Shire & Wold Staffing are exclusively representing an ultra-high-net-worth private Principal in the search for an exceptional Senior House Manager / Estate Director to oversee the full operation of a prestigious private residence in Paris.
This is not a traditional House Manager position. The successful candidate will operate as the executive lead of the property, holding full accountability for the operational performance, presentation, staffing, financial management, asset protection, and overall running of the residence. The role requires a highly experienced private household professional with proven experience operating within complex UHNW environments, balancing executive authority with structured governance, reporting, and approval processes.
Key Responsibilities
- Assume full responsibility for the day-to-day management and operational oversight of the Paris residence
- Lead, manage, and oversee the entire household team including housekeeping, maintenance, security, drivers, kitchen staff, and external contractors
- Ensure the residence is maintained to exceptional standards of presentation, hospitality, cleanliness, functionality, and security at all times
- Prepare, manage, and monitor annual operational budgets and household expenditure
- Oversee procurement processes, supplier negotiations, and disciplined cost management practices including obtaining multiple comparable quotations for non-routine expenditure
- Coordinate all maintenance works, repairs, preventive servicing, and contractor activities alongside the wider Facilities Management function
- Act as the primary liaison between the Principal, family representatives, governance team, and operational staff
- Manage all family visits, guest stays, events, and special arrangements from planning through execution
- Safeguard the property’s assets including fine art, antiques, luxury furnishings, and high-value collections
- Ensure compliance with French employment regulations, health & safety standards, security procedures, and internal governance policies
- Maintain accurate operational reporting, providing weekly and monthly updates directly to the Principal
- Exercise sound judgement and decisive leadership during emergencies or critical situations to protect life, property, and assets
- Maintain the highest levels of confidentiality, discretion, professionalism, and emotional intelligence at all times
Candidate Profile
- Significant experience managing ultra-high-net-worth private residences is essential
- Candidates from hotel-only, hospitality-only, or commercial property backgrounds will not be considered
- Fluent English and French language skills are essential
- Demonstrated experience managing large private household teams and complex residential operations
- Strong financial acumen with experience overseeing household budgets, procurement, reporting, and operational controls
- Solid understanding of French employment law, local authority requirements, and luxury residential service providers within Paris
- Experience managing high-value assets, artwork, antiques, and fine furnishings
- Calm, discreet, mature, and highly professional with exceptional judgement and leadership capability
- Comfortable operating within structured governance and approval frameworks
- Able to command respect whilst maintaining a service-led and collaborative approach
Additional Information
- Live-in accommodation provided within the property
- Comprehensive NDA required prior to disclosure of family or property details
- Long-term opportunity within a highly professional and established UHNW environment
Salary: 120,000-180,000 euros per annum
REF:3603869
