The Estate Manager, also known as the Major Domo, is hired to manage all the affairs of one or more large estates. This person must have a very strong administrative and managerial background; be well versed in business and social etiquette; have strong communications skills; and must have very good computer skills.
The responsibilities of an Estate Manager involve the direct day-to-day management of the household, including the supervision, scheduling, hiring and firing of staff, as well as making purchasing decisions for all household items from linens to furniture. The Estate Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of ongoing renovations or new construction being undertaken on any of the estates and works in collaboration with architects, designers, contractors and others. He or she is required to plan all aspects of estate events, ranging from social gatherings to birthday parties, and must make arrangements for catering, transportation and accommodations for the guests attending these events. He or she may also be called upon to research and make recommendations on some important undertakings that the employer may be considering, which may involve anything from buying a yacht to building a new home theater. Other responsibilities include overseeing the care and preservation of the fine art and antiques on each estate; supervising estate accounts and expenses; and maintaining all paperwork for payroll, petty cash and other records to be submitted to the accountants.
