Executive Housekeeper

SUMMARY:
The Executive Housekeeper is responsible for managing all housekeeping operations to ensure the highest standards of cleanliness, hygiene, presentation, and guest comfort throughout the lodge. This role oversees the housekeeping team, laundry operations, inventory management, and departmental budgets while ensuring that all guest rooms and public areas consistently meet luxury hospitality standards.
 
Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the Housekeeping and Laundry departments.
• Ensure all guest rooms, suites, public areas, staff accommodation, and back-of-house areas are maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness and presentation.
• Lead, supervise, train, and motivate the housekeeping team.
• Develop staff schedules, duty rosters, and leave plans to ensure adequate departmental coverage.
• Conduct regular room inspections and quality assurance checks.
• Ensure rooms are prepared and inspected prior to guest arrivals.
• Manage linen, uniforms, guest amenities, cleaning chemicals, and housekeeping supplies.
• Conduct regular stock takes and maintain accurate inventory records.
• Control departmental costs and assist with budget planning.
• Liaise closely with Front Office and Maintenance to ensure rooms are guest-ready and maintenance issues are resolved promptly.
• Handle guest requests and housekeeping-related complaints professionally and efficiently.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, hygiene, and environmental standards.
• Develop and implement housekeeping procedures and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Ensure laundry operations are efficient and meet quality standards.
• Maintain equipment and coordinate servicing or repairs when required.
• Prepare departmental reports and participate in management meetings.
• Promote a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement.

POSITION INFO:
Minimum Qualifications

• Grade 12 (Matric).
• Diploma or Degree in Hospitality Management, Hotel Management, Housekeeping Management, or a related field (preferred).

• Minimum of 3–5 years' experience as an Executive Housekeeper, Housekeeping Manager, or Assistant Executive Housekeeper in a 4-star or 5-star lodge, hotel, or luxury hospitality environment.
• Proven experience managing large housekeeping teams.
• Experience with laundry operations, stock control, and departmental budgeting.
• Experience using a Property Management System (PMS) such as OPERA is advantageous.

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent organisational and planning abilities.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent guest service and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Financial awareness, including budgeting and cost control.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and PMS software.
• Ability to train, coach, and develop staff.
• Strong time management and delegation skills.

• Luxury housekeeping standards and best practices.
• Cleaning procedures, chemicals, and equipment.
• Laundry operations and linen management.
• Inventory and stock control.
• Health and safety regulations.
• Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards.
• Budgeting and cost management.
• Property Management Systems (PMS), preferably OPERA.
• Quality assurance and inspection procedures.

• Valid driver's licence (preferred).
• Willingness to work weekends, public holidays, and flexible hours.
• Ability to live on-site if staff accommodation is provided.
• Professional appearance and high personal standards.
• Physically fit and able to perform duties in a demanding hospitality environment.

• Passion for luxury hospitality and guest satisfaction.
• Hands-on leadership style.
• Strong eye for detail and quality.
• Positive attitude and excellent work ethic.
• Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.
• Proactive, reliable, and solutions-oriented.
• Committed to maintaining exceptional cleanliness, hygiene, and presentation standards.
• Strong mentoring skills with the ability to build and lead a high-performing housekeeping team.