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Head Housekeeper
Head housekeeper is the job title given to the supervisor of all housekeeping staff. The head housekeeper will be responsible for all aspects of running the department from training and development to rotas and budgeting. Head housekeepers allocate daily cleaning duties, issue keys, linen, cleaning materials and inspect rooms to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned. It is the responsibility of the head housekeeper to ensure that every detail is attended to and whether cleaning or repairs are required. Responsibility for replacing damaged items is also part of the head housekeeper remit.
A head housekeeper will liaise with other departments to check availability of rooms or to make sure guests’ requests are met quickly. In large establishments the head housekeeper may manage several floor housekeepers. In smaller hotels there may only be one head housekeeper. In either case the head housekeeper job involves teamwork, motivating and managing staff and on occasion may involve doing the actual cleaning.
In some instances, both the banqueting and front office departments can fall under the remit of the head housekeeper. It can, therefore, be advantageous for progression if the candidate has experience in these roles. The role of head housekeeper is a very customer-facing position as well as needing great attention to detail to ensure the maintenance of standards set by the hotel.
A head housekeeper requires:
• Leadership skills
• The ability to recruit, train, motivate and lead staff
• Good communication
• Strong organisational skills
• A practical approach and an eye for detail
Head housekeepers work unsocial hours as accommodation needs to be available 24 hours a day. They must be prepared to start work early and often have to work shifts including weekends and public holidays.
Salary rates for head housekeepers vary according to the type, size and location of the hotel however in general head housekeepers may earn upwards of £18,000. Additional payments for working overtime or unsociable hours may apply.
Jobs of this type currently available
- Category:
- Hospitality/Catering/Tourism
- Published:
- 12 May 08
- Based in:
- Inverness
- Salary:
- £5.52 - £5.52 p/h
- Category:
- Hospitality/Catering/Tourism
- Published:
- 12 May 08
- Based in:
- Wick
- Salary:
- £20,000 - £20,000
- Category:
- Hospitality/Catering/Tourism
- Published:
- 12 May 08
- Based in:
- Glasgow
- Salary:
- Negotiable
- Category:
- Hospitality/Catering/Tourism
- Published:
- 12 May 08
- Based in:
- Glasgow
- Salary:
- £16,000 - £18,000
- Category:
- Hospitality/Catering/Tourism
- Published:
- 08 May 08
- Based in:
- St Andrews
- Salary:
- Negotiable