Red D are recruiting an Estate Managing Director for one of Ireland’s most exceptional private estates.

This is a rare opportunity to take overall responsibility for the operation, presentation and future development of a remarkable country estate, combining private family living with exceptional hospitality.

Set across approximately 100 acres, the estate includes a substantial principal residence, luxury guest accommodation, historic gardens, productive growing areas and beautifully maintained grounds. The property is home to the family for much of the year while also welcoming extended family and guests throughout the seasons.

Reporting directly to the owners, the Estate Managing Director will oversee every aspect of the estate’s operation, ensuring the highest standards across hospitality, property management, gardens, food, projects and people. The successful candidate will combine commercial awareness with a hands-on approach, creating a warm, discreet and professionally managed environment where every detail is considered.

This role would suit an experienced Estate Manager, Estate Managing Director, Country House Manager, Hotel General Manager, Director of Operations, Private Household Manager or hospitality leader who enjoys variety, takes pride in exceptional standards and is passionate about delivering outstanding private hospitality.

The Role

As Estate Managing Director, you’ll provide overall leadership for the estate while working closely with the owners to ensure every aspect of the property operates seamlessly.

You’ll lead a dedicated team across housekeeping, hospitality and gardens, oversee maintenance and development projects, coordinate contractors and suppliers and ensure the estate is always presented to an exceptional standard.

The role combines strategic planning with day-to-day operational leadership. Some days will involve planning future estate projects and budgets, while others will focus on preparing for family arrivals, overseeing guest experiences, walking the gardens or ensuring every room is presented perfectly.

No two days will be the same.

Key Responsibilities

Estate Leadership

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the estate
• Inspire and develop the estate team across housekeeping, hospitality and gardens
• Create a positive, collaborative and professional working culture
• Develop operating procedures, standards and schedules across all areas of the estate
• Ensure the estate consistently reflects exceptional private hospitality standards

Hospitality & Guest Experience

• Prepare the estate for family arrivals and departures
• Oversee the presentation of all guest bedrooms, apartments and shared spaces
• Coordinate hospitality for family members and visiting guests
• Anticipate requirements and ensure every stay runs effortlessly
• Maintain a discreet, welcoming and service-focused environment

Food & Household Operations

• Work closely with the household cook to deliver fresh, seasonal family dining
• Support menu planning using estate-grown produce wherever possible
• Ensure dietary requirements are catered for
• Maintain excellent standards of food quality, presentation and hygiene

Gardens & Estate Grounds

• Work alongside the Head Gardener to maintain the gardens, arboretum, walled garden and wider estate
• Support seasonal planting and harvesting programmes
• Encourage greater use of estate-grown fruit, vegetables and herbs
• Identify opportunities to further enhance the landscape and productive gardens

Property, Projects & Maintenance

• Oversee planned maintenance across the estate
• Manage refurbishment and improvement projects
• Coordinate contractors, consultants and specialist suppliers
• Monitor project quality, budgets and timelines
• Carry out regular inspections of buildings, accommodation and infrastructure
• Ensure health and safety standards are maintained across the property

Family Liaison

• Act as the principal point of contact for the owners
• Provide regular updates on estate operations, staffing and projects
• Anticipate family requirements and respond with professionalism and discretion
• Assist with annual budgets and ongoing cost management
• Prepare reports and recommendations when required

Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all relevant health and safety, food hygiene and employment legislation
• Maintain estate security and emergency procedures
• Promote environmentally responsible estate management practices

About You

You’ll be an experienced leader who enjoys taking ownership, solving problems and maintaining exceptionally high standards.

You’ll understand the balance between professional estate management and creating a relaxed, welcoming family environment.

You’ll be equally comfortable discussing future development plans with the owners, leading the estate team, walking the gardens, meeting contractors or welcoming guests.

What We’re Looking For

• Significant leadership experience managing a private estate, luxury residence, country house, boutique hotel, five-star hotel, private members’ club or similar hospitality environment
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams
• Strong project and contractor management experience
• Excellent organisational and planning skills
• Outstanding attention to detail
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Experience working closely with owners, principals or senior stakeholders
• A practical, hands-on management style
• Full driving licence

It Would Be An Advantage If You Have

• Estate or country house management experience
• Hotel General Manager or Director of Operations experience
• Private household management experience
• Knowledge of horticulture, gardens or productive growing
• Food and hospitality management experience
• Budgeting and financial management experience
• Experience working with heritage properties

Personal Qualities

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Warm, approachable and naturally hospitable
• Highly organised
• Calm under pressure
• Professional and discreet
• Trustworthy and dependable
• Passionate about hospitality, gardens, food and beautiful properties
• Comfortable working within a private family environment

What’s on Offer

• Excellent salary
• Long-term permanent position
• Opportunity to lead one of Ireland’s finest private estates
• Significant autonomy and responsibility
• Work across hospitality, gardens, property and estate development
• On-site accommodation may be available for the right candidate

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced hospitality or estate professional seeking a unique leadership role where no two days are the same. You’ll play a central role in preserving and developing a remarkable private estate while creating an outstanding environment for the family and their guests.

We can only consider candidates with full, unrestricted permission to live and work in the EU. UK passport holders are also welcome to apply.