Executive Housekeeper

Job Description

The Executive Housekeeper is responsible for managing all housekeeping operations within a luxury safari lodge, ensuring exceptional standards of cleanliness, presentation, and guest comfort. The role oversees housekeeping staff, laundry operations, inventory management, and quality control while maintaining the high standards expected of a 5-star hospitality establishment.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Housekeeping Operations Management

• Oversee the daily operations of the housekeeping and laundry departments.

• Ensure all guest suites, public areas, staff accommodation, offices, and back-of-house areas are maintained to 5-star standards.

• Develop and implement housekeeping procedures, standards, and schedules.

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

• Coordinate room readiness with Front Office and Lodge Management.

Staff Management and Leadership

• Recruit, train, supervise, and motivate housekeeping staff.

• Prepare staff schedules and duty rosters.

• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching.

• Ensure staff adhere to lodge policies, grooming standards, and health and safety regulations.

• Foster a positive and productive team culture.

Guest Service Excellence

• Ensure guest rooms are impeccably prepared prior to arrival.

• Handle guest requests, complaints, and special requirements professionally and efficiently.

• Work closely with other departments to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

• Monitor guest feedback and implement corrective action where necessary.

Laundry and Linen Management

• Oversee all laundry operations, including guest laundry services.

• Manage linen inventory and replacement programmes.

• Ensure proper handling, storage, and maintenance of linen, uniforms, and guest amenities.

• Monitor laundry quality and turnaround times.

Inventory and Cost Control

• Manage housekeeping supplies, chemicals, amenities, and equipment.

• Conduct regular stock takes and inventory control.

• Monitor departmental budgets and expenses.

• Identify opportunities to reduce wastage and improve cost efficiency.

Minimum Qualifications

• Grade 12 / Matric.

• Diploma or certificate in Hospitality Management, Hotel Management, Housekeeping Management, or a related field.

• Additional housekeeping or supervisory training is advantageous.

• Valid driver’s licence is preferred.

Experience Required

• Minimum of 3–5 years’ housekeeping experience within a luxury lodge, hotel, or resort environment.

• At least 2 years’ experience in a supervisory or management role.

• Previous experience in a 4-star or 5-star safari lodge environment is highly advantageous.

• Experience managing large housekeeping teams and laundry operations.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management skills.

• Excellent attention to detail and quality standards.

• Exceptional organisational and time management abilities.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

• Financial acumen and inventory management skills.

• High level of professionalism and guest service orientation.

• Knowledge of housekeeping chemicals, cleaning procedures, and hygiene standards.

• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and hospitality management systems.

Benefits

• On-site accommodation.

• Meals on duty.

• Medical aid contribution, should the candidate choose to join the company medical aid.

• Provident fund contributions.

• 3 weeks on, 1 week off work cycle.

• 15 annual leave days.