Housekeeping Manager in Windermere

At Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, we proudly offer two distinct luxury establishments situated on separate estates, yet operated seamlessly as one cohesive team. Whether you opt for the laid-back ambiance of Gilpin Hotel or the distinct combination of hotel and country house at Gilpin Lake House, your experience with us is designed to be effortlessly harmonious. Gilpin Hotel & Lake House are part of the prestigious Pride of Britain Hotels and we are proud to be one of the 580 members of Relais & Châteaux, an association of worldwide independent hotel and restaurant owners.

Are you passionate about creating beautiful spaces and delivering exceptional service? Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, proudly awarded Two Michelin Keys, offers an exceptional standard of hospitality in the heart of the Lake District. The Housekeeping Department is one of the busiest and most dynamic areas of the hotel - no two days are ever the same. With our beautifully designed rooms, unique quirks, and luxury touches across the estate, this team plays a vital role in shaping the guest experience. Housekeeping is truly the heart of Gilpin, and our team are the quiet heroes who ensure everything looks and feels exceptional.

Your Role as Housekeeping Manager:

• Takes pride in exceptional attention to detail, inspecting cleanliness, presentation, and maintenance across all guest areas to ensure standards exceed expectations.
• Leads, trains, and develops the team, working alongside them to ensure rooms are consistently pristine and guest‑ready.
• Acts as a constructive, supportive leader, ensuring all cleaning duties are completed efficiently, safely, and to the highest standard.
• Creates effective departmental schedules, maximising productivity across daily service, deep cleans, and turndown operations.
• Communicates clearly and confidently with guests, colleagues, and senior leaders.
• Builds strong relationships with key departments such as Front Office, Estates, and F&B to resolve issues proactively and collaboratively.
• Uses expert knowledge to support wider hotel operations and works closely with the Leadership Team to uphold Gilpin’s luxury standards.
• Ensures all equipment is fit for purpose, arranging repairs or replacements promptly to maintain seamless service.
• Reports maintenance issues quickly and accurately, ensuring follow‑up actions are completed.
• Oversees stock control for linens, cleaning materials, guest amenities, and supplies.
• Ensures full compliance with health & safety procedures, PPE requirements, and safe working practices for all team members.
• Champions sustainability, identifying opportunities to reduce waste and support environmental initiatives within the department.

What You Bring:

• Previous management experience in a similar high‑end or luxury hospitality environment.
• Strong guest‑facing experience and confidence interacting with guests in a warm, professional manner.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with Front of House and other departments.
• Ability to handle guest feedback or complaints professionally and escalate where appropriate.
• Good physical fitness, as housekeeping is an active and hands‑on role.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to work independently.
• High levels of motivation, commitment, and a drive to achieve excellence.
• Willingness to undertake additional duties to support the needs of the business.
• Ability to act as a First Aider or Fire Warden in the event of an emergency.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays in line with business needs.
• Adaptability to rota changes and the ability to respond calmly and effectively to urgent issues.

This is a leadership position requiring strong operational knowledge and experience.

What We Offer:

• The chance to lead a team who excel at teamwork and exceptionally high standards.
• A stunning work environment in a Michelin Key-awarded hotel.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Meals on shift, uniform, generous gratuities.
• The pride of contributing to a property recognised with 5 AA Red Stars, and two Michelin Keys.
• The prestige of working within Relais & Châteaux and Pride of Britain Hotels.
• You will become part of the Relais & Châteaux community, a global association of 580 exceptional hotels and restaurants united by a passion for the profession, the authenticity of human relations and the promotion of local traditions.

If you take pride in your work and want to be part of a team that’s setting the standard in luxury hospitality, we’d love to hear from you.

Salary: £37,000 - £40,000 per year (plus structured tips scheme of approximately £10,000 per year)

Hours: 45 hours per week.

• Canteen
• Company events
• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Free or subsidised travel
• Gym membership
• On-site parking
• Relocation assistance may be available
• Staff transport provided free between staff houses and hotel