Head of housekeeping has the challenging role of coordinating the daily schedule to coincide with guest check in and check out times, acting as quality control (signing off each room before it is handed back to reception), managing and ordering stock to ensure sufficient cleaning supplies and guest room amenities and tea/coffee facilities etc are available, whilst also overseeing the laundry and liaising with maintenance.

Specific duties usually include: -
  • Liaising with reception to plan the cleaning schedule on a weekly and daily basis
  • Recruitment and training of housekeeping staff
  • Creation of checklist and guidelines for each housekeeping member
  • Rostering staff to cater for peaks and troughs in accommodation 
  • Procurement of cleaning products and equipment
  • Procurement of towels, bed linens, in-room amenities and tea/coffee making supplies
  • Liaising with maintenance to report any damage/repairs needed
  • Quality control – depending on the size and standards within the hotel, this can be spot checking or formal sign off for each guest bedroom
Skills, Experience and Personality Needed
  • Ability to manage a large team of people is essential as are leadership skills to ensure the team are motivated and engaged in their work which can be stressful at times
  • Solid knowledge of health and safety at work legislation – usually requiring Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) and Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrence (RIDDOR) qualifications 
  • Attention to detail – the final responsibility for cleanliness and condition of rooms lies with the Housekeeping Manager
  • Exceptional organisational skills to ensure effective coordination of staff and services
  • Stamina is a must – it’s not unheard of for the manager to have to muck in and help!
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Great communication and negotiation skills
Benefits and Considerations
  • This is a physically demanding job – great if you want something to keep you busy and fit, not so great if you have any mobility issues
  • Head of housekeeping is usually a full-time role – and it is full on at that
  • It can be stressful keeping all the balls in the air
  • Many hotels offer staff perks on food and drink and even use of any health facilities
  • It’s not uncommon to find loose change/tips left specifically for housekeeping staff