Housekeeping Manager

Mpumalanga, Sabi Sands Lead and manage the housekeeping department, ensuring consistently high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and presentation throughout the lodge. Lead by example and actively participate in the day-to-day housekeeping operation. Supervise, motivate, train and manage housekeeping staff effectively. Allocate daily duties and ensure that staff understand their responsibilities and required standards. Conduct detailed inspections of guest suites, rooms, bathrooms, public areas and back-of-house areas. Ensure all guest areas are presented to the required luxury lodge standards before guest arrival. Monitor cleanliness, presentation, maintenance issues and general condition of guest rooms and public areas. Manage all housekeeping linen, including stock levels, issuing, receiving, storage, laundry and replacement requirements. Maintain accurate records of linen, cleaning products, amenities, equipment and other housekeeping supplies. Ensure housekeeping equipment is correctly used, maintained and stored. Monitor stock levels and communicate purchasing requirements to management. Maintain effective housekeeping administration, including checklists, schedules, stock sheets, staff records and inspection reports. Coordinate closely with Front Office and Lodge Management regarding arrivals, departures, room status, special requests and guest requirements. Ensure VIP rooms, honeymoon suites and special guest requirements receive appropriate attention to detail. Identify and report maintenance issues in guest rooms and public areas and follow up to ensure they are resolved. Implement and maintain housekeeping procedures and standards. Train staff on cleaning procedures, hygiene, presentation and lodge standards. Manage staff performance, attendance, discipline and daily productivity where required. Ensure health, safety and hygiene standards are maintained within the housekeeping department. Monitor the efficient use of cleaning products and minimise unnecessary wastage. Assist with room preparation, deep cleaning and special housekeeping projects when required. Ensure all housekeeping areas, storerooms and linen rooms are kept clean, organised and properly maintained. Maintain a professional and service-focused relationship with guests and respond appropriately to housekeeping-related requests or concerns.

Minimum Requirements

• Previous experience in a housekeeping supervisory or management position within a luxury lodge, safari lodge, hotel or similar hospitality environment.
• Experience managing and supervising housekeeping staff.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to lead from the front and set a high standard of service.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a strong eye for cleanliness, presentation and quality.
• Good knowledge of housekeeping procedures, cleaning standards and guest-service expectations.
• Competent in linen control, stock management and housekeeping equipment management.
• Strong administrative and organisational skills.
• Ability to conduct room and public-area inspections and ensure standards are consistently maintained.
• Ability to train, motivate and manage a housekeeping team effectively.
• Good planning and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative and remain calm under pressure.
• Professional, well-presented and guest-focused.
• Flexibility to work weekends, public holidays and according to lodge operational requirements.
• Previous experience in a 5-star or luxury safari environment will be advantageous.
• Ideal Candidate Profile
• The ideal candidate will be a hands-on and experienced housekeeping professional who is comfortable leading a team while remaining actively involved in the operation. They should have a strong eye for detail, excellent organisational and administrative abilities, and a genuine commitment to maintaining the high standards expected within a luxury safari lodge.