Executive Housekeeper

Roles and Responsibilities

• Ensures the smooth running of the housekeeping department, where all aspects of the guest experience are delivered to the highest levels.
• Should be hands-on and working proactively to improve guest satisfaction and comfort, delivering a positive and timely response to guest enquiries and problem resolution.
• Have an approach to personalized and curated service for our long stayers who make up for 30% of our business mix.
• Develops and implements plans where housekeeping initiatives & hotel targets are achieved.
• Leads and manages the housekeeping team, which over a busy period has close to 38 room attendants, 4 supervisors and 1 Assistant Manager managing the busy operations, fostering a culture of growth, development and performance within the department.
• Prepares and is responsible for the departmental budget, ensuring that costs and inventory are controlled, and that productivity and performance levels are attained.
• Builds and maintains effective working relationships with all key stakeholders including the landscaping team.
• Establishes and delivers an effective programme that advances service standards, profitability, cost control and sustainability.
• Ensures adherence and compliance to all legislation where due diligence requirements and best practice activities are planned, delivered and documented for internal and external audit, performing follow-up as required.

Requirements of the Executive Housekeeper:

• Proven experience in housekeeping with strong problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent leadership skills with a hands-on approach and lead-by-example work style.
• Commitment to exceptional guest service with a passion for the hospitality industry.
• Ability to find creative solutions, offering advice and recommendations.
• Personal integrity, with the ability to work in an environment that demands excellence, time and energy.
• Strong communication skills.

Desired Candidate Profile

1. Leadership and Management

• Team Management: Overseeing a large team of housekeeping staff, including room attendants, housekeepers, laundry workers, and supervisors. The Executive Housekeeper ensures effective team coordination, delegating tasks, and maintaining high productivity levels.
• Training and Development: Providing ongoing training for staff on cleaning techniques, safety protocols, customer service, and company policies. Ensuring team members are equipped to perform their duties efficiently and with the highest standards of quality.
• Performance Management: Monitoring staff performance, conducting performance appraisals, and addressing any issues related to work quality or behavior. Providing feedback and guidance for continuous improvement.

2. Attention to Detail

• Quality Control: Ensuring that all rooms, common areas, and back-of-house spaces are cleaned to the highest standards. Inspecting rooms and public areas to guarantee cleanliness, proper maintenance, and organization.
• Guest Experience Focus: Understanding that cleanliness plays a critical role in guest satisfaction. Addressing guest complaints or concerns related to housekeeping services quickly and professionally.

3. Budgeting and Financial Management

• Cost Control: Managing the housekeeping budget, ensuring cost-effective use of resources without compromising quality. This includes controlling expenses related to cleaning supplies, linens, and staffing.
• Inventory Management: Keeping track of supplies and linens to avoid shortages or wastage. Ordering cleaning products, equipment, and linens as needed and ensuring that inventory is used efficiently.
• Vendor Relations: Managing relationships with external suppliers of cleaning products, laundry services, and equipment. Negotiating contracts and ensuring the best pricing and service quality.

4. Operational Efficiency

• Housekeeping Schedules: Creating work schedules for staff that ensure rooms are cleaned on time, and that public areas are always in pristine condition.
• Workflow Optimization: Streamlining housekeeping processes to maximize efficiency. This could include optimizing cleaning schedules, implementing new technologies, or developing effective communication systems.
• Problem-Solving: Quickly identifying operational inefficiencies, bottlenecks, or issues in the housekeeping department and finding solutions to improve workflow.

5. Health, Safety, and Compliance

• Health and Safety Standards: Ensuring that housekeeping staff follows all local and national safety regulations and that cleaning procedures meet sanitation standards. This includes knowledge of OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) guidelines and proper handling of hazardous chemicals.
• Emergency Procedures: Developing and implementing procedures for emergencies, such as fire safety, evacuation protocols, or handling hazardous materials.
• Environmental Standards: Incorporating sustainable practices into housekeeping operations, such as using eco-friendly cleaning products, reducing water and energy consumption, and managing waste effectively.