Estate/Private Service - Southeastern Michigan

OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE FOR DOMESTIC STAFF (Partial Listing)

As of May 12, 2008

Harper Associates handles many exclusive assignments for prominent executives in the metropolitan Detroit area. These positions are typically based in large, private estates located in Bloomfield Hills, Franklin, West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake, Birmingham, and Grosse Pointe. Recent experience in luxurious private residences, along with outstanding references from previous employers are required for consideration.

• LIVE-IN HOUSEKEEPER - FARMINGTON HILLS

  Wonderful opportunity for an experienced Housekeeper who would enjoy working in a beautiful estate. Lovely private room available for single person with no housing expenses to worry about. This is a full-time live in position, which requires the ability to work flexible hours. Great wages/benefits! Permanent US Residency/Green Card required.

   

• ESTATE MANAGER DETROIT SUBURBS $100,000 +

  Executive family with large, lakefront Estate in an affluent suburb of Detroit, Michigan seeks an experienced Estate Manager.

   

  Responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

  • Managing, training and supervising Household Staff (childcare,

    grounds/maintenance, culinary, housekeeping)
  • Coordinating all household and grounds maintenance and repairs (pool, plumbing, HVAC, phone, cable,

    internet, pest control, plant care, security system, etc)
  • Overseeing any new construction projects
  • Regulating upkeep, insurance and service records of all vehicles, boat and dock
  • Handling communication and scheduling of all vendor and outside contractors
  • Approving household bills and coordination of same with accounting staff and distribution of petty cash
  • Organizing special events and social gatherings
  • Taking care of errands for family
  • Conducting and maintaining inventories of valuables, clothing, supplies, etc. and adjusting insurance policies

    accordingly
  • Handling special assignments as needed
  
  

  Previous experience as an Estate Manager in a private residence at least 10,000 square feet (with accompanying references which may be provided later) is required. The ideal candidate will also have formal training from Starkey Institute, etc. Advanced proficiency utilizing Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook is required. Basic accounting is advantageous. The capability of handling all matters confidentiality and discreetly is essential. Professionalism is absolutely mandatory, along with the ability to work in a very busy household with children and pets. Flexibility is a key ingredient for success in this very desirable opportunity.

   

• ESTATE MANAGER

  Executive family with large, lakefront Estate in an affluent suburb of Detroit, Michigan
  seeks an experienced Estate Manager.

   

  Responsibilities will include but not be limited to:
  • Managing, training and supervising Household Staff (childcare, grounds/maintenance, culinary, housekeeping)
  • Coordinating all household and grounds maintenance and repairs (pool, plumbing, HVAC, phone, cable,

     internet, pest control, plant care, security system, etc)
  • Overseeing any new construction projects
  • Regulating upkeep, insurance and service records of all vehicles, boat and dock
  • Handling communication and scheduling of all vendor and outside contractors
  • Approving household bills and coordination of same with accounting staff and distribution of petty cash
  • Organizing special events and social gatherings
  • Taking care of errands for family
  • Conducting and maintaining inventories of valuables, clothing, supplies, etc. and adjusting insurance policies

    accordingly
  • Handling special assignments as needed
  
  

  Previous experience as an Estate Manager in a private residence at least 10,000 square feet (with accompanying references which may be provided later) is required. The ideal candidate will also have formal training from Starkey Institute, etc. Advanced proficiency utilizing Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook is required. Basic accounting is advantageous. The capability of handling all matters confidentiality and discreetly is essential. Professionalism is absolutely mandatory, along with the ability to work in a very busy household with children and pets. Flexibility is a key ingredient for success in this very desirable opportunity

   
• HOUSE MANAGER - NEW YORK CITY
  Busy Executive family who lives in the New York City area year round, seeks a dynamic individual to handle a variety of duties.

  
  

  MUST HAVE ESTATE / HOUSE MANAGER EXPERIENCE
  

   

  Responsibilities will include but not be limited to: Training, scheduling and supervision of staff, supervising and coordinating activities of household employees engaged in cooking, cleaning, and related domestic duties, overseeing the planning, preparation and execution of entertaining, scheduling and interfacing with contractors and vendors, maintaining household inventories, assisting with household and family safety and security measures, maintaining school and activity schedules for children of the family (without being intrusive), travel arrangements for the family, budget management, sharp administrative skills and solid computer skills, maintaining the families' agenda, schedule, and social calendar, organization of mail and responses, synchronize information and quickly handle requests of the family, as well as some driving coordination with family business assistants.
  

   

  Important skills and traits include: sophisticated, “team Captain” who must work well with the employer and employees, discretion, poise, professional and pleasant manner, good demeanor, team player, easily adaptive to informal and formal settings in the home, anticipate employers needs, and be able to think the way the employer thinks, flexibility, good organizational skills, as well as resourceful, ability to prioritize, diplomacy and tact, refined sense of quality – high taste level, keen eye for details, spontaneity to problem solve and think on your feet, highly articulate, open communicator, sound written and verbal communications, multi-task – capability and intelligence to be working on several things at the same time, food and beverage service knowledge and skills. Starkey training beneficial.
  

   

  Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, must be flexible, will require some weekends and late evenings. Some travel is required.
  

   
• ESTATE BUTLER - MICHIGAN & TRAVEL

  Our client, an executive family with residences in MI, New York and California, seeks a hands-on working Butler. Responsibilities will include handling house maintenance, serving meals for family and guests, preparing residences for visitors, running errands, etc. The ideal candidate is free to travel. Excellent salary and benefits.

   

• ESTATE HOUSEKEEPER - LIVE-IN: NEW YORK CITY

  Prominent Executive Couple with no children living at home, seeks an experienced Estate Housekeeper. Responsibilities will include housekeeping and laundry in their 10,000 square foot private residence on the upper East Side of Manhattan. Excellent knowledge of proper care/cleaning techniques for artwork, antiques, fine valuables, silver, crystal, various woods and stone finishes is required. Previous experience working in a large private residence is required, along with accompanying references. Uniforms will be provided but are required. Exceptional salary, benefits and accommodations.

   

• PERSONAL VALET/CAREGIVER TO EXECUTIVE - LIVE-IN: MICHIGAN & TRAVEL

  We are seeking a unique individual to assist a busy Executive who is physically disabled, with a wide variety of tasks. Responsibilities will include driving, running errands and providing personal care and hygiene. Travel is required. Must have previous similar experience. Heavy lifting is required to assist the Executive. Flexibility, friendliness and professionalism are also essential.

• PERSONAL CHEF - MICHIGAN & FLORIDA
  Our client, a prominent executive with discerning tastes seeks a working Chef able to travel to various residences. Will be based in Michigan year round, but must be able to spend several months in Florida during the winters. Position is ideal for a single individual. Level of service and food quality similar to restaurants in a Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, or high end fine dining establishment. Excellent benefit program. $60,000 - $70,000

• Butler - New York City

  Prominent Executive seeks a live-in Butler to handle varied duties and to serve as a Gentleman’s Gentleman. This is a full-time year round position, although the Executive is not always residing at this particular Manhattan residence. Live-in accommodations are provided for one individual. The ideal candidate will be very flexible to travel, particularly to The Hamptons and Palm Beach, Florida. $70,000-$75,000 plus excellent benefits and accommodations. Client prefers candidates already living in and familiar with the NYC area. Must have formal training (Starkey International, Ivor Spencer, etc.) and experience working in a private residence with accompanying references. This position requires a polished professional who is well versed in fine dining (French service) and specialty dinner parties, wardrobe selection and packing for travel.
   

• Private Chef- Michigan and Florida
  High profile Executive with discerning palate seeks creative Private Chef with excellent culinary credentials and previous experience as a Personal Chef. The ideal candidate must have the ability to adapt to varying needs, from preparing an individual gourmet meal to a large, formal dinner party or charitable event. The position is based in Michigan; however, the Chef will be required to travel with the Executive regularly to a second home in South Florida, which will include working on a luxury, private, yacht. This is not a live-in position, although housing will be provided when traveling. Flexibility in scheduling, sometimes with little notice, is essential for success in this role. $55,000 - $65,000 plus benefits!
   
• HOUSEKEEPERS

  If you have experience working as a housekeeper directly for a homeowner in a large, luxury home on a regular basis, and have accompanying references please contact us. Positions are typically in Bloomfield Hills, Franklin and West Bloomfield and include full and part-time situations.

   

• PRIVATE CHEF - BIRMINGHAM, BLOOMFIELD
  Sophisticated client with a very discerning palate seeks an extremely talented Chef to provide first class dining and service in their exquisite home. Must have extensive culinary and fine dining knowledge. In addition to preparing meals, responsibilities will include grocery shopping and serving. The ability to create gourmet meals on a very small scale is essential. Schedule is primarily Monday-Friday with occasional weekends. Live-in accommodations are available if desired, although the position does not require that one live-in. Previous experience working as a Chef in an upscale private residence, with accompanying references, is required. In addition to outstanding cooking skills, the Chef must have knowledge of proper table setting and serving in a formal household, along with proper use and care of fine china, crystal and silver. $45,000 - $55,000
   

• Estate/DOMESTIC Personnel
  Other positions may be available; many of our clients prefer to keep their vacancies confidential. If you have experience in a large private residence and accompanying references, please send your resume.
   

Harper Associates Executive Residence positions include:

• Estate Managers
• Estate Housekeepers
• Butlers
• Private Chefs/Personal Chefs
• Nannies
• Laundresses
• Chauffeurs
• Maintenance Coordinators
• Executive/Personal Assistants
• Domestic Couples