Executive Housekeeper [CWR.EH.KK.07092026]

Introduction

Our client, an upmarket hotel and conference center in Pretoria is looking for an Executive Housekeeper to join their dynamic team.

Duties & Responsibilities

JOB DESCRIPTION / PURPOSE

The Executive Housekeeper is responsible for supervising all housekeeping employees, managing daily operations and ensures the highest standards of cleanliness and guest satisfaction throughout the hotel. This position oversees staff hiring, training and disciplinary actions while maintaining operational budgets and implementing departmental and hotel policies. The Executive Housekeeper reports directly to the Rooms Division Manager and is accountable for the overall appearance, orderliness and cleanliness of guest rooms and public areas in the hotel.

• Direct and control housekeeping operations and staff of the housekeeping department.

• Manage priorities and solve problems while supporting staff development.

• Maintain budget targets and operational efficiency.

• Ensure departmental compliance with health, safety, and quality standards.

• Develop and implement housekeeping systems and procedures.

• Manage guest complaints and satisfaction.

• Foster a positive work culture and employee engagement.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Staff management

• Supervise all housekeeping staff and ensure work is completed efficiently.

• Recruit, train, and develop housekeeping team members.

• Conduct regular staff appraisals and provide performance feedback.

• Schedule employees and assign duties based on occupancy forecasts.

• Maintain accurate time records for all departmental employees.

• Assign new employees to experienced team members for mentoring.

• Foster staff morale and recognize exceptional performance.

• Manage personnel issues and disciplinary actions when policies are violated.

Operations and quality

• Ensure cleanliness, orderliness, and appearance standards throughout the hotel.

• Develop and implement housekeeping systems, procedures, and cleaning standards.

• Conduct regular inspections of guest rooms and public areas to ensure compliance.

• Troubleshoot and promptly resolve guest complaints related to cleanliness and housekeeping services.

• Coordinate with other departments (Front Office, Maintenance) on special requests and facility issues.

• Oversee special projects including refurbishment and deep-cleaning initiatives. Budget and inventory:

• Prepare annual housekeeping budget and manage expenses.

• Approve supply requisitions for guest supplies, cleaning materials, uniforms, and linens.

• Maintain par stock levels and coordinate inventory with Accounts and General Store.

• Manage supplier and vendor relationships to obtain competitive pricing.

• Monitor quality and quantity of supplies against budget targets.

Training and compliance

• Organise and evaluate on-the-job training effectiveness.

• Develop and implement training programs for new and existing staff.

• Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety standards.

• Maintain environmental sustainability practices in housekeeping operations.

• Keep accurate records of all housekeeping activities (schedules, stock takes, staff performance).

• Utilise housekeeping management software to optimise operations.

Lost and found management

• Maintain lost-and-found department and manage all lost items.

• Determine rightful owners and coordinate return of items.

• Send appropriate correspondence regarding lost-and-found matters

Desired Experience & Qualification

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Grade 12

• Diploma in Hospitality Management or related field will be advantageous.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

• Minimum 2 to 3 years supervisory experience in housekeeping operations within a hotel or similar hospitality environment.

• Strong leadership and organisational abilities.

• Sound knowledge of occupational health and safety standards applicable to housekeeping operations.

• Thorough understanding of housekeeping procedures, cleaning standards and hygiene protocols within a hospitality environment.

• Understanding of guest service expectations and be able to align housekeeping delivery with those expectations.

• Knowledge of relevant compliance and regulatory requirements governing accommodation establishments.

• Ability to plan, manage, and monitor departmental budgets and financial performance.

• Demonstrate effective communication skills, including the ability to handle conflict and give clear instructions.

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to consistent quality assurance.

• Able to manage housekeeping operations and services to ensure that standards are consistently met.

• Ability to supervise staff, delegate tasks appropriately, and monitor performance against defined standards.

• Demonstrate effective time management skills, including the ability to plan schedules around occupancy and operational needs.

• Pay close attention to detail in all aspects of cleanliness, presentation, and room readiness.

• Competent computer skills, including the use of MS Office and any relevant housekeeping or property management software.

• Effective listener and communicator when dealing with guests, staff, and other departments.

• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills to work effectively with multiple stakeholders across the property.

• Able to identify problems quickly and apply practical solutions to resolve them.

• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in response to changing operational demands and guest requirements.

• Ability to negotiate and manage vendor and supplier relationships to ensure value and reliability.

• Highly organised and results-oriented, with the ability to be flexible and work well under pressure and prioritise work effectively.

• Ability to work under pressure while maintaining high standards of quality and professionalism.

• Honest, trustworthy, and able to handle confidential information appropriately.

• Demonstrate a strong customer-service orientation and a professional, courteous manner.

• High level of attention to detail and pride in the overall appearance of the property.

• Able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and adapt to changing operational needs.

• Display an entrepreneurial mindset and a willingness to identify and implement operational improvements.