What is a Head Housekeeper?
Head Housekeeper Job Description
The head housekeeper manages and supervises all cleaning staff within a private property. He or she is responsible for ensuring that all communal and private areas (such as bedrooms, bathrooms, boudoirs and lounges) are maintained to an impeccable standard in line with the property-owner's specifications.
Head housekeepers are also charged with implementing specific employer requests in regards to the property (such as preparing rooms for visitors, organisation of the cleaning schedule, following specific cleaning procedures especially for antique and highly valuable objects, personal preferences in regards to tidying and furniture placement etc.).
This position is therefore one of great responsibility and value. The head housekeeper is the sole responsible and sole spokesperson on subjects concerning property cleanliness, serving as mediator between the employer and his or her cleaning staff.
In luxury hotels, head housekeepers oversee the maintenance and cleanliness of all guest bedrooms. They are responsible for ensuring that clients' expectations are not only met, but exceeded.
A head housekeeper must be a meticulous professional, rigorous and outspoken, able to successfully lead and manage an often large team.
In some cases, for religious and cultural reasons, the gender of a head housekeeper may be specifically requested. They may also be asked to take on the role of butler, or even be asked to run the entire property.
Head housekeepers are also charged with implementing specific employer requests in regards to the property (such as preparing rooms for visitors, organisation of the cleaning schedule, following specific cleaning procedures especially for antique and highly valuable objects, personal preferences in regards to tidying and furniture placement etc.).
This position is therefore one of great responsibility and value. The head housekeeper is the sole responsible and sole spokesperson on subjects concerning property cleanliness, serving as mediator between the employer and his or her cleaning staff.
In luxury hotels, head housekeepers oversee the maintenance and cleanliness of all guest bedrooms. They are responsible for ensuring that clients' expectations are not only met, but exceeded.
A head housekeeper must be a meticulous professional, rigorous and outspoken, able to successfully lead and manage an often large team.
In some cases, for religious and cultural reasons, the gender of a head housekeeper may be specifically requested. They may also be asked to take on the role of butler, or even be asked to run the entire property.
What responsibilities does a Head Housekeeper have ?
These may include:
- Managing stock and supply operations regarding cleaning and maintenance, such as liaising and negotiating with suppliers
- Overseeing budgets and expenditure
- Managing recruitment for cleaning staff
- Maintaining high standards of upkeep and cleanliness at all times, handling specific employer requests in regards to cleaning, maintenance and organisation
- Managing guest arrivals and preparation of guest rooms
- Organizing daily tasks, timetables and rotas for house personnel
What accommodation should you expect as a Head Housekeeper ?
The head housekeeper is generally provided with living arrangements within the property. He or she may be expected to travel with the employer, especially if they own multiple properties.
The head housekeeper may also live outside of the main property in private accommodation, but within close proximity to the main house.
All our head housekeepers are required to:
Morgan & Mallet International places and recruits property head housekeepers for temporary, seasonal, or permanent contracts. Our recruitment consultants are always available to answer your questions.
The head housekeeper may also live outside of the main property in private accommodation, but within close proximity to the main house.
All our head housekeepers are required to:
- Hold clean criminal records in both their country of employment and country of origin
- Present all certificates and qualifications from training centres and/or schools they attended
- Successfully pass two interview stages
- Provide at least three positive references from previous employers
- Complete professional dossiers containing: CV, cover letter, proof of identity (photocopy or scan), proof of address, proof of the right to work in the country of employment (if applicable), driving license and pay slips from previous professional placements. Candidates should be aware that other documentation may also be required.
Morgan & Mallet International places and recruits property head housekeepers for temporary, seasonal, or permanent contracts. Our recruitment consultants are always available to answer your questions.
