Executive Housekeeper

HotelJobs; Bela-Bela; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

HotelJobs in Limpopo seeks an Executive Housekeeper to lead the housekeeping and laundry teams in a luxury lodge environment. You will ensure guest suites, public areas and back-of-house facilities meet five-star standards, while managing stock, budgets and staff development.

Responsibilities include daily operations, inspections, roster planning, training, and cross-department coordination to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

Qualifications

• Must have 3–5 years' housekeeping management experience in luxury settings.
• Proven track record in staff training and development.
• Excellent knowledge of luxury housekeeping standards and guest service.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operation of the housekeeping department to five-star standards.
• Manage laundry operations and linen inventory.
• Lead, motivate and develop the housekeeping team; prepare rosters and briefings.
• Conduct regular inspections and implement corrective actions to uphold quality.
• Control stock, budget, pricing and departmental expenditure.

Skills

Leadership

Staff development

Communication

Attention to detail

English proficiency

MS Office

PMS OPERA

Education

Grade 12 / Matric

Diploma/Degree in Hospitality Management

Tools

OPERA PMS

Job description

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