Executive Housekeeper

The Executive Housekeeper is responsible for the overall management and operation of the housekeeping and laundry departments, ensuring that guest suites, public areas and back-of-house facilities consistently meet five-star luxury lodge standards . Current Limpopo luxury-lodge roles typically require strong leadership, room inspections, stock and budget control, laundry management and staff development.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Housekeeping Operations

• Take full responsibility for the daily operation of the Housekeeping Department.
• Ensure all guest rooms, suites, bathrooms and public areas are maintained to five-star standards.
• Conduct daily inspections of guest rooms and public areas.
• Ensure rooms are correctly prepared before guest arrivals.
• Maintain exceptional attention to detail regarding cleanliness, presentation and amenities.
• Ensure staff accommodation, offices and back-of-house areas are maintained appropriately.
• Develop and maintain housekeeping SOPs, checklists and cleaning schedules.
• Ensure turndown and special guest requirements are executed to luxury standards.

Laundry Operations

• Oversee the complete laundry operation.
• Manage guest, lodge, linen and staff laundry.
• Ensure correct washing, drying, pressing, folding and storage procedures.
• Monitor linen quality and identify damaged or worn items.
• Maintain appropriate par levels of linen and towels.
• Ensure guest laundry is collected and returned promptly and correctly.

Staff Management

• Lead; manage, motivate and develop the housekeeping team.
• Prepare staff rosters, duty allocations and leave schedules.
• Conduct daily briefings and departmental handovers.
• Train employees on five-star housekeeping and guest-service standards.
• Monitor staff performance, attendance, grooming and conduct.
• Conduct performance reviews and address performance concerns.
• Ensure adequate staffing levels for occupancy and operational requirements.
• Create a positive, professional and team-oriented working environment.

Quality Control

• Conduct regular room and public-area inspections.
• Implement corrective action where standards are not met.
• Monitor guest feedback relating to housekeeping.
• Investigate complaints and ensure appropriate corrective action.
• Ensure rooms are presented consistently regardless of occupancy levels.
• Maintain the highest standards of hygiene, cleanliness and presentation.

Stock & Inventory Control

• Manage housekeeping stock, linen, amenities and cleaning materials.
• Maintain accurate stock records and minimum/maximum stock levels.
• Conduct regular and monthly stocktakes.
• Monitor consumption and minimise wastage.
• Manage purchasing and housekeeping-related orders.
• Monitor pricing, invoices and GRVs where applicable.
• Control departmental expenditure and ensure budget targets are achieved.

Guest Experience

• Ensure housekeeping contributes to an exceptional overall guest experience.
• Respond professionally to guest requests and special requirements.
• Ensure VIPs, honeymooners and special occasions receive appropriate attention.
• Assist with guest arrivals, departures and lodge inspections when required.
• Maintain a visible and professional presence within the lodge.

Maintenance & Safety

• Identify and report maintenance issues immediately.
• Follow up on outstanding maintenance items.
• Monitor housekeeping equipment and ensure it is correctly maintained.
• Ensure correct handling and storage of cleaning chemicals.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, hygiene and OHS requirements.
• Manage pest‑control requirements where applicable.
• Ensure all housekeeping staff follow lodge health and safety procedures.

Interdepartmental Coordination

• Work closely with the Lodge Manager, Assistant Lodge Manager and Front Office.
• Coordinate room readiness with Reception.
• Communicate maintenance requirements to the Maintenance Department.
• Work closely with F&B and other departments regarding guest requirements.
• Attend management meetings and provide housekeeping reports.
• Ensure smooth communication between all operational departments.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential:

• Grade 12 / Matric.
• Minimum 3–5 years' housekeeping management experience in a luxury lodge, five-star hotel or premium hospitality environment.
• Previous experience as an Executive Housekeeper, Housekeeping Manager or Assistant Executive Housekeeper .
• Proven experience managing and training a housekeeping team.
• Experience managing laundry operations.
• Strong stock and inventory-control experience.
• Budgeting and cost-control experience.
• Excellent knowledge of luxury housekeeping standards.
• Computer literate, including MS Office.
• Excellent spoken and written English.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, weekends and public holidays.
• Ability to work and live in a remote lodge environment.
• Current Waterberg/Limpopo vacancies range from 2–3 years' specialist five-star/boutique lodge housekeeping-management experience to 5 years' luxury hospitality experience ; depending on the seniority of the property.

Advantageous:

• Diploma/Degree in Hospitality Management, Hotel Management or Housekeeping Management .
• Previous Big Five safari lodge experience.
• Experience with a luxury PMS such as OPERA.
• Room Division or Front Office experience.
• Formal housekeeping/service training.
• Knowledge of HACCP and OHS.
• Valid driver's licence.
• Experience with departmental budgets and financial reporting

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