Travelling Estate Manager – Dubai

We are delighted to be working with a prominent UHNW family based in Dubai to recruit a highly experienced and exceptionally capable Travelling Estates Manager. This is a senior, hands-on role for a polished professional with a minimum of three to five years' experience managing multiple estates for an ultra-high-net-worth or VIP family. The successful candidate will take full operational ownership of the principal's residences, ensuring each property is maintained, staffed, and presented to an impeccable standard whenever the family is in residence.

This is a highly active, travel-intensive position requiring the flexibility to move ahead of the family to prepare properties for their arrival, as well as to accompany them during extended stays — including periods of one to two months in locations such as London. Working closely with the PA, Senior Butler, junior PA, and drivers, the Estates Manager will lead the household team in a collaborative yet authoritative capacity, reporting directly to the Business Manager/Chief of Staff and the principals. The ideal candidate will be someone who has previously supported a lady principal with children, managing a busy private lifestyle with discretion and quiet efficiency.

Candidates must hold an EU or UK passport. This is a live-out position, and candidates must have access to their own vehicle, with mileage reimbursed. Accommodation will be provided when travelling and working outside of Dubai. The role operates on a management contract basis of fifty hours per week on property, with two days off per week and days in lieu where applicable.

Key Responsibilities
Operations

• Supervise and coordinate household staff throughout the day, liaising with butlers, housekeepers, chefs, and all team members to ensure all areas are serviced to the family's expectations
• Conduct constant checks of standards and work quality to ensure meals are served promptly, areas are maintained as requested, and service is delivered to the highest level
• Act as the sole point of contact for the family within the house, managing and despatching requests throughout the day
• Coordinate closely with the PA and family to ensure all daily activities are aligned with drivers, security, nannies, and external providers including trainers, beauticians, and specialist locations
• Maintain all household stocks at required levels, overseeing ordering carried out by relevant team members in line with family preferences
• Plan and execute both intimate and large-scale events with varying guest lists, managing all logistics, budgeting, and coordination with service providers
• Step into the butler role as required during periods of absence, working alongside the team for all events and service occasions

Training & Standards

• Regularly train new and existing staff to ensure consistent, exceptional service standards are upheld across all team members
• Plan deep cleaning and additional housekeeping tasks strategically during the family's absences
• Conduct daily spot checks and re-train staff as required to maintain standards
• Prepare and maintain thorough service documentation and staff manuals covering all housekeeping protocols, table settings, and house opening and closing procedures
• Continuously develop and implement improvements to staff efficiency and service quality
• Respond swiftly to feedback from the family, adapting service protocols to reflect any changes in preferences or household requirements

Staff Management & HR Administration

• Oversee the full recruitment process for all residential staff, including CV reviews, interviews, and background and reference checks

• Build and maintain a comprehensive service manual inclusive of detailed job descriptions, task breakdowns by area, and family preferences
• Create and manage weekly staff rotas for all residential positions, including nanny travel requirements
• Track and verify employee timecards and submit hours to the payroll provider, highlighting overtime to the Business Manager as required
• Maintain strong team cohesion through regular communication, promoting collaboration and swiftly addressing any interpersonal issues
• Document employee matters thoroughly and work with the Business Manager on disciplinary steps as appropriate
• Travel to other residences for short to medium periods to set up, train staff, and establish operational standards ahead of the family's arrival
• Manage staff onboarding and maintain up-to-date documentation in compliance with local regulations

Property & Estate Management

• Ensure all interior and exterior areas of each estate, including gardens and outbuildings, are maintained in exceptional physical, mechanical, and technical working order
• Organise all repairs promptly and ensure all property and equipment is maintained on schedule
• Work closely with vendors and contractors to verify all works are completed to the highest standard, within budget, and to the family's full satisfaction
• Build and maintain a comprehensive house manual covering operations, troubleshooting, vetted service providers, and emergency response procedures
• Continuously identify cost-saving opportunities and improvements to mechanical and energy efficiency across all properties
• Review bids and quotes for repair, maintenance, and construction projects, submitting for Business Manager approval and overseeing implementation

Logistical & Financial

• Plan highly complex travel in coordination with the PA, overseeing staff scheduling, meticulous packing, and the maintenance of detailed packing lists for each trip
• Maintain meticulous records of all household expenditure, reviewing and monitoring spending across the residential team and providing regular reports to the Business Manager and family accountants

Ideal Candidate

• Minimum of three to five years' experience as a House Manager or Estates Manager for a UHNW or VIP principal
• Demonstrable experience managing multiple properties simultaneously, leading diverse teams across different locations
• Prior experience supporting a lady principal with children and an active private lifestyle
• EU or UK passport holder with the right to work in the UAE
• Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to anticipate needs in advance
• Strong leadership skills with a collaborative, hands-on approach to team management
• Discreet, professional, and calm under pressure with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Flexible and willing to travel at short notice; able to remain on call and work from home outside standard hours when required
• Tech-comfortable; confident using digital tools, company devices, and communication platforms
• Own vehicle available for use; UAE driving licence held or transferable

Package

• Working schedule: 50 hours per week on property; 2 days off per week with days in lieu as applicable
• Salary: AED 35,000 – 40,000 per month gross / $9,500 – $10,500 net per month
• Per diem: USD 50 per night when travelling outside the UAE
• Discretionary annual bonus
• Live-out position; own vehicle required with mileage reimbursed for shopping and household errands
• Health insurance (commencing after 90-day probationary period)
• UAE visa and contract provided

Job Status: Live
Responsible Consultant: Philippa Smith