Head Housekeeper - Northumberland
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| Job Type | Permanent Full Time |
| Area | Northumberland, England |
| Sector | Head Housekeeper |
| Salary | £45K Gross per annum |
| Start Date | ASAP |
| Job Ref | 15368 |
- Description
- A large private residence in Northumberland requires an experienced Head Housekeeper.
An energetic candidate who will control, maintain, and streamline the housekeeping activities with a view to ensure that the highest level of service is maintained.
The ideal applicant should be service-oriented, hardworking, discreet, proactive, and professional with a credible work history in preferably a 5-star hotel property/ large private residence.
Overview
The overriding qualifications for this job are an organized, hands-on approach and demonstrated ability to direct a work team
General Duties
Reporting to the Butler, the Housekeeper plans, organizes, implements, and controls all cleaning routines and procedures to ensure that all areas of the household are maintained to highest standards. The Housekeeper organizes the working schedules and duties for the domestic assistants and often works alongside them. She or he is responsible for scheduling the work of the domestic assistants and authorizing their timesheets for wages.
The Housekeeper is responsible for determining appropriate cleaning methods and materials and instructing the domestic assistants or, in cooperation with the archives and conservation department, arranging specialised training in the care and handling of antiques and specialist finishes as necessary.
She or he selects cleaning materials and supplies, purchases them, and maintains an adequate inventory of required items.
The Responsibilities- Manage and develop the housekeeping team, recruiting of staff as required
- Developing and implementing Standard Operating Procedures in the areas of housekeeping with a strong focus on quality assurance.
- Implement, effectively, all housekeeping policies and procedures including health & safety and security
- Oversee the overall maintenance and upkeep of the residence (through in-house personnel/staff and third-party service providers)
- Monitor Housekeeping inventories to ensure adequate levels are maintained, ensuring budget controls though effective stock management and well managed schedules
- Attention to Detail - keeping the premises clean, well maintained, stocked, and properly stored. Eliminates waste of supplies.
- Inspect in conjunction with the collections team all delicate and bespoke assets including art, furnishings, fabrics, fixtures, fittings to ensure compliance to standards and take action as necessary to conform to standard
- Perform routine inspections of all housekeeping areas and take corrective measure, where necessary
- Resolves difficult or unusual problems which may arise, while maintaining good relationships, demonstrating outstanding hospitality through the corrective action taken.
- Assists in maintaining a highly motivated and trained staff that continually strives for excellence, in service and cleanliness
- Demonstrate the required flexibility and lead by example by filling in in at times of sickness, absence of staff members.
The Requirements- The Housekeeper will have specialised formal training in the care of antiques and fine furnishings, e.g., as provided by the National Trust or similar institution.
- Candidate with 5+ years of relevant professional experience and a proven track record of achievements in similar roles; positive verifiable references, a must.
- Demonstrated experience in managing people and a budget
- Knowledge and Experience in conservation housekeeping work for historic house collections.
- Knowledge and, ideally experience of, environmental monitoring and control and insect pest management.
- Knowledge of appropriate cleaning materials and equipment, and their use.
- Strong housekeeping experience: ability to lead, train, appraise a small to medium sized team with a hands-on approach; should lead by example
- To be able to work on any given day including weekends, to ensure a continuity of cover is maintained.
- A high level of literacy and numeracy.
- Computer literate in general office systems (e-mail, ordering supplies on-line, etc.).
- Excellent health and physical condition.
- Personable and well-presented.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Good IT skills are needed for record keeping and electronic diary use.
- Record keeping needs to be completed correctly and in a timely manner.
- Ability to manage time effectively and prioritise tasks.
- To undertake any training necessary in the role of Head Housekeeper. This may include Fire Warden training, Manual Handling, Working at Height and any other training directly relevant to the profession and role.
- Ability to cope with the physical demands of the job.
- To be able to work at height, either using ladders or mobile platforms.
- To be able to work alone or in a team as required.
Working Days/Hours: 5 days a week with flexibility to working days
Accommodation: Separate accommodation in the surrounding area.
Salary: £45K gross.
Start Date: ASAP