Hod Housekeeping

HotelJobs; Noordwes; On-site; ZAR 203,000 - 243,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site accommodation

Meals provided

Big 5 luxury lodge environment

Job summary

HotelJobs is seeking a Head of Department (HOD) – Housekeeping for a luxury North West Province lodge. Lead the housekeeping team across bedrooms, public areas, and laundry, delivering meticulous standards and guest satisfaction.

The role requires 3–5 years of supervisory housekeeping experience in high-end environments, hands-on leadership, and a focus on presentation, hygiene, and safety. On-site living is provided with meals per lodge policy.

Qualifications

• Matric/Grade 12; hospitality qualification is a plus.
• 3–5 years of supervisory or managerial housekeeping experience in luxury lodges.
• Hands-on leadership with strong attention to detail and presentation.
• Able to manage laundry systems, chemicals, and inventory control.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the full housekeeping department (staff and operations).
• Oversee daily cleaning, servicing and turn-down of suites and public areas.
• Conduct inspections; ensure rooms are prepared before arrivals and after departures.
• Develop SOPs for cleaning, hygiene, and luxury presentation standards.
• Manage linen, laundry, guest amenities, chemicals, and stock takes.
• Create staff schedules aligned to occupancy and lodge rhythm.
• Recruit, train, coach, and performance-manage housekeeping team.
• Coordinate with Front Office, Maintenance, F&B, and Spa teams for smooth operations.
• Report maintenance issues; ensure health and safety compliance.
• Handle guest requests professionally with discretion and warmth.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of lodge standards.

Skills

Leadership

Team development

Organisation

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Laundry & hygiene protocols

Inventory control

Education

Matric / Grade 12

Hospitality qualification advantageous

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Head of Department (HOD) – Housekeeping

Salary: R20,000 gross.

Location: Luxury Game Lodge, North West Province, South Africa

Reports to: General Manager / Lodge Manager

Position Type: Full-time, live-in (on-site accommodation typically provided)

About the Role

A luxury, family-friendly Big 5 game lodge in the North West is seeking an exceptional Head of Housekeeping to lead and elevate the housekeeping department. The lodge offers 23 beautifully appointed suites (19 standard and 4 luxury units with private plunge pools or hot tubs), accommodating up to 46 guests. Suites feature private verandas, indoor/outdoor showers, modern amenities (air‑conditioning, minibar, tea/coffee facilities, Smart TVs), and refined bush-inspired décor — all set within a malaria-free environment. Communal spaces include a restaurant, bar, lounge, traditional boma, swimming/plunge pools, spa facilities, bird hide, and viewing decks overlooking a waterhole. Impeccable housekeeping, laundry operations, and presentation of guest and public areas are central to delivering a world‑class safari experience. This senior operational role suits a hands‑on leader who thrives in a mid‑sized luxury lodge, balancing high guest expectations; team leadership; stock control; and quality assurance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the full housekeeping department (room attendants, public‑area cleaners, laundry staff).
• Oversee daily cleaning, servicing, and turn‑down of all guest suites and public areas (restaurant, bar, lounge, boma, spa, pools, decks, BOH).
• Conduct regular inspections; ensure rooms are fully prepared and signed off before arrivals and after departures.
• Develop and maintain SOPs for cleaning, hygiene, and presentation aligned with luxury safari standards.
• Manage linen, laundry operations, guest amenities, chemicals, and inventory; perform stock takes and control usage/costs.
• Create staff schedules aligned to occupancy and lodge rhythms (game drives, check‑ins/check‑outs).
• Recruit, train, coach, motivate, and performance‑manage the housekeeping team; build a culture of pride and accountability.
• Collaborate with Front Office, Maintenance, F&B, and Spa teams to ensure seamless operations.
• Report and follow up on maintenance issues in suites and public areas.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, hygiene, and environmental standards.
• Handle guest requests and feedback with professionalism, discretion, and warmth.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of lodge standards and guest experience.

Requirements

• Matric / Grade 12 (hospitality qualification advantageous).
• 3–5 years’ supervisory or managerial housekeeping experience in a luxury lodge, boutique hotel, or similar 20–30 room environment.
• Proven hands‑on leadership and team development capability.
• Strong attention to detail and understanding of luxury presentation standards.
• Knowledge of laundry systems, chemical usage, hygiene protocols, and inventory control.
• Computer literacy (MS Office, email, basic reporting/stock systems).
• Excellent organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work flexible shifts (early mornings, evenings, weekends, public holidays).
• Valid driver’s licence advantageous; willingness to live on‑site.
• Fluent in English; additional local languages beneficial.

Personal Attributes

• Hands‑on leader with high personal standards and a calm, solution‑driven approach.
• Passionate about creating memorable guest experiences in a natural bush setting.
• Adaptable; resilient, and comfortable with remote lodge living.
• Strong sense of ownership, integrity, and teamwork.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary package based on experience.
• On‑site accommodation and meals (as per lodge policy).
• Opportunity to work in a beautiful, malaria‑free Big 5 environment.
• Supportive management team and scope to elevate housekeeping standards.