Overview
The executive housekeeper is responsible for recruiting and training their team of housekeepers, chambermaids, supervisors and laundry staff, and valets (linen attendants, florists, dry cleaners). They draw up the rotas and organise and monitor the whole team's work on a day-to-day basis, ensuring that hygiene and safety rules are observed. They track monthly budgets and manage purchasing and administration for linen and uniforms, guest amenities and cleaning products. They check invoices and authorise expenditure.
What does an executive housekeeper do?
- They draw up the specifications, contracts and subcontracting agreements for cleaning public areas and back-of-house spaces.
- They may take part in refurbishment projects for back-of-house spaces and public areas, and set quality standards.
What skills & qualities does an executive housekeeper need?
To carry out the duties entrusted to them, the executive housekeeper must be organised and meticulous. They know how to set exacting standards for the quality of service delivered by the chambermaids and the laundry team while maintaining a calm working atmosphere. They are a perfectionist, guest-focused and ready to take responsibility. They have mastered the communication codes involved in welcoming guests and in leading the teams under their authority. They are able to deal effectively with the unexpected. A broad general education and fluency in a foreign language are important recruitment criteria.
What are the career prospects and salary for an executive housekeeper?
In luxury hotels, the executive housekeeper can go on to take overall charge of the upkeep of the premises, with a team of floor staff under their supervision. The skills acquired through experience also open the door to the post of accommodation manager in a luxury hotel, a healthcare organisation or a holiday resort.
An executive housekeeper's monthly pay is estimated to be between €2,200 and €3,000.
