At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead housekeeping to create a welcoming environment for residents at our new service.
- Company: Active Pathways, a leader in mental health rehabilitation services.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, 25 days annual leave, health cash plan, and career progression.
- Other info: Join a supportive culture focused on recovery and personal growth.
- Why this job: Be a founding member of a new service and make a real difference in residents' lives.
- Qualifications: Previous housekeeping experience and leadership skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 14.5 - 14.5 £ per hour.
To ensure consistency in our care delivery, applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK for a minimum of 18 months from their agreed start date. Please note: We are unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time. Applications that do not meet these criteria will not be progressed further.
Assessment Centres to be held in Droylsden on 15th July 2026.
NEW SERVICE OPENING IN SEPTEMBER – Willow Rise, Droylsden (Manchester)
Pay: £14.50 per hour
Hours: 37.5 per week
Be Part of Something New From Day One - Active Pathways is coming to Manchester! This September 2026, we are proud to open Willow Rise, our brand-new residential mental health rehabilitation service in Droylsden, and we’re looking for an experienced and passionate Head Housekeeper to help bring the service to life. This is a unique opportunity to join as a founding member of the team, helping to create a safe, welcoming, and therapeutic environment for our very first residents.
At Willow Rise, every detail matters. From sparkling communal spaces to comfortable bedrooms, you'll play a vital role in ensuring residents feel at home from the moment they walk through the door.
Why This Role is Different
At Willow Rise, housekeeping is about much more than cleaning. It's about creating an environment where people feel safe, respected, and supported in their recovery journey. As Head Housekeeper, you'll lead the housekeeping function, setting the highest standards of cleanliness, presentation, infection control, and resident experience. You'll also have the opportunity to build and develop your team while shaping ways of working within a brand-new service.
- Be part of launching a brand-new service
- Create welcoming spaces for our first residents
- Lead and develop your own housekeeping team
- Play a key role in maintaining outstanding standards
- Work within a service where every role contributes to recovery
About Willow Rise
Located in the heart of Manchester, Willow Rise is a brand-new residential rehabilitation service in Droylsden, created as a place where recovery is not only possible — it is truly empowered. Inspired by the willow tree, a symbol of resilience, healing, and quiet strength, Willow Rise reflects our belief that every individual can grow through adversity, rebuild stability, and move forward with confidence. Designed to feel like a genuine fresh start, Willow Rise offers a safe, therapeutic, and welcoming environment where people are supported with dignity to rediscover independence, purpose, and belonging.
At its core:
- Willow — healing, flexibility, and emotional grounding
- Rise — progress, empowerment, and moving forward
The Best Bits
- Annual leave of 25 days (pro-rata), plus Bank Holidays
- Refer a Friend scheme – earn up to £500 per referral
- Health Cash Plan – covers dental, optical, virtual GP, counselling, and includes discounted gym membership
- Workplace pension scheme
- Free Blue Light Card membership
- Free enhanced DBS checks, on-site parking, and lunch (for site-based roles)
- Ongoing training, development and career progression opportunities
What You’ll Be Doing
As Head Housekeeper, you will:
- Lead the housekeeping and laundry services across Willow Rise, ensuring exceptional standards of cleanliness throughout the service
- Ensure all daily and deep cleaning schedules are completed effectively and consistently
- Maintain high standards of infection prevention and control across all areas of the service
- Manage cleaning supplies, equipment, stock levels, and departmental budgets efficiently
- Ensure residents' bedrooms and communal areas are welcoming, well-presented, and prepared for admissions
- Lead, supervise, develop, and support housekeeping colleagues through regular supervision and appraisals
- Ensure compliance with COSHH regulations and all relevant health and safety requirements
- Complete audits, maintain records, and contribute to governance processes and CQC compliance requirements
- Support residents participating in our Therapeutic Earnings Programme who choose housekeeping-based activities
What We’re Looking For
We're looking for someone who:
- Has previous housekeeping experience, ideally in a healthcare, hospitality, residential, or care environment
- Has experience supervising or leading a housekeeping team
- Takes pride in maintaining exceptional standards
- Has a good understanding of infection prevention, COSHH, and health & safety requirements
- Is highly organised with excellent attention to detail
- Can manage workloads, stock levels, audits, and competing priorities effectively
- Is approachable, supportive, and able to motivate others
- Understands the importance of creating a welcoming environment for residents, visitors, and colleagues
Build Your Career With Us
At Active Pathways, we believe every role contributes to the recovery journey. We're committed to helping our colleagues grow through training, development, and opportunities for progression. Whether you're looking to strengthen your leadership skills or further develop your expertise, we'll support you every step of the way.
Why Join Active Pathways?
With over 20 years of experience in delivering outstanding mental health and rehabilitation services, Active Pathways is built on our CARE values, which shape everything we do:
- Competent – We deliver safe, consistent, high-quality care that puts our residents first
- Accountable – We act with transparency, take ownership, and build trust in everything we do
- Resilient – We support one another, adapt to challenges, and grow stronger together
- Ethical – We treat everyone with integrity, fairness, and respect
At Active Pathways, we invest in people. We don’t just offer jobs - we offer long-term careers, with opportunities to grow, specialise, and progress. Whether you want to develop your clinical skills, move into leadership, or expand your knowledge, we’ll support every step of the way.
Ready to Help Create a Home Where Recovery Can Thrive?
If you’re passionate about high standards, leadership, and creating environments where people feel safe and supported, we’d love to hear from you. When you join us, you’re not just joining a team—you’re becoming part of a culture that is committed to doing the right thing, the right way, every day.
Head Housekeeper in Manchester employer: Brookhaven
Active Pathways Ltd is an exceptional employer dedicated to providing a supportive and friendly team environment for its employees. With a strong focus on professional development, ongoing training, and a commitment to recovery-focused care, staff members are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with complex mental health needs. Located in Lancashire, the company offers unique benefits such as a Health Cash Plan, a Refer a Friend scheme, and a workplace pension, making it an attractive place for aspiring psychologists to grow their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Housekeeper in Manchester
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Brookhaven. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Brookhaven
Don't be shy about reaching out to Brookhaven directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Housekeeper in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Brookhaven and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brookhaven
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
