Head Housekeeper

Active Pathways Ltd.; Manchester; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 25 days (pro-rata)

Refer a Friend scheme

Health Cash Plan

Workplace pension

Blue Light Card

Enhanced DBS checks

On-site parking

Lunch provided

Job summary

Active Pathways Ltd. in Manchester is launching Willow Rise, a brand-new residential mental health rehabilitation service in Droylsden, opening November 2026. We are seeking an experienced Head Housekeeper to help bring the service to life and lead the housekeeping and laundry operations from day one.

As a founding team member you will set high standards of cleanliness, infection control, and resident experience, while building and developing your team within a supportive care environment.

Qualifications

• Has previous housekeeping experience, ideally in a healthcare, hospitality, residential, or care environment.
• Has experience supervising or leading a housekeeping team.
• Maintains high standards of cleanliness and infection control.
• Is highly organised with good attention to detail and able to manage workloads.

Responsibilities

• Lead the housekeeping and laundry services across Willow Rise, ensuring exceptional standards of cleanliness.
• Ensure daily and deep cleaning schedules are completed effectively.
• Maintain high standards of infection prevention and control across all areas.
• Manage cleaning supplies, equipment, stock levels, and budgets.
• Ensure residents' bedrooms and communal areas are welcoming and well-presented.
• Lead, supervise, develop and support housekeeping colleagues through supervision and appraisals.
• Ensure compliance with COSHH regulations and health and safety requirements.
• Complete audits, maintain records, and contribute to governance and CQC compliance.
• Support residents participating in the Therapeutic Earnings Programme who choose housekeeping activities.

Skills

Housekeeping leadership

Infection prevention

Team supervision

Organised

Job description

To ensure consistency in our care delivery applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK for a minimum of 18 months from their agreed start date. Please note: We are unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time. Applications that do not meet these criteria will not be progressed further.

As we put the finishing touches to our exciting new Droylsden service, interviews for this role will be conducted at one of our established services in Preston or Leeds.

NEW SERVICE OPENING IN NOVEMBER - Willow Rise, Droylsden (Manchester)

Head Housekeeper

Pay: £14.50 per hour

Hours: 37.5 per week

Start Date Anticipated - 2nd November

Be Part of Something New From Day One - Active Pathways is coming to Manchester!

This November 2026, we are proud to open Willow Rise, our brand-new residential mental health rehabilitation service in Droylsden, and we’re looking for an experienced and passionate Head Housekeeper to help bring the service to life.

This is a unique opportunity to join as a founding member of the team, helping to create a safe, welcoming, and therapeutic environment for our very first residents.

Why This Role is Different

At Willow Rise, housekeeping is about much more than cleaning. It's about creating an environment where people feel safe, respected, and supported in their recovery journey.

As Head Housekeeper, you'll lead the housekeeping function, setting the highest standards of cleanliness, presentation, infection control, and resident experience. You'll also have the opportunity to build and develop your team while shaping ways of working within a brand-new service.

• Be part of launching a brand-new service
• Create welcoming spaces for our first residents
• Lead and develop your own housekeeping team
• Play a key role in maintaining outstanding standards
• Work within a service where every role contributes to recovery

About Willow Rise

Located in the heart of Manchester, Willow Rise is a brand-new residential rehabilitation service in Droylsden, created as a place where recovery is not only possible — it is truly empowered.

Inspired by the willow tree, a symbol of resilience, healing, and quiet strength, Willow Rise reflects our belief that every individual can grow through adversity, rebuild stability, and move forward with confidence.

Designed to feel like a genuine fresh start, Willow Rise offers a safe, therapeutic, and welcoming environment where people are supported with dignity to rediscover independence, purpose, and belonging. At its core:

• Willow — healing, flexibility, and emotional grounding
• Rise — progress, empowerment, and moving forward

The Best Bits

• Annual leave of 25 days (pro-rata), plus Bank Holidays
• Refer a Friend scheme - earn up to £500 per referral
• Health Cash Plan - covers dental, optical, virtual GP, counselling, and includes discounted gym membership
• Workplace pension scheme
• Free Blue Light Card membership
• Free enhanced DBS checks, on-site parking, and lunch (for site-based roles)
• Ongoing training, development and career progression opportunities

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead the housekeeping and laundry services across Willow Rise, ensuring exceptional standards of cleanliness throughout the service
• Ensure all daily and deep cleaning schedules are completed effectively and consistently
• Maintain high standards of infection prevention and control across all areas of the service
• Manage cleaning supplies, equipment, stock levels, and departmental budgets efficiently
• Ensure residents' bedrooms and communal areas are welcoming, well-presented, and prepared for admissions
• Lead, supervise, develop, and support housekeeping colleagues through regular supervision and appraisals
• Ensure compliance with COSHH regulations and all relevant health and safety requirements
• Complete audits, maintain records, and contribute to governance processes and CQC compliance requirements
• Support residents participating in our Therapeutic Earnings Programme who choose housekeeping-based activities

What We’re Looking For

• Has previous housekeeping experience, ideally in a healthcare, hospitality, residential, or care environment
• Has experience supervising or leading a housekeeping team
• Takes pride in maintaining exceptional standards
• Has a good understanding of infection prevention, COSHH, and health & safety requirements
• Is highly organised with excellent attention to detail
• Can manage workloads, stock levels, audits, and competing priorities effectively
• Is approachable, supportive, and able to motivate others
• Understands the importance of creating a welcoming environment for residents, visitors, and colleagues

Build Your Career With Us

At Active Pathways, we believe every role contributes to the recovery journey.

We're committed to helping our colleagues grow through training, development, and opportunities for progression. Whether you're looking to strengthen your leadership skills or further develop your expertise, we'll support you every step of the way.

Why Join Active Pathways?

• Competent - We deliver safe, consistent, high-quality care that puts our residents first
• Accountable - We act with transparency, take ownership, and build trust in everything we do
• Resilient - We support one another, adapt to challenges, and grow stronger together
• Ethical - We treat everyone with integrity, fairness, and respect

At Active Pathways, we invest in people.

We don’t just offer jobs - we offer long-term careers, with opportunities to grow, specialise, and progress. Whether you want to develop your clinical skills, move into leadership, or expand your knowledge, we’ll support you every step of the way.

Ready to Help Create a Home Where Recovery Can Thrive?

If you’re passionate about high standards, leadership, and creating environments where people feel safe and supported, we’d love to hear from you. APPLY TODAY and become part of the Willow Rise journey.

When you join us, you’re not just joining a team—you’re becoming part of a culture that is committed to doing the right thing, the right way, every day.