Running a luxury home isn’t just about having the right staff  it’s about having the right leadership. And if you’re at the point where you’re hiring top-tier professionals to manage your estate, you’ve likely come across two important titles: Estate Manager and Chief of Staff.

Both roles are crucial in the world of luxury living, but they’re not the same. So, which one is the better fit for your home — and your lifestyle? Let’s break it down in plain, real-world terms.

What Does an Estate Manager Actually Do?

Think of the Estate Manager as the person who runs your home like a five-star hotel. They’re the on-the-ground expert making sure your property or multiple properties run smoothly every single day.

They’re the one making sure the garden’s trimmed, the chef’s happy, the housekeeping team’s coordinated, the maintenance guy shows up on time, and the event setup goes off without a hitch. If something needs doing at home, they’re on it.

Some of their core tasks include:

• Managing all your household staff  hiring, training, scheduling
• Overseeing repairs, renovations, and ongoing maintenance
• Budgeting for household expenses and keeping things efficient
• Coordinating with outside vendors and service providers
• Organizing private events and ensuring every detail is flawless
• Keeping your property running 24/7 without a hitch

If your home is busy, big, or full of moving parts (or people!), the Estate Manager keeps it all in harmony.

So, What Does a Chief of Staff Do Then?

Now, a Chief of Staff (CoS) operates on a whole different level. They’re not just managing your household they’re overseeing your entire lifestyle. This includes your multiple homes, personal staff, business meetings, travel plans, and even coordinating with lawyers or publicists if needed.

They’re your go-to person for everything outside your core business  the trusted advisor who helps your life run as efficiently as your work.

Here’s what they typically handle:

• Managing several homes, and often the Estate Managers who run them
• Streamlining your personal calendar, family schedule, and major life events
• Coordinating across staff — from private chefs to executive assistants
• Helping with travel, logistics, and transitions between properties
• Acting as your right hand when making big life decisions
• Working directly with business managers, PR, security, or legal teams

This is the person who takes the weight off your shoulders when life gets complex. They know how you like things, anticipate your needs, and keep everything (and everyone) in sync.

Quick Comparison: Who Does What?

	Estate Manager	Chief of Staff
Main Role	Runs the household	Runs the full lifestyle operation
Scope	One or two homes	Multiple homes + staff + logistics
Manages	Domestic staff (housekeepers, etc)	Other managers + high-level staff
Reports To	You (or your CoS)	You directly
Ideal For	Households with complex operations	High-profile or multi-property families

Which One Do You Really Need?

This depends entirely on your lifestyle. If you have one or two homes, a handful of staff, and just want your home to run beautifully, an Estate Manager might be the perfect fit.

But if you’re juggling several residences, a demanding schedule, frequent travel, and a large team  or if your personal and professional lives constantly overlap  then a Chief of Staff might be exactly what you need.

And in many high-level households, you may eventually need both. The Estate Manager handles day-to-day operations while the Chief of Staff coordinates everything across your entire lifestyle.

Why the Difference Matters

Hiring the right person at this level isn’t just about filling a position. It’s about creating ease, freedom, and a sense of calm in your life.

When the right person is in the right role, you’re free to enjoy your home, your family, and your time  knowing that everything is being handled with professionalism, discretion, and care.

At EliteButlers, we help high-net-worth families and individuals build world-class domestic teams whether you need a detail-obsessed Estate Manager or a visionary Chief of Staff.

Final Word: It’s About Support, Not Titles

Luxury living means something different to everyone. The key is having the right people in place so you can live life on your terms  with less stress and more time to enjoy what matters.

So, when you’re considering your next hire, don’t just look at the job title. Think about your lifestyle, your goals, and what kind of support would truly make your life better.

That’s where we come in. Let’s help you find the perfect fit.