Lead Housekeeper

Field Studies Council; England; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental charity in the Lake District is seeking a Lead Housekeeper. This role involves overseeing the housekeeping team, ensuring facilities are clean and welcoming for guests, and managing staff rotas. Ideal candidates will have hospitality experience and a flexible approach. Benefits include competitive salary, 28 days annual holiday, health app support, and opportunities for professional development. Join us to make a difference in a beautiful location surrounded by nature.

Benefits

Life assurance (5x salary)

Health and wellbeing support app

28 days holiday plus bank holidays

Extra loyalty days

Cycle to work and EV schemes

Discounts and cashback opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong work ethic; key aptitudes include a positive attitude and pride in work.
• Ability to work independently and as a team player.
• Motivated to learn new skills and overcome challenges.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the housekeeping function to ensure cleanliness and readiness for guests.
• Manage, motivate, and support housekeeping team members.
• Prepare staff rotas and plan deep-cleaning activities.

Skills

Hospitality background

Management experience

Flexibility and adaptability

Professional manner

Initiative

Job description

Take the lead in our housekeeping team and make a real difference. You’ll help us create memorable experiences for our visitors while supporting our mission to inspire everyone to care for the environment.

• Permanent full-time contract - average 37.5 hours per week
• Starting salary - circa £27,350 per annum
• Excellent benefits including life assurance (5x salary), health and wellbeing support app, 28 days holiday plus bank holidays and extra loyalty days (full list below)
• Beautiful location - enjoy breaks surrounded by nature
• Accommodation available - relocate to Cumbria and make the most of your days off exploring the Lake District

Love where you work!

Established in 1943, our network of Learning Locations provides day and residential outdoor education courses for all ages. We aim to create outstanding opportunities for everyone to learn about nature.

We value each of our team members and understand that every role is vital to deliver our mission, so, we provide great benefits* to reward and support you while you work with us.

What You’ll Be Doing

As Lead Housekeeper, you’ll oversee the housekeeping function, ensuring our learning location is always clean, welcoming, and ready for guests. You’ll manage, motivate, and support your team, taking an active role in recruiting, training, and developing staff.

Your office duties will include preparing staff rotas, planning deep‑cleaning activities, and organising guest room changes. You’ll also work alongside your team during changeovers and general housekeeping, leading by example.

Flexibility is key in our positive work environment, where everyone helps each other to deliver an excellent guest experience.

Please refer to the vacancy pack for further details on the full responsibilities of this role.

Where you’ll be based

Blencathra sits in the heart of the Lake District, surrounded by fells, forests, and sparkling lakes. Imagine starting your day with breathtaking views, fresh mountain air, and endless opportunities for adventure — from hillwalking and mountain biking to wildlife spotting and watersports.

Working at Blencathra isn’t just a job — it’s a chance to lead a dedicated housekeeping team while enjoying life in one of England’s most beautiful national landscapes.

Who We’re Looking For

Ideally you will have a hospitality background and already have some management or supervisor experience. In addition, you will have:

• A great work ethic where aptitude and attitude are key
• A natural pride in the work you produce
• A flexible and adaptive approach able to perform using your own initiative both independently and as a team player
• A professional manner in all that you do
• An empathy with the aims and objectives of Field Studies Council
• A committed and proactive approach to personal development; motivated to learn new skills and overcome new challenges
• Your benefits whilst working with us will include:
• Competitive salary
• 28 days annual holiday entitlement plus bank holidays
• Extra loyalty days dependent on length of service
• Health and Wellbeing Support App
• 24hr Counselling Helpline Service
• Cycle to work and EV schemes
• Discounts and cashback opportunities
• Flexible working options where roles permit
• Quality learning and development opportunities

Ready to apply?

If this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been looking for, we’d love to hear from you!

The closing date for receipt of your completed application is 11.59pm on 4 January 2025. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we’re in receipt of sufficient applications. Please apply early to avoid disappointment.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted after the close date and interviews will be arranged accordingly.

If you don’t meet every requirement listed in the person specification, we would still encourage you to apply and tell us about the unique skills and experiences you can bring to the role. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and abilities.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and we expect all team members to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will only be confirmed following the successful completion of rigorous pre‑employment checks, including appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.

We want to create a world where everyone feels connected to the environment so they can enjoy the benefits it gives and make choices that help protect it.

As an Investors in People charity, we realise that to achieve our vision we need diverse teams of staff who have a wide range of skills, a real passion for the work of the charity and pride in their role within it. No matter what role you perform at the FSC, everyone can make a difference and every role is vital to delivering our mission and vision… if this inspires you, we would love to hear from you.