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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 with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Step into a key role and shape the guest experience while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven head housekeeping experience and strong leadership abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 15 - 15 £ per hour.
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 in Portsmouth employer: Lime FMS
Contact Detail:
Lime FMS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Housekeeper– Maternity Cover in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hospitality industry, especially those who might know about openings for Head Housekeepers. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to leadership and housekeeping operations. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using online resources to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, highlight specific examples of how you've led teams to success and improved operational efficiency in your previous roles.
✨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 and eager to join our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Housekeeper– Maternity Cover in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in housekeeping leadership. We want to see how you've motivated teams and delivered excellence in previous roles, so don’t hold back on those achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Head Housekeeper role. Share specific examples of how you've managed operations and exceeded client expectations in the past.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We’re looking for someone who can lead and inspire a team. In your application, highlight your leadership style and any successful training or coaching experiences you've had with your team members.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity in Portsmouth.
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 successfully resolved conflicts or improved team performance, as these will demonstrate your leadership capabilities.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with the hotel’s operations and any recent news about the company. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in making an impact within their specific environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about their approach to training new staff or how they measure success in the housekeeping department. It shows you're engaged and thinking ahead!