At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead housekeeping teams to ensure top-notch cleanliness and guest satisfaction.
- Company: Join a renowned wild animal park in the beautiful Kent countryside.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days leave, training opportunities, and discounts at the parks.
- Other info: Full-time role with a vibrant team and plenty of social activities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a unique environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 3 years in housekeeping, with 2 years in a supervisory role required.
The predicted salary is between 28537 - 28537 £ per year.
The Deputy Head of Housekeeping reports to the Head of Housekeeping and plays a key role in the day‑to‑day management and operational delivery of the department across all accommodation and public areas. You will lead and support Supervisors and Housekeeping teams to ensure consistently high standards of cleanliness, presentation and guest experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate daily housekeeping operations, plan team allocation and ensure accommodation is prepared efficiently for guest arrivals.
- Carry out regular quality inspections, monitor performance, and support the development of the housekeeping team.
- Support recruitment, training and performance management, while driving continuous improvement across the department.
- Manage staffing levels, update systems, and support new accommodation launches and seasonal projects.
Requirements
- At least three years’ experience in housekeeping, including two years in a supervisory or management role.
- Demonstrated experience leading and motivating teams of supervisors.
- Strong communication, team development, performance management and recruitment skills.
- Solid understanding of housekeeping operations, service delivery, health and safety practices and IT skills including Microsoft Office.
- A full, valid driving licence.
- Professional, calm, resilient with a positive, solutions‑focused approach and a strong eye for detail.
- Experience in a resort, multi‑site or high‑volume environment, knowledge of Opera or similar systems, hospitality qualification and project experience (new openings or refurbishments) are advantageous.
Contract Details
- Full‑time, permanent position.
- 40 hours per week, five days out of seven.
- Coverage required Monday to Sunday, including bank holidays and school holidays.
- Reliable mode of transport recommended due to remote location.
- Right to work in the UK required.
Location
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is a world‑renowned wild animal park set within 600 acres of Kentish savannah, located in the remote countryside.
Benefits
- 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays, rising with length of service (pro‑rated to start date and working hours).
- Comprehensive training and development opportunities, including workshops and e‑learning.
- Enhanced sickness, maternity and paternity policies.
- Unlimited free entry for you and a person of your choice into the two parks, plus friends and family tickets.
- Exceptional discounts on food, retail and accommodation at the parks.
- Numerous retail discounts and access to a 24‑hour counselling line through the Healthy Extras Scheme.
- Great working environment with plenty of social activities.
- Company pension scheme.
- Other length‑of‑service rewards and benefits.
Deputy Head of Housekeeping in Hythe employer: Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve & Howletts Wild Animal Park
At Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture set within the stunning backdrop of a world-renowned wild animal park. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training and development opportunities, alongside generous benefits such as enhanced leave policies and unlimited free entry to our parks for you and a guest. Join us in creating memorable experiences for our guests while enjoying a supportive environment that values teamwork and personal well-being.
Contact Details:
Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve & Howletts Wild Animal Park Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of Housekeeping in Hythe
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hospitality industry, especially those who might know about openings in housekeeping. A friendly chat can lead to insider info that could give you the edge.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you have experience in leading teams or managing operations, be ready to share specific examples during interviews. We want to hear how you've made a difference in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! Interviews can throw curveballs, so practice answering common questions and think about how you'd handle real-life scenarios in housekeeping. This will show you're ready for anything!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of Housekeeping in Hythe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Deputy Head of Housekeeping role. Highlight your relevant experience in housekeeping management and any specific achievements that showcase your leadership skills. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our team!
Show Off Your Team Spirit:Since this role involves leading and supporting teams, it’s essential to demonstrate your ability to motivate and develop others. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. We love seeing candidates who can inspire their colleagues!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve & Howletts Wild Animal Park
✨Know Your Housekeeping Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of housekeeping operations. Understand the key responsibilities of the Deputy Head of Housekeeping role, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with managing daily operations and leading teams.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading and motivating teams. Think about specific situations where you've successfully managed performance or supported team development, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle supervisory responsibilities.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to housekeeping challenges. Practice responding to scenarios about quality inspections or team allocation, showcasing your problem-solving skills and solutions-focused approach.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Since strong communication is key in this role, prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated with your team and other departments. Share examples of how you've handled conflicts or facilitated training sessions to show your ability to foster a positive work environment.
