Head Housekeeper

Classic Lodges Limited; Ambleside; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee discounts 25% food & drink +

Wellbeing support through Hospitality

Free uniform for Front of House

Complimentary meals on shift

Monthly gratuities

Employee of the Quarter £100

Long service awards

Pool and spa facilities access

28 days holiday (41 with service)

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

The Salutation Hotel in Ambleside, part of Classic Lodges Limited, is seeking a Head Housekeeper to lead the housekeeping operation and safeguard presentation, cleanliness and guest environments across the hotel.

In this pivotal role you will set standards, develop a high-performing team and drive a culture of pride, accountability and continuous improvement. Live-out, with potential live-in accommodation on a monthly deduction basis.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing a housekeeping department in a hotel environment.
• Strong, visible leadership with the ability to motivate and develop a team.
• Meticulous eye for detail and high standards.
• Calm, solutions-focused approach in a fast-paced setting.
• Passion for delivering exceptional guest service and hospitality.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in training and coaching team members.
• Flexible, resilient and proactive mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead housekeeping team to deliver outstanding cleanliness across rooms and public areas.
• Oversee daily operations, room inspections and public area presentation.
• Drive quality control processes and readiness in line with occupancy demands.
• Monitor linen stock levels and report maintenance issues promptly.
• Build team morale and foster a culture of excellence and accountability.
• Deliver structured training and support staff development.

Skills

Housekeeping management

Team leadership

Attention to detail

Guest service

Communication skills

Training & development

Problem solving

Job description

In the heart of the beautiful English Lake District, The Salutation Hotel is a fabulous place to work! We have a wonderful friendly & welcoming team, so come and see what we have to offer!

We are seeking an accomplished Head Housekeeper to lead and elevate our housekeeping operation. This is a pivotal leadership role, responsible for safeguarding the presentation, cleanliness, and overall guest environment across the hotel. It offers an opportunity to shape standards, develop a high-performing team, and contribute meaningfully to the wider guest experience.

The Role

As Head Housekeeper, you will take full operational responsibility for the housekeeping department, ensuring exceptional standards are consistently delivered across all bedrooms and public areas. You will lead from the front — setting expectations, inspiring your team, and driving a culture of pride, accountability and continuous improvement.

About You

• Proven experience managing a housekeeping department, ideally within a quality hotel environment
• Strong, visible leadership with the ability to motivate, engage and develop a team
• A meticulous eye for detail and an uncompromising commitment to high standards
• A calm, solutions-focused approach in a fast-paced operational setting
• A passion for delivering exceptional guest service and genuine hospitality
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in training, coaching and developing team members
• Flexibility, resilience and a proactive mindset

Key Responsibilities

• Leading and managing the housekeeping team to deliver consistently outstanding cleanliness standards
• Overseeing daily operations, room inspections and public area presentation
• Driving quality control processes and ensuring readiness in line with occupancy demands
• Monitoring and controlling stock levels of linenReporting and coordinating maintenance issues efficiently
• Building team morale and embedding a culture of excellence and accountability
• Delivering structured training and supporting team development

This is a live out position. Live in could be available with a monthly deduction for accommodation.

Benefits that we offer

• Generous employee discounts, including 25% off food and drink, plus friends and family discounts
• Wellbeing support through our partnership with Hospitality Action, offering free, confidential advice and resources as well as retail discounts
• Free uniform for Front of House team members
• Complimentary meals on shift
• Monthly gratuities
• Employee of the Quarter, with a £100 award
• Long service awards, including an invitation to the Classic Lodges Awards Ceremony
• Complimentary use of pool and spa facilities (where available at your hotel)
• 28 days holiday, increasing with length of service up to 33 days
• Learning and development opportunities, including apprenticeships, structured training, and clear career pathways