Waterfront Estate Operations Lead

Pocketbook Agency; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 202,500 - 247,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent healthcare benefits

Paid time off (PTO)

Job summary

Pocketbook Agency is seeking an experienced Estate Manager to oversee multiple residences in Del Mar, California. The role involves managing daily operations, collaborating with a dedicated team, and ensuring high standards for property maintenance. Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience, particularly with coastal properties, and possess strong project management capabilities. Compensation is attractive, offering a salary up to $225K+, along with excellent healthcare benefits and PTO. This position is intended for a collaborative individual with a solutions-driven mindset.

Qualifications

• 5-10+ years of experience as an Estate Manager or in a similar role.
• Experience managing a waterfront or coastal property.
• Proven ability to lead and collaborate with staff and vendors.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations across multiple residences.
• Collaborate with a small team for strong communication.
• Manage ongoing maintenance, repairs, and property needs.

Skills

Project management

Hiring and training staff

Building systems

Job description

A kind, down-to-earth private family based in Del Mar is seeking a highly capable Estate Manager to oversee and build out the infrastructure across two residences. This is a unique opportunity to step into a role with a relatively low-maintenance household, but where systems, processes, and oversight need to be established from the ground up. The ideal candidate is hands-on, solutions-oriented, and collaborative, someone who is equally comfortable rolling up their sleeves to address day-to-day needs while also implementing structure, organization, and long-term operational systems. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned Estate Manager who enjoys creating order, building systems, and supporting a kind, respectful family in a long-term, collaborative role.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee day-to-day operations across multiple residences, ensuring all properties are maintained to a high standard
• Collaborate closely with a small, high-functioning team to maintain strong communication and alignment across both properties
• Manage ongoing maintenance, repairs, and property needs, proactively identifying and addressing issues
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all vendors, contractors, and service providers
• Oversee and regularly refine security protocols and home systems to ensure optimal safety, privacy, and functionality
• Ensure proper care, maintenance, and oversight of a waterfront property, including proactive management of environmental exposure, exterior upkeep, and specialized vendors
• Maintain detailed and organized records of expenses, inventory, and ongoing operational needs
• Assist with household scheduling, seasonal planning, and broader operational forecasting
• Recruit, hire, and onboard household staff and vendors as needed, building a high-performing and cohesive team
• Train, supervise, and mentor team to ensure consistent service standards and alignment with the household’s expectations
• Oversee and coordinate home improvement projects and renovations, ensuring timelines and quality standards are met
• Build and implement household systems, procedures, and checklists to ensure efficiency and consistency
• Establish and maintain household manuals, inventories, and documentation
• Support small-scale gatherings and guest experiences, ensuring thoughtful, polished execution with a strong service focus
• Act as a filter for the principals, streamlining communication and ensuring priorities are executed seamlessly
• Coordinate across residences, including a secondary property out of state, ensuring continuity of operations
• Oversee travel-related home preparation and post-travel resets
• Support light personal logistics as needed, ensuring a seamless day-to-day experience

Requirements:

• 5-10+ years of experience as an Estate Manager or in a similar high-level household management role
• Prior experience managing a waterfront or coastal property
• Experience building systems and infrastructure from scratch within a private household or family office environment
• Strong experience hiring, training, and managing household staff
• Strong project management experience, including renovations and vendor oversight
• Proven ability to lead and collaborate with staff and vendors
• Hands-on, proactive mindset with a willingness to jump in where needed
• Excellent communication skills with a calm, professional, and service-oriented demeanor
• High level of discretion, emotional intelligence, and sound judgment
• Grounded, thoughtful, and easy to work with
• Able to integrate naturally into a relaxed, collaborative household
• Solutions-driven and resourceful, with strong follow-through
• Able to balance big-picture thinking with day-to-day execution
• Comfortable in an evolving environment where structure is still being built
• Strong sense of humor and positive energy, contributing to a warm, approachable, and enjoyable household environment

Compensation: Up to $225K+, excellent healthcare benefits, PTO

Pocketbook Agency is acting solely as a recruiting and placement firm for this position and is not the employer of record for this role unless otherwise explicitly stated. All hiring decisions, compensation, benefits, and employment terms are determined by the client employer. By applying, you acknowledge that submission of an application does not guarantee placement or employment.

Pocketbook Agency is an equal opportunity recruiting firm and does not discriminate in its recruiting, screening, or placement practices based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.