Executive Housekeeper Thitaka

Job Advert Summary

The Executive Housekeeper is responsible for the overall management and supervision of the housekeeping and laundry operations at Thitaka River Lodge, ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness, presentation, comfort, and hygiene throughout all guest accommodations, public areas, back-of-house spaces, laundry facilities, and staff accommodation.

The role is also responsible for departmental budgeting, expense management, inventory control, and cost efficiency while maintaining the luxury hospitality standards of Newmark Hotels & Reserves. The Executive Housekeeper ensures operational excellence, effective team leadership, and exceptional guest satisfaction across all housekeeping and laundry functions.

Minimum Requirements

• Diploma or Certificate in Hospitality Management, Housekeeping Operations, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 4–6 years’ housekeeping experience within luxury hospitality or safari lodge environments.
• At least 2 years’ supervisory or management experience.
• Strong knowledge of housekeeping procedures, laundry operations, budgeting, and hygiene standards.
• Experience in inventory management and departmental cost control.
• Excellent leadership and organizational skills.
• Computer literacy and experience with housekeeping reporting systems advantageous.
• Experience in remote lodge operations advantageous

Duties and Responsibilities

Housekeeping Operations

• Manage the daily operations of the housekeeping department
• Ensure all guest rooms, suites, public areas, laundry facilities, offices, and staff accommodation are maintained to exceptional cleanliness and presentation standards
• Conduct regular inspections of guest rooms and lodge facilities to ensure quality assurance
• Ensure rooms are prepared according to occupancy schedules and guest preferences
• Coordinate daily cleaning schedules, deep cleaning programs and turnaround priorities

Laundry Operations Management

• Oversee all laundry operations including guest laundry, staff uniforms, linen processing, and housekeeping laundry services.
• Ensure laundry services are delivered efficiently and according to lodge quality standards.
• Monitor linen handling, sorting, washing, pressing, storage, and replacement schedules.
• Maintain proper operation and cleanliness of laundry equipment and facilities.
• Ensure adequate stock levels of linen, uniforms, and laundry supplies at all times.

Budget & Expense Management

• Prepare and manage the housekeeping and laundry departmental budget.
• Monitor departmental expenses and implement cost-control measures to ensure operational efficiency.
• Manage inventory levels of cleaning materials, guest amenities, linen, uniforms, and laundry supplies.
• Control waste, breakages, and unnecessary expenditure within the department.
• Coordinate procurement requests and supplier requirements in line with lodge purchasing procedures.
• Ensure accurate stocktaking, inventory reporting, and budget tracking.

Guest Service & Experience

• Ensure guest comfort and satisfaction through attention to detail and personalized room presentation.
• Respond promptly and professionally to guest housekeeping and laundry requests.
• Coordinate VIP room setups, honeymoon arrangements, and special occasion amenities.
• Address housekeeping-related guest concerns efficiently and professionally.

Team Leadership & Staff Management

• Supervise, train, motivate, and develop housekeeping and laundry staff.
• Conduct staff scheduling and duty rosters to ensure adequate operational coverage.
• Ensure staff maintain professional grooming, hygiene, and uniform standards.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and a positive working environment.
• Conduct performance evaluations, coaching, and skills development.