At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage the housekeeping team to maintain five-star standards across all areas.
- Company: Join the prestigious Royal Automobile Club, a world-class private members club.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, paid birthday off, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on member experiences in a luxury environment.
- Qualifications: 3+ years management experience in luxury hotel or private club settings.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
As Head Housekeeper you will lead, manage, and develop the housekeeping department at our Woodcote Park based in Epsom, Surrey. Take full responsibility for accommodation standards across 22 bedrooms, all public areas, the laundry, and the uniform room. The Head Housekeeper ensures consistently high presentation, hygiene, and personalised member experience, while managing a team of around 21, controlling costs within budget, and maintaining full compliance.
Responsibilities
- Take personal accountability for the cleanliness, presentation, and condition of all 22 bedrooms, achieving and maintaining five-star inspection standards consistently.
- Manage the Club's laundry operation, which supports the full estate including bedroom linen, all food and beverage table linen and napkins, golf towels, Cedar Sports Club towels, and Walled Garden towels.
- Manage the Club uniform room, ensuring all uniforms are laundered, stored correctly, and available to employees as required.
- Provide visible, consistent, and motivating leadership to the entire team.
- Responsible for departmental budget including payroll, chemicals, linen, amenities, cleaning equipment, and sundry operational expenditure.
- Develop, maintain, and review room and public area checklists, ensuring all SOPs reflect current Club standards.
- Manage all housekeeping-related supplier relationships and conduct regular supplier reviews, monitoring quality, delivery reliability, and pricing competitiveness.
- Collaborate with Reception, F&B, Events, and other departments to ensure the member journey from arrival through departure is seamless and consistently delivered.
- Ensure the department operates in full compliance with all relevant health and safety legislation, including COSHH regulations, manual handling, fire safety, and safe working practices.
- Maintain a thorough knowledge of all member preferences, ensuring pre-arrival room personalisation and in-stay requests are delivered consistently and discreetly.
- Champion sustainability within the housekeeping and laundry departments, embedding responsible practices into daily operations, procurement decisions, and team behaviour.
Qualifications
- Minimum 3 years' management experience in a luxury hotel or comparable private members' club housekeeping environment.
- Demonstrable experience managing a team of 15 or more across multiple functions.
- Proven budget responsibility including payroll management and expense control.
- Experience managing a laundry operation.
- Strong knowledge of COSHH regulations and H&S compliance.
- Experience in writing, implementing and reviewing SOPs.
- Supplier and contract management experience.
- Excellent attention to detail and personal presentation standards.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Flexible and resilient – comfortable working weekends.
- Proficient in housekeeping management systems (opera cloud) and standard Office software (Excel, Word).
Benefits
- Free meals on duty
- Paid birthday day off
- Free shuttle bus from Epsom station
- Perkbox discount scheme
- European RAC cover
- Interest‑free season ticket loan
- Staff uniform
- Generous pension
- Electric Vehicles (EV) Scheme
- Employer‑paid health cash plan
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
The Royal Automobile Club is an exclusive world‑class private members club, with two stunning clubhouses in London and Epsom. Providing a first‑class service offering accommodation, dining, sports and leisure facilities for the enjoyment of our members and guests.
Head Housekeeper in Ewell employer: Royal Automobile Club
The Royal Automobile Club is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises excellence and personal growth. As the Head Housekeeper at our prestigious Woodcote Park location in Epsom, you will lead a dedicated team while enjoying benefits such as free meals on duty, a paid birthday day off, and access to a generous pension scheme. With a commitment to sustainability and a focus on delivering a five-star member experience, this role provides a unique opportunity to thrive in a supportive environment that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Housekeeper in Ewell
✨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!
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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 Royal Automobile Club. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Royal Automobile Club
Don't be shy about reaching out to Royal Automobile Club 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 Housekeeper in Ewell
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 Royal Automobile Club 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 Royal Automobile Club
✨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!
