New Estate Owners

Navigating the Hiring Process with Lorraine Lee Estate Staffing: A Guide for New Estate Owners

Congratulations on your new estate! Owning a luxurious property is a dream come true, but managing it can be a daunting task. I know because I’ve been there and I needed an Estate Manager, not just a nanny and housekeeper and chef.

One of the most critical aspects of estate management is hiring the right staff to ensure your property runs smoothly and meets your standards of excellence. Lorraine Lee Estate Staffing, the household staffing agency I co-founded with my partner and sister, specializes in providing top-notch personnel for large estates. We guide new estate owners through the process of hiring the right domestic team, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your estate’s needs.

Understanding Your Needs

At Lorraine Lee Estate Staffing, we explain why it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your specific needs. This is not a one-size-fits-all process. Consider the following questions:

• What roles do you need to fill? (e.g., estate manager, housekeeper, chef, gardener)
• What are your expectations for these roles? (e.g., experience level, specific skills, personality traits)
• What is your budget for staff salaries?
• Do you have any special requirements? (e.g., language skills, ability to travel, live-in vs. live-out positions)
• What kind of personality and communication style works best with your family? This is just the start, but we will be your trusted guide, showing you the way.

Initial Consultation with Lorraine Lee Estate Staffing

In the initial consultation with Lorraine Lee Estate Staffing, we’ll discuss:

• Your estate’s unique requirements: The agency will want to understand the size and scope of your property, your lifestyle, and your specific needs.
• Staffing priorities: Identify the most critical positions that need to be filled first and how the team should form around the key staff.
• Timeline: Discuss your timeline for hiring and when you expect the staff to start. Do you have a move or renovation in play? A big season of entertaining planned? These are just a couple of the questions and answers that affect your timeline and the roles we prioritize.

Crafting Job Descriptions

Lorraine Lee Estate Staffing will help you craft detailed job descriptions for each role. These descriptions should include:

• Job title and primary responsibilities: Clearly outline the duties and expectations for the role, including the reporting structure. We shine in helping to develop the narrative that will attract and retain the highest quality private service professionals and household staff.
• Qualifications and experience: Specify the level of experience and any certifications or skills required. Do you have children, pets, travel often?
• Salary and benefits: Provide a range or specific figures for the salary and any benefits offered.
• Working conditions: Include details about working hours, live-in or live-out arrangements, and any other relevant conditions.

Screening and Interviewing Candidates

Lorraine Lee Estate Staffing uses our extensive network and expertise to screen and shortlist candidates that match your criteria. We conduct initial interviews, reference reviews, and background checks to ensure you only meet the most suitable candidates. Your involvement in the interview process will typically include:

• Conducting final interviews: Meet with the top candidates to assess their suitability.
• Asking the right questions: Focus on their experience, problem-solving abilities, and compatibility with your household.
• Assessing cultural fit: It’s crucial that the candidates align with your values and lifestyle. Can you see yourself and your family feeling comfortable with this candidate in your home? Because we truly get to know you and the candidates with real potential, you will feel the difference when getting to know our candidates.

Making the Final Decision

After interviewing the candidates, it’s time to make your final decision. Lorraine Lee Estate Staffing will assist you in:

• Evaluating candidates: Weigh the pros and cons of each candidate based on your interviews and the agency’s feedback.
• Negotiating terms: Ensure the salary and benefits package meets both your expectations and the candidate’s needs.
• Extending the offer: Once you’ve made your decision, Lorraine Lee Estate Staffing will help you extend a formal offer and guide through necessary paperwork.

Onboarding Your New Staff

The hiring process doesn’t end with an accepted offer. Proper onboarding is crucial for setting your new staff up for success. Lorraine Lee Estate Staffing can assist with:

• Orientation: Introduce the new staff members to your estate, other staff, and household routines.
• Training: Provide any necessary training to ensure they are familiar with your expectations and standards.
• Integration: Facilitate a smooth transition to help new staff members feel comfortable and integrated into your household.

Let’s Get Started!

Hiring the right staff for your new estate is a critical step in ensuring its smooth operation and maintaining your desired lifestyle. Lorraine Lee Estate Staffing’s expertise and personalized approach can make this process seamless and stress-free. By understanding your needs, crafting detailed job descriptions, and carefully screening and onboarding candidates, you can build a team that will help your estate thrive.

Welcome to the world of luxury estate ownership, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a well-managed property!

Thank you for taking the time to get to know us and trust us with your new luxury home.

Deborah Beacham