HEAD OF FAMILY OFFICE

As families accumulate wealth and assets, a dedicated professional to manage their financial affairs becomes increasingly essential. Enter the Head of Family Office or Family Office CEO, a role that goes beyond traditional financial management to overseeing the comprehensive needs of affluent families.

As the CEO of a family office, it is vital that the individual chosen for this role has the right skills and experience to manage the responsibilities involved and act as a trusted advisor over the years. When you work with a specialist recruiter like Heritage Staffing, sourcing the right candidates for family office jobs is a seamless experience.

Hire a Head of Family Office

While each family office is unique, the primary responsibility of the Head of Family Office is to coordinate and streamline the various financial aspects of a family’s life. This includes managing investments, tax planning, estate planning, philanthropic activities, and more. The Head of Family Office also serves as a trusted advisor, providing strategic guidance and comprehensive financial advice to ensure long-term economic stability and growth.

Beyond financial management, Head of Family Office jobs also involve a critical role in nurturing and preserving a family’s legacy. They help pass down wealth to future generations and ensure the family’s values, traditions, and aspirations are carried on.

Head of Family Office Job Roles and Responsibilities

Head of Family Office jobs will vary depending on the size of the office and the requirements of the family. However, the majority of roles will involve the following responsibilities:

  • Strategic Financial Planning – Developing and implementing long-term financial plans aligned with the family’s goals and risk tolerance. Monitoring and managing the family’s investment portfolio, including asset allocation and risk management. Overseeing tax planning and compliance to minimise tax liabilities.
  • Estate Planning and Wealth Transfer – Creating and executing comprehensive estate plans, including trusts, wills, and charitable giving strategies. Ensuring seamless wealth transfer across generations, minimising tax implications and family disputes.
  • Family Governance – Establishing and maintaining strong family governance structures, including family councils and meetings. Facilitating communication and decision-making among family members. Promoting family values, unity, and philanthropy.
  • Risk Management – Identifying and mitigating potential risks to the family’s wealth and reputation.
  • Implementing robust risk management strategies, including insurance and cybersecurity measures.
  • Family Services – Managing various family services, such as household staff, travel arrangements, and property management. Providing concierge services to meet the family’s needs and preferences.
  • Team Leadership – Building and leading a high-performing team of professionals, including investment advisors, lawyers, and accountants. Delegating tasks effectively and fostering a collaborative work environment

Key qualities to look for in a Head of Family Office

  • Comprehensive Financial Knowledge: A solid understanding of investments, taxation, and estate planning.
  • Strong Leadership Skills: The ability to lead and motivate a team, ensure alignment among all stakeholders, and facilitate a seamless flow of information.
  • Exceptional Communication Skills: The ability to convey complex financial concepts clearly and concisely.
  • Strong Interpersonal Skills: The ability to build and maintain meaningful relationships with family members and external advisors.
  • Attention to Detail: A careful approach to managing complex financial matters.
  • Problem-Solving Skills: The ability to effectively identify and resolve issues.
  • Ethical and Discreet: A commitment to maintaining confidentiality and acting with integrity.

Head of Family Office Salary

Head of Family Office jobs tend to be the most senior position in a family office, and this is reflected in the average salary that individuals will receive for this role. Whilst things like experience, location and specific responsibilities will impact salary, the average annual salary for a Head of Family Office is between CHF 222,000 and CHF 297,000.

Family Office Staff Recruitment

At Heritage Staffing, we specialize in partnering with single and multi-family offices to form high-caliber teams. Whether you’re looking for a Chief Financial Officer, Investment Advisor or just Office Support, our family office recruitment services provide valuable support throughout the recruitment process. Our experienced recruiters offer personalized executive search services designed to align closely with your distinct objectives.

Head of Family Office

Chief of Staff

Chief Financial Officer

Investment Advisor

Executive Assistant/PA

Office Support

Finding the Right Head of Family Office Candidate

The Head of Family Office has an integral role in managing family wealth, and you want to ensure that you find a candidate who not only brings relevant experience but also is the right cultural fit. Heritage Staffing offers tailored recruitment support to high-net-worth families looking for family office staff, working closely with you to understand your requirements and deliver high-calibre candidates. For access to our hand-picked networking of talent, contact Heritage Staffing today to begin your search for a Head of Family Office.

Head of Family Office FAQs

What does a Head of Family Office do?

A Head of Family Office is essentially the CEO of a family office, responsible for overseeing and managing everything involved in a family’s asset portfolio. They will coordinate other family office staff, regularly communicate with the family and act as custodians of family wealth, working to sustain and grow their funds.

What qualifications should a Head of Family Office have?

There are no specific qualifications required for a Head of Family Office job, but the seniority and responsibility involved in the role means that candidates need to be incredibly skilled and experienced. Time working in another family office environment or head of finance position will be necessary, and qualifications like being a chartered accountant or certified financial analyst will be very desirable.

How long does the recruitment process take?

A Head of Family Office is a key role with a lot of responsibility, so it’s important to take the time to vet candidates properly and find an individual with the right cultural alignment. When you work with a specialised recruitment agency like Heritage Staffing, the family office recruitment process can often be completed within a few weeks, as we draw on our existing pool of qualified candidates and our tried-and-tested recruitment process.

How do I know if a candidate is the right fit?

When you begin the process of recruiting for a Head of Family Office job, it’s incredibly useful to make a note of all the essential traits and skills that you need a candidate to have, as this will make it easier to gauge whether they’re going to be a good fit. Vetting a candidate will involve assessing their experience, cultural fit with the family, and both technical and soft skills. When you partner with a recruitment specialist like Heritage Staffing, we can assist with this process to make sure you have a successful match tailored to your family’s needs.