As a nanny, your role is all about creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for the children in your care. But you may not be the only professional making things run smoothly. Some families employ a house manager to oversee operations, coordinate staff, handle logistics, and all things required to ensure a home is well managed. In these cases, learning how to work under a house manager can make your job easier, strengthen collaboration, and create a more harmonious household.

When you understand the unique responsibilities of a house manager and how your role fits alongside theirs, you’ll not only thrive professionally but also contribute to a household where everything runs seamlessly.

1) The role of a house manager

A house manager is the point person for the household, handling everything from vendor scheduling and staff management to overseeing budgets and special projects to running errands and ensuring the household is fully stocked. While your primary focus is on your nanny kids, the house manager’s focus is on the bigger picture.

When you work under a house manager, they may:

• Set schedules and communicate priorities
• Coordinate between family members and household staff, such as nannies, chefs, and housekeepers
• Manage logistics like travel planning, errands, and event preparation
• Ensure the family’s standards are consistently met

Understanding their role helps you see how your responsibilities fit into the larger household system.

2) Why collaboration matters

Working in a staffed home is all about teamwork. When you work under a house manager, collaboration is essential because:

• It prevents overlap. When you know exactly what’s expected, you can avoid duplicating tasks.
• It streamlines communication. The house manager often serves as your go-to for updates and requests.
• It enhances professionalism. Families notice when staff members coordinate well and respect each other’s roles.
• It creates balance. When you focus on the children and the house manager handles operations, everyone wins, and the household can operate smoothly.

3) Tips to successfully work under a house manager

Here are some practical ways to thrive in this dynamic:

• Clarify responsibilities early: Make sure you understand what’s yours to handle versus what the house manager oversees.
• Respect the chain of command: If the house manager communicates directions, treat them as an extension of the family’s wishes.
• Stay flexible: Priorities in a busy household can shift quickly, and adaptability shows professionalism.
• Communicate proactively: Share updates about the children, upcoming activities, or scheduling needs so the house manager has a complete picture.
• Keep boundaries clear: While collaboration is key, remember your role is childcare, not household management.

When you work under a house manager, your goal is to complement their leadership, not compete with it.

4) How to build trust and mutual respect

A successful relationship with a house manager is built on professionalism and respect. You can foster this by:

• Showing reliability: Be punctual, prepared, and consistent in your work with the children.
• Valuing their expertise: Acknowledge the house manager’s role in keeping the household organized.
• Practicing discretion: Maintain confidentiality in regards to family matters and respect household privacy.
• Offering solutions, not just problems: If challenges arise, communicate them clearly along with possible solutions.
• Embrace the teamwork: You’re on the same team! How can you best support each other?

Mutual trust creates a smoother environment where the children, the family, and the entire household staff can thrive together.

Knowing how to work under a house manager can elevate your career as a nanny and help you succeed in a well-staffed home. By respecting boundaries, communicating openly, and embracing teamwork, you’ll build a positive relationship that benefits the family and strengthens your professional reputation.