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- Tasks: Lead and inspire a housekeeping team to deliver top-notch service in a vibrant hotel.
- Company: Join a dynamic hotel environment in Portsmouth with a focus on excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, leadership experience, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: 12-month maternity cover starting July 2026 with great career growth potential.
- Why this job: Step into a key role and elevate housekeeping standards while developing your team.
- Qualifications: Proven head housekeeping experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 35000 £ per year.
Location: Portsmouth
Reports to: Operations Manager
Hours: 40 hours per week
Pay Rate: £15.48 per hour
About the Role
Are you a proven housekeeping leader who thrives on delivering excellence, inspiring teams, and exceeding client expectations? We are seeking an experienced Head Housekeeper to lead our housekeeping operation in Portsmouth on a 12 month maternity cover contract. This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a key leadership role, drive high standards, and make a real impact within a fast-paced hotel environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, motivate, and develop your team to achieve operational and service excellence
- Oversee daily housekeeping operations, including stock, linen, equipment, and workflows
- Ensure all health, safety, and compliance standards are consistently met
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and stakeholders
- Monitor performance, manage budgets, and drive cost efficiencies
- Recruit, train, and coach team members, recognising and developing talent
- Conduct regular room inspections to uphold quality standards and continuous improvement
- Support wider business needs, including attending meetings and preparing reports
Requirements
- Proven experience as a Head Housekeeper within a hotel environment
- Available to Start in July 2026 for an initial period of 12 months until July 2027
- Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing teams
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and IT skills
- Experience managing budgets, KPIs, and operational performance
- Strong knowledge of Health & Safety and compliance standards
- Effective problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
- Ability to work under pressure, adapt to change, and maintain a positive attitude
If you have strong head housekeeping experience and are available to start in July 2026 for a 12 month maternity cover contract, we would love to hear from you.
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months
Ability to commute/relocate: Portsmouth: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Head Housekeeper Maternity Cover employer: Lime FMS
Contact Detail:
Lime FMS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Housekeeper Maternity Cover
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the hospitality industry, especially those who might know about openings for Head Housekeepers. A friendly chat can lead to insider info that you won’t find on job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to leadership and housekeeping operations. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, bring along examples of how you've led teams or improved standards in previous roles. Numbers and success stories speak volumes!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Housekeeper Maternity Cover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in housekeeping leadership. Use keywords from the job description to show we’re on the same page about what you bring to the table.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share specific examples of how you've led teams and exceeded expectations in previous roles. Let us see your passion for housekeeping!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention your strong communication and problem-solving skills. We want to know how you handle challenges and keep your team motivated, especially in a fast-paced environment.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lime FMS
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your housekeeping knowledge, especially around health and safety standards. Be ready to discuss how you've led teams in the past and the specific strategies you've used to maintain high standards.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've motivated and developed your team. Think about times when you've had to resolve conflicts or adapt to changes in a fast-paced environment, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with the hotel’s operations and any recent news about the company. This will help you demonstrate your interest and show that you're proactive about understanding their needs and challenges.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, the company's goals for the housekeeping department, or how they measure success. This shows you're genuinely interested in the role and want to contribute positively.