KP854 - Full-Time Grounds/House Manager - Philadelphia, PA

Overview:

An UHNW family is seeking an exceptional grounds/ house manager for a private estate located on 30 acres in the suburbs of Philadelphia, starting asap. The residence comprises approximately 16,000 sq ft and operates as a fully staffed, high-functioning private household that requires a high degree of autonomy and self-direction. A fully independent apartment is provided adjacent to the main residence. Pets are welcome. A housekeeper/house manager and a barn manager are also employed. 

 

The family have four children ranging in age from 15 through 26 years, and three dogs (two Labradors and one elderly Rhodesian Ridgeback), so candidates should be both child and pet-friendly, with experience working with both in busy, dynamic households that are first and foremost a family home.

 

The schedule will be 6 days per week, with Sundays off, typically starting anywhere from ~6am to 8am and finishing anywhere from ~4pm to 6pm, with flexibility required for events or changing household demands.

 

The family travel almost constantly, and candidates must be able to maintain the home to an exceptional standard in their absence, while independently troubleshooting and managing the estate with a high degree of autonomy, ensuring it is consistently maintained in immaculate, guest-ready condition and always fully prepared for the family’s return.

Responsibilities:

Estate Management & Operations

• Full oversight of daily estate operations and smooth running of the property
• Coordination with vendors/contractors
• Liaison with barn manager and housekeeper/ house manager
• Oversight of household functioning in principals’ absence
• Ensure the residence is consistently guest-ready

Property Systems Oversight

• Monitoring basic estate systems including:
• • Water systems
  • HVAC systems
  • General mechanical infrastructure
• Coordination of external engineers and maintenance providers

Grounds & Support Functions

• Light gardening coordination alongside external landscaping teams
• General awareness of upkeep across 30-acre estate
• Dog care and morning routines as part of daily operations

Qualifications:

• Extensive experience in UHNW private households or large estate environments
• Strong domestic skill set including laundry and household organisation
• Proven ability to manage large properties and coordinate contractors
• Calm, discreet, and highly adaptable in high-pressure environments
• Strong judgement and ability to work independently
• Comfortable with dogs and rural estate living
• Valid driving license required
• Fluent English required

Requirements:

• Valid U.S. Passport, Green Card, or Employment Authorization Card (EAC)
• Must be discreet, private, respectful and kind
• Comfortable working autonomously and maintaining exceptional standards in the absence of the family
• Strong team player with ability to integrate into established staff structure
• Personal vehicle required for off-duty use (car provided for on-duty use)
• Willingness to live on-site in provided apartment
• Ability to operate in a dynamic, busy household that is first and foremost a family home

Salary and Benefits:

• $140-150k DOE
• On-site accommodation (modern, private apartment)
• Annual performance-based bonuses
• Healthcare coverage/stipend
• Pets permitted in accommodation