House Manager with Meal Prep Support

Title: House Manager with Meal Prep Support

Location: Chicago, IL 60647

Employment Type: Part-time (8-12 hours/week)

Proposed Start Date: ASAP

Compensation: $30-35/hour based on experience

Requirements: Can maintain a smoke free environment, pass background check, has reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, clean driving record, up to date with vaccinations (general, COVID & flu recommended)

Proposed Schedule: Monday and Thursday or Tuesday and Thursday (~4-5 hours/day, e.g., 10 am-3 pm)

About the Family

We are a busy family of five with three young children and two energetic huskies. Both parents have demanding careers, Mom is an attorney and Dad is an engineer. One parent works from home while the other works in office and remotely. Children are in full-time daycare. We are looking for someone who can help us take household and additional tasks off our plates so we can spend more guilt-free time with our kids, invest in our careers, and enjoy some personal time.

About the Role

We are seeking a proactive, thoughtful, and reliable House Manager to maintain organization, manage household systems, prepare meals, and support with occasional backup childcare. You will work independently, taking initiative to anticipate household needs, while learning the family’s preferences for a smooth-running home. Discretion, consistency, and attention to detail are essential.

Key Responsibilities

Household Management & Organization

• Create and maintain household organization systems (e.g., closets, pantry, toys, etc.)
• Reset and tidy rooms daily; prep for cleaning services (every other Friday)
• Oversee household schedules and calendars
• Conduct seasonal swaps (e.g., clothing, décor, bedding)
• Prepare and coordinate donation drop-offs and pick-ups
• Support packing/unpacking for occasional travel
• Supervise or coordinate service providers as needed (e.g., handymen, cleaners, landscapers, plumbers)
• Load/unload dishwasher, wipe surfaces, vacuum high-traffic areas

Meal Planning & Preparation

• Plan and prep healthy dinners for adults and kids (2-3x/week, with leftovers for additional dinners or lunches)
• Grocery shop or use Instacart for meals and household staples
• Follow dietary preferences- no seafood for mom, balanced meals for the family (e.g., protein, starch, vegetable)
• Clean and organize kitchen post-prep

Inventory Management & Errands

• Track and restock pantry, fridge, toiletries, and household supplies
• Manage household orders (Amazon, Costco, Target, Instacart, etc.)
• Run errands: grocery shopping, returns, dry cleaning, gifts
• Handle occasional package pickup and deliveries
• Use family vehicle when appropriate, or personal car with mileage reimbursement

Laundry & Linen Care

• Wash, dry, fold, and organize family laundry (clothing, bedding, towels)
• Iron, steam, and prepare outfits as needed
• Manage linens and rotate bedding
• Assist with children’s clothing accidents
• Handle special care for delicates

Pet Care

• Let out, let in, or walk dogs occasionally
• Administer medications as needed (e.g., heartworm, seizure medications)
• Keep pet supplies stocked and organized

Vehicle Management

• Ensure vehicles are fueled, clean, organized, and stocked with snacks for kids

Vendor & Property Oversight

• Water outdoor plants during warmer months

Family Support & Child Assistance

• Occasional back-up childcare when children are home sick or parents need extra support

Deep Cleaning & Special Projects

• Tackle occasional deep cleaning (e.g., fridge, oven, baseboards)
• Maintain and refresh entryways, garage, mudroom
• Clean humidifiers, filters, washing machines, and air purifiers monthly
• Organize special projects: toy storage, seasonal decorations

Who You Are

You are organized, competent, patient, detail-oriented, and reliable. You take initiative, think ahead, and can independently manage household tasks while learning family preferences. You are comfortable with dogs, flexible with occasional childcare, and able to maintain discretion when working in the home.

How to Apply

If you are interested, please email:

• A brief letter explaining why you’d be a great fit
• Your updated resume
• At least 3 professional references with contact information