budgeting and expense tracking.

  • Fluent in English and French (additional languages a plus).

  • Established network of reliable local contacts in Cannes and surrounding areas.

  • Discreet, trustworthy, and adaptable under pressure.

Personal Attributes

  • Professional appearance and demeanour.

  • Highly organized, proactive, and solution-focused.

  • Calm under pressure with the ability to anticipate needs, with a positive attitude

  • Flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays when required.

Benefits

  • Salary circa €5,000 to 6,000 DOE NET per annum 

  • Separate (within grounds) large accommodation 

  • Full professional French contract 

Job No: 171226

Consultant: Andy Hodges