
Executive Housekeeper
Nakuru, Kenya
Full-time
Housekeeping
Principle Responsibilities & Position Purpose
The Executive Housekeeper will oversee the pre-opening setup and operational management of all housekeeping functions, including guest rooms, public areas, and laundry. The role ensures that cleanliness, hygiene, and aesthetic standards meet brand requirements and guest expectations. The position also involves leading the housekeeping team, establishing policies and procedures, and ensuring the hotel opens and operates efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively.
Key Responsibilities
Pre-Opening Phase
- Develop and execute the Housekeeping Department pre-opening plan and critical path, ensuring all milestones are met within timelines and budgets.
- Provide operational input during the design and layout stages of guest rooms, back-of-house areas, and laundry facilities to ensure efficiency and compliance with brand standards.
- Prepare and manage pre-opening budgets, including FF&E, OS&E, chemicals, linen, and uniform requirements.
- Lead the procurement process for housekeeping supplies, cleaning equipment, and guest amenities.
- Establish Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for rooms, public areas, and laundry operations.
- Recruit, train, and onboard the housekeeping and laundry team, ensuring readiness for opening.
- Develop cleaning schedules, linen par levels, inventory control systems, and preventive maintenance plans.
- Coordinate with HR and Training to design pre-opening training modules covering cleaning standards, guest interaction, safety, and chemical handling.
- Conduct trial runs and soft-opening cleaning operations to test procedures and ensure readiness.
- Work closely with the Front Office, Engineering, and F&B departments to align opening timelines and readiness.
Post-Opening / Operational Phase
- Oversee daily operations of housekeeping, public areas, and laundry to ensure consistency, cleanliness, and guest satisfaction.
- Maintain the highest standards of hygiene, sanitation, and presentation across all guest areas and back-of-house facilities.
- Monitor and manage departmental budgets, expenses, and inventory, ensuring cost-effective operations.
- Implement and enforce quality control measures through regular inspections and audits.
- Ensure linen, uniform, and laundry operations meet required quality and productivity standards.
- Maintain strong communication and coordination with Front Office regarding room readiness and occupancy.
- Manage and motivate the housekeeping team, fostering teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Oversee training and career development of staff to uphold brand service standards.
- Develop and monitor departmental KPIs, including guest satisfaction scores, productivity, and cost ratios.
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
- Handle guest feedback promptly and professionally, ensuring service recovery and continuous improvement.
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Hospitality Management or related field.
- Minimum 8–10 years of progressive housekeeping experience in the hospitality industry, with at least 3 years in an Executive Housekeeper or similar senior role.
- Proven pre-opening experience in setting up and managing housekeeping, laundry, and public area operations.
- Strong understanding of cleaning techniques, chemical handling, linen management, and inventory control.
- Experience with hotel management systems and housekeeping software (e.g., Opera PMS, or similar).
- Excellent organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high-quality standards.
- Sound financial acumen and ability to manage departmental budgets.
- In-depth knowledge of sustainability and eco-friendly cleaning practices is an advantage.
Key Competencies
- Leadership and people management
- Planning and organization
- Operational excellence and attention to detail
- Cost control and budgeting
- Training and team development
- Guest service and problem-solving
- Communication and interdepartmental coordination
- Health, safety, and hygiene compliance
Performance Indicators
- Completion of pre-opening milestones on time and within budget
- Guest satisfaction and cleanliness scores (GSS – Guest Satisfaction Score, TripAdvisor, brand audits)
- Efficiency in room turnaround time and productivity levels
- Compliance with brand and hygiene standards
- Cost efficiency (linen, chemicals, labour)
- Employee engagement and training completion
Application Process
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their application letter and detailed CV to nakuruhotel@excellencearete.co.ke before 31st October 2025.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
