Executive - Housekeeper
Job Title: Executive Housekeeper
Department: Housekeeping
Reports To: General Manager / Resident Manager
Supervises: Assistant Housekeeping Manager, Housekeeping Supervisors, Laundry Manager, all housekeeping staff.
Job Summary:
The Executive Housekeeper is the strategic head of the housekeeping department, responsible for its overall leadership, financial performance, and long-term planning. This role sets the department's standards, manages the budget, develops policies, and leads the management team to ensure the entire property—from guest rooms to back-of-house—is immaculate, well-maintained, and aligned with the brand's identity. The Executive Housekeeper is a departmental head who focuses on strategy, administration, and resource management.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Departmental Oversight:
- Develop and implement the department's annual goals, objectives, and operational standards.
- Create, update, and enforce all housekeeping policies and procedures.
- Lead, mentor, and develop the housekeeping management team (Assistant Managers, Supervisors).
- Represent the housekeeping department in executive meetings and inter-departmental communications.
Financial Management & Budgeting:
- Prepare and manage the annual housekeeping budget, including labor, linen, supplies, and capital expenditures.
- Analyze financial data and implement strategies to control costs and improve profitability without compromising quality.
- Approve departmental purchases and manage vendor contracts for linen, chemicals, and amenities.
- Monitor labor costs and ensure staffing levels are aligned with occupancy forecasts.
Quality Control & Standards Development:
- Establish and maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, maintenance, and aesthetic appeal for the entire hotel.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive quality assurance program, including detailed inspection checklists.
- Conduct regular random inspections and review reports from the Assistant Manager to ensure consistent quality.
- Stay updated on industry trends and new products to enhance efficiency and guest experience.
Inventory & Purchasing Control:
- Oversee all inventories for linens, uniforms, guest supplies, and cleaning equipment.
- Establish and control par stock levels for all items.
- Negotiate with suppliers to secure the best quality products at competitive prices.
- Manage the hotel's linen and uniform life cycle, including replacement and repair.
Human Resources & Team Development:
- Oversee the recruitment, selection, and onboarding of all housekeeping personnel.
- Develop and implement extensive training programs for all housekeeping staff levels.
- Conduct performance appraisals for managerial staff and oversee the appraisal process for the entire department.
- Foster a positive, productive, and inclusive work environment that encourages employee engagement and reduces turnover.
Health, Safety, and Compliance:
- Ensure full compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation regulations (OSHA, HACCP, local health codes).
- Champion the hotel's sustainability and environmental initiatives within the department (e.g., green cleaning programs, waste reduction).
- Manage risk by ensuring all safety protocols are strictly followed and that all incidents are documented and investigated.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field is highly preferred.
- Experience: Minimum of 7-8 years of progressive experience in housekeeping, with at least 4-5 years in a senior leadership role as an Executive Housekeeper or Assistant Executive Housekeeper in a medium to large hotel.
- Skills:
- Exceptional leadership and strategic planning skills.
- Strong financial acumen with proven experience in budgeting and cost control.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities.
- In-depth knowledge of housekeeping operations, laundry systems, and cleaning techniques.
- Proficiency in hotel management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Personal Attributes: Visionary leader, decisive, professional demeanor, high ethical standards, and a passion for excellence.
