Role & Responsibilities
Chief of Staff
Order, clarity and pace. The professional who runs a principal’s entire private world. What the role involves, the standard it is held to, the package it commands, and the positions open now.
Understanding the role
The principal’s chief operator.
A Chief of Staff is entrusted with the whole of a principal’s private world – office, household, staff, projects and priorities – and holds delegated authority across all of it. These are the responsibilities that fill the day, and the depth each one brings to a private household.
Strategy and priorities
Translating the principal’s goals into clear priorities, plans and decisions across every part of their life.
The private office
Leading EAs, PAs and household leads, and holding everyone to one standard.
Household and family office
Overseeing residences, staff, budgets and advisers, and connecting the household with the family office.
Major projects
Leading property, philanthropy, events or new ventures from first plan to delivery.
Advisers and stakeholders
Acting as the principal’s point of contact for lawyers, bankers, advisers and partners.
Judgement
Exercising delegated authority with sound judgement and absolute confidentiality.
The Benchmark
The Benchmark for a Chief of Staff
Every Chief of Staff we represent is measured against The Benchmark – our standard for character, capability and discretion. Three years is simply the minimum to join our network; most bring far more. Our professionals step into a role ready to excel, never to be trained. For this role, that means:
- Degree-level education, with a background in private office, family office or executive leadership
- Three years in a senior private office or leadership role
- Financial, legal and commercial judgement, and the authority to act on the principal’s behalf
- Leadership of teams across business and private households, in more than one jurisdiction
- References from comparable principals, and a commitment to confidentiality
- Basic DBS or a police clearance certificate from each country of residence
Experience, references and background checks are verified before any introduction is made. We do not forward CVs – we shortlist and select, so a client meets only the professionals we would place with confidence. See our full standards.
Typical Package
What to expect, from either side of the placement.
A guide for clients and professionals alike. Packages reflect the professional’s experience and the scope of the household, across every residence and every country. All figures are gross per year.
- Chief of Staff Single principal
- £110,000 – £140,000 per year
- Oversight of a principal’s office, household and projects.
- Senior Chief of Staff Principal and family office
- £140,000 – £180,000 per year
- Oversight across the family office, several residences and major projects.
- International Chief of Staff Multiple jurisdictions
- £170,000 – £230,000 per year
- Oversight across countries, residences and businesses. Packages typically add accommodation, travel and a bonus.
- Head of Private Office Senior appointment
- £220,000 – £300,000 per year
- Leading a principal’s entire private office and household operation, often with a seat in the family office.
Every package is agreed privately between family and professional. We review this guidance each year against the placements we make.
Opportunities
No chief of staff roles open at this moment
New positions arrive weekly and the best are filled from our existing network. Register now and we will contact you when a suitable role opens.
There are no Chief of Staff roles open at this exact moment.
New positions arrive with us most weeks, and the most sought-after are placed before they are ever advertised. Register and you will be among the first to hear.
Join Our NetworkThe questions we are asked most
What is the difference between a chief of staff and an executive assistant?
An executive assistant manages the principal’s time. A chief of staff manages their world – the private office, household, projects and advisers – with delegated authority.
What experience does a chief of staff need?
At least three years in a senior private office, family office or leadership role, with sound financial, legal and commercial judgement. Most bring considerably more.
Where is a chief of staff based?
Usually within the family office or private office, travelling with the principal as needed.
Who does a chief of staff report to?
Directly to the principal. Authority, budgets and scope are agreed at the outset.
How is the salary agreed?
Every package is agreed privately between client and professional, with our consultants guiding both sides to a figure that reflects experience and the scope of the role. Salaries are quoted gross, and live-in or travelling roles typically include accommodation, meals and flights.
How long does it take to place a chief of staff?
Where the professional is free and available, the process from first interview to offer can be completed within seven days. We select from an established network rather than advertising, so the pace of every placement is set by the client’s needs – and we work to match it.
Register Your Interest
Begin the Conversation
Join our selected network, or tell us what your household needs. Either way, a senior consultant will be in touch personally.