Director of Housekeeping

JR United Kingdom; Crawley; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality company is seeking a Housekeeping Director to ensure exceptional cleanliness and service onboard. The ideal candidate will have significant managerial experience within upscale hotels or cruise lines, with a strong focus on teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication. This role offers the opportunity to lead a dedicated team in delivering memorable guest experiences.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years managerial experience in upscale housekeeping.
• Extensive knowledge of cleaning procedures and public health standards.
• Effective communication in English; additional language skills preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee cleanliness and maintenance of guest areas and staterooms.
• Lead and manage housekeeping team to ensure exceptional guest service.
• Liase with department heads to resolve issues and negotiate solutions.

Skills

Hospitality

Communication

Organizational skills

Decision-making

Teamwork

Financial aptitude

Education

Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management or related field

Tools

Excel

Word

Issu Trax

OCIMS

Fidelio

Kronos

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Housekeeping Director is responsible for the entire guest onboard experience related to cleanliness and stateroom service, ensuring seamless delivery of premium service that is both exceptional and memorable. The Director must possess outstanding hospitality, communication, and organizational skills, along with effective decision-making abilities. Attention to detail is crucial, as the Director is fully accountable for the quality of all guests’ experiences. This role involves taking full ownership of the maintenance and cleanliness of assigned areas and leading the housekeeping team.

HIRING QUALIFICATIONS:

• Five to seven years of managerial experience in housekeeping within upscale hotels, resorts, or cruise lines (shipboard experience preferred).
• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business administration, or a related field from an accredited institution or equivalent international qualification preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of cleaning procedures aligned with public health standards.
• Deep understanding of proper cleaning techniques, chemical handling, safety procedures, and equipment use, including personal protective equipment and job safety analysis related to chemical handling, lifting, pushing, and pulling heavy equipment, and garbage removal.
• Knowledge of personalized service principles, including needs assessment, quality standards, alternative delivery systems, and guest satisfaction evaluation.
• Ability to work positively and cooperatively within a diverse team to meet established deadlines.
• Effective communication skills for liaising with department heads, coworkers, and crew members to resolve issues and negotiate solutions.
• Financial aptitude for managing housekeeping operations, including expense reduction and cost control.
• Experience in managing staffing levels to support business needs.
• Knowledge of talent assessment, quality service standards, guest satisfaction, and leadership development.
• Understanding of human resources policies and practices.
• Proficiency with computers and software such as Excel, Word, and specialized programs like Issu Trax, OCIMS, Fidelio, LGA, Berthing Manager, Medallia, Kronos, and the Celebrity App.

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to speak English clearly, distinctly, and cordially with guests.
• Proficiency in reading and writing English to understand procedures and communicate effectively.
• Additional languages such as Spanish, French, or German are preferred.