At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to maintain exceptional cleanliness and create a welcoming environment.
- Company: Join Willow Lodge, a unique care home that feels like a boutique hotel.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, birthday off, and 28 days annual leave.
- Other info: Be part of a heart-centred team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a beautiful setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality housekeeping and strong leadership skills required.
Could your housekeeping experience help create a home that feels exceptional? If you’ve worked in hotel housekeeping, hospitality or a high-end environment and take real pride in outstanding standards, we’d love to hear from you. At Willow Lodge, we’re doing things differently. Our Household Model creates warm, welcoming spaces that feel more like a boutique hotel than a traditional care home and we’re looking for a Head Housekeeper who shares our passion for exceptional standards.
As Head Housekeeper, you will lead the domestic and laundry team, ensuring the households maintain outstanding levels of cleanliness, presentation and hygiene. Working within our Household Model of Care, you will support smaller, close-knit living environments that feel more like a boutique hotel than a traditional care setting. You will play a key role in shaping the environment and leading your team to deliver consistent, high-quality service.
Responsibilities and Duties:
- Lead, train and support the housekeeping and laundry team
- Manage rotas to ensure appropriate staffing levels
- Maintain excellent cleanliness and presentation standards throughout the home
- Carry out audits, maintain records and manage stock control
- Conduct team meetings, one-to-ones and performance reviews
- Ensure compliance with Health and Safety, COSHH and infection control requirements
- Support a positive, professional and team-focused working environment
Skills, Qualifications and Abilities:
- Experience in a hotel or hospitality housekeeping role, ideally at supervisory or management level
- Strong leadership and organisational skills
- A commitment to high standards and attention to detail
- Confident using IT systems and managing records
- A proactive approach with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
- A genuine interest in creating a welcoming, comfortable environment for others
Willow Lodge is to open in the late summer of 2026. Our newly built 78-bed nursing and dementia specialist care home, which includes 2 dedicated respite studios in the heart of Redhill, combines modern comfort with classic charm, offering a welcoming home for people who need care & support. With spacious en-suite bedrooms, spectacular communal areas, and beautiful gardens, Willow Lodge is a place to live well and thrive. We are looking for people to join our heart-centred team who will provide exceptional, personalised care, ensuring everyone feels valued, supported, and at home at Willow Lodge.
Benefits of working at EQ Care:
- Day off for your birthday
- Blue Light Discount Card access
- 28 days of annual leave (pro rata)
- Salary advance scheme
- Contributory pension
- Dedicated Learning & Development
- Team member rewards
- Free meals on shift
- Free tax review service
- Refer a friend scheme
Please note: If you are not a UK resident, you will need to be able to provide a valid right to work. We cannot provide sponsorship.
This job description may differ as new information technology, policies and contractual agreements change, and we reserve the right to vary duties without notice.
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: 40 hours per week
Salary: £32,000 per annum
Closing date for applications: 25th September, 2026
Locations
Head Housekeeper (Head homemaker) in Guildford, Surrey employer: EQ Care Group
At Willow Lodge, we pride ourselves on creating a unique and welcoming environment that feels more like a boutique hotel than a traditional care home. As an employer, we offer a supportive work culture where your contributions are valued, alongside opportunities for professional growth and development in the hospitality sector. With a competitive salary and a focus on maintaining exceptional standards, joining our team means being part of a dedicated community committed to providing outstanding care in Redhill.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Housekeeper (Head homemaker) in Guildford, Surrey
✨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 EQ Care Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to EQ Care Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to EQ Care Group 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 (Head homemaker) in Guildford, Surrey
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 EQ Care Group 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 EQ Care Group
✨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!
