Location: Muskoka, Ontario (Lake Joseph near Port Carling – Island and Landing)
Employment Type: Full-Time / Year-Round
Reports To: Property Owner / VP, Operations
Direct Reports: Property Management Team, Lead Service / Head of House, Private Chef

Position Overview
The Property is a highly private, luxury residential estate in Muskoka requiring exceptional operational leadership, hospitality standards, and estate management oversight. The Estate Manager will serve as the senior on-site leader responsible for the seamless operation of the island estate, guest experience, staffing coordination, financial oversight, maintenance planning, and execution of the family’s standards across all areas of the property.

This role requires a polished, hands-on leader capable of balancing luxury hospitality expectations with practical estate operations. The successful candidate will oversee all property functions, including residential operations, guest services, culinary coordination, staffing, budgeting, vendor management, contractor management, project management, transportation logistics, and long-term property planning.

The Estate Manager will directly supervise the Property Management team, Lead Service / Head of House, and Private Chef roles.

Key Responsibilities

Estate Operations & Leadership

• Provide overall leadership and operational management for the Property.
• Ensure all residences, boathouses, docks, grounds, guest spaces, and support facilities are maintained to the highest luxury residential standards.
• Coordinate all operational departments to ensure seamless daily execution.
• Establish operational procedures, standards, reporting systems, and service expectations.
• Lead regular operational planning meetings with department heads and staff.
• Maintain strict confidentiality, professionalism, and discretion at all times.

Staff Leadership & Human Resources

• Directly supervise the Property Management team, Lead Service / Head of House, and Private Chef.
• Recruit, onboard, schedule, train, and evaluate staff and seasonal personnel.
• Ensuring appropriate staffing for weekends, peak occupancy periods, holidays, and special events.
• Ensuring all Property staff receive appropriate and regular time-off, while preserving support to the family while in residence as the primary goal.
• Foster a service-oriented culture emphasizing professionalism, accountability, and attention to detail.
• Manage contractor relationships and temporary staffing requirements.

Financial & Administrative Management

• Develop, manage, and monitor annual forecasts.
• Review expenditures, invoices, vendor contracts, and procurement requests.
• Ensure adherence to Approval For Expenditure (AFE) processes and family office procedures.
• Maintain accurate operational records, maintenance logs, inventories, and reporting documentation.
• Identify opportunities for operational efficiency and long-term asset preservation.
  

Property Maintenance & Capital Planning

• Oversee preventative maintenance programs for all buildings, systems, utilities, marine assets, vehicles, and grounds.
• Coordinate external vendors, contractors, and specialty consultants.
• Coordinate with Muskoka Custom Carpentry and any other contractor or vendor engaged in capital improvements for the Property.
• Ensure all work is completed on time, within budget, and to expected standards.
• Support long-term capital planning and improvement projects.

Guest & Family Experience

• Ensure a consistently exceptional experience for principals, family members, and guests.
• Coordinate closely with culinary and service teams to deliver seamless hospitality experiences.
• Anticipate family preferences and operational needs proactively.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in luxury residential estate management, UHNW hospitality, luxury hotel operations, private yachting, or comparable environments.
• Prior experience leading multi-disciplinary household or estate teams.
• Strong operational, financial, and project management skills.
• Exceptional organizational and communication abilities.
• Ability to maintain absolute discretion and confidentiality.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Pleasure Craft Operator Card and marine operational experience strongly preferred.
• Willingness to work flexible schedules, including weekends, evenings, holidays, and peak seasonal periods.

Compensation & Benefits
Competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including potential discretionary bonus and accommodation support depending on candidate circumstances.