At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic housekeeping team to ensure exceptional guest experiences.
- Company: Join Mercure Hotels, where cleanliness and hospitality shine.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, discounts, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive and inclusive work environment with ongoing training.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on guest satisfaction and team success.
- Qualifications: Experience in housekeeping leadership and strong people management skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Lead the Team Behind Exceptional Guest Experiences
At Mercure Hotels, we know that every memorable guest stay starts with an exceptional housekeeping team.
Cleanliness, presentation and attention to detail are at the heart of everything we do, and we're looking for an experienced and inspiring Head of Housekeeping to lead our department.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate hospitality professional who thrives on leading people, driving high standards and delivering operational excellence.
You'll play a key role in ensuring every guest room and public area reflects the quality, comfort and service our guests expect from Mercure Hotels.
If you are an experienced Housekeeping Manager looking to take the next step in your career, or an established Head of Housekeeping seeking a new challenge, we'd love to hear from you.
The Role
As Head of Housekeeping, you will be responsible for the overall leadership and management of the Housekeeping Department, ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness, presentation and guest satisfaction across bedrooms, public areas, conference facilities and back-of-house areas.
Working closely with the General Manager and Heads of Department, you will drive operational excellence, develop high-performing teams and ensure the department operates efficiently while achieving labour, productivity and quality targets.
This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll inspire your team, improve performance and create an environment where colleagues can succeed.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership
- Lead and manage the day-to-day operation of the Housekeeping Department.
- Ensure all guest bedrooms, public areas and back-of-house spaces meet Mercure brand standards.
- Deliver consistently high levels of cleanliness, presentation and guest satisfaction.
- Conduct regular room inspections and quality audits.
- Ensure VIP rooms and priority arrivals are prepared to the highest standard.
- Support the successful delivery of weddings, conferences and events.
- People Leadership
- Recruit, onboard, train and develop housekeeping colleagues.
- Coach, mentor and support Supervisors and Team Leaders.
- Conduct probation reviews, one-to-one meetings and performance reviews.
- Build a positive, inclusive and engaged team culture.
- Manage employee performance fairly and consistently.
- Support succession planning and career development.
- Operational Planning
- Prepare departmental rotas based on occupancy and business demand.
- Manage labour costs while maintaining excellent service levels.
- Monitor productivity and room turnaround times.
- Work closely with Reception to prioritise arrivals and departures.
- Collaborate with Maintenance to ensure rooms are returned to service quickly.
- Compliance & Quality
- Ensure compliance with Health & Safety legislation.
- Maintain COSHH compliance and safe working practices.
- Conduct departmental risk assessments.
- Ensure housekeeping equipment is maintained and used safely.
- Support hotel compliance audits and brand inspections.
- Ensure linen, chemicals and supplies are managed safely.
- Guest Experience
- Resolve guest concerns professionally and promptly.
- Drive continuous improvements in guest satisfaction scores.
- Promote a culture of attention to detail and exceptional hospitality.
- Support guest recovery and service excellence initiatives.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Previous experience as a Head of Housekeeping, Housekeeping Manager or Senior Housekeeping Leader.
- Experience within a hotel environment.
- Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop large housekeeping teams.
- Strong knowledge of housekeeping operations and quality standards.
- Excellent communication and people management skills.
- Experience managing departmental budgets and labour costs.
- Strong organisational and planning skills.
- Experience using hotel property management systems.
- Good knowledge of Health & Safety, COSHH and risk assessments.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Right to work in the UK.
What We Offer
At Mercure Hotels, we invest in our people because we know they are the key to delivering outstanding guest experiences.
As part of our team, you'll receive
- Competitive salary
- Performance-related bonus (where applicable)
- Complimentary meals whilst on duty
- Discounted hotel stays for you, your family and friends
- Career progression opportunities across Providence Hotels
- Ongoing leadership development and management training
- Employee Assistance Programme (confidential wellbeing support)
- Company pension scheme
- 28 days' annual leave (including bank holidays)
- Employee referral bonus scheme
- Recognition and reward programmes
- Uniform provided
- Employee discounts across participating hotels
- Free on-site parking (where available)
- A supportive, collaborative and inclusive working environment
- Apply Today
If you're passionate about hospitality, enjoy leading high-performing teams and are committed to delivering exceptional cleanliness and guest satisfaction, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today with your CV and become part of the team at Mercure Hotels.
Head of Housekeeping in Saint Helens employer: Mercure Haydock
At Mercure Haydock, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that values creativity and teamwork. As a Sous Chef, you will not only have the opportunity to showcase your culinary skills in a prestigious five-star environment but also benefit from ongoing professional development and career advancement opportunities. Located in a picturesque setting, our hotel offers a unique blend of luxury and community, making it an exceptional place to grow your culinary career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Housekeeping in Saint Helens
✨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 Mercure Haydock. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Mercure Haydock
Don't be shy about reaching out to Mercure Haydock 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 of Housekeeping in Saint Helens
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 Mercure Haydock 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 Mercure Haydock
✨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!