At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to maintain luxury standards in housekeeping at The Big Cat Sanctuary.
- Company: Join a unique conservation destination dedicated to protecting wild cats.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, staff discounts, and a special working environment.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on guest experiences while supporting wildlife conservation.
- Qualifications: Experience in luxury housekeeping management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31200 - 33000 £ per year.
Location: Headcorn, Kent - Own transport required
Salary: £31,200 - £33,000 dependant experience
Job Type: Permanent, Full Time
About us: The Big Cat Sanctuary is a remarkable conservation destination. Our mission is to protect wild cats through Conservation, Rescue, Welfare, Breeding, and Education. We offer intimate, premium guest experiences where quality takes precedence over volume, ensuring every visit is memorable.
About the role: The Housekeeping Manager is a pivotal role at the heart of the guest experience at The Big Cat Sanctuary. You will set and sustain the gold standard of cleanliness, presentation, and ambience across our luxury wildlife lodges, visitor-facing spaces, and operational back-of-house areas, ensuring every environment reflects the prestige and magic of the sanctuary. You'll be the custodian of first impressions and lasting memories, leading a dedicated team with passion, precision, and genuine pride in what makes The Big Cat Sanctuary an unrivalled destination in the UK. A polished, professional appearance and an instinctive understanding of luxury guest expectations is essential.
Key duties
- Leadership & Team Development: Recruit, induct, and develop a high-performing Housekeeping team, fostering a culture of pride, ownership, and continuous improvement. Create, manage, and communicate staff rotas to ensure seamless coverage across lodges, laundry, all guest-facing areas and operational back-of-house areas. Deliver ongoing coaching and formal training, embedding consistent standards and inspiring genuine passion for exceptional service. Conduct regular performance appraisals, supporting team members to grow and excel in their roles.
- Lodge & Estate Presentation: Oversee the preparation, turndown, and daily servicing of at least eight luxury wildlife lodges to the exacting standards befitting a 5-Star Gold-accredited property. Conduct thorough daily inspections of lodges, guest reception areas, dining spaces, heritage rooms, and all operational back-of-house facilities. Ensure presentation across the estate is immaculate at all times, proactively addressing any concerns before they reach the guest. Manage linen, soft furnishings, and amenity presentation to the highest luxury standard, coordinating laundry and housekeeping operations efficiently.
- Guest Experience & Relations: Champion a guest-first culture within the Housekeeping team, ensuring every interaction, however brief, is warm, professional, and attentive. Respond to guest feedback and housekeeping-related queries promptly and with grace, resolving issues in line with company values and procedures. Oversee lost property procedures meticulously, logging, storing, and returning guest items with care and discretion.
- Operations, Compliance & Budget Management: Manage the housekeeping budget with commercial acumen, controlling labour costs and procurement of cleaning supplies, linens, and amenities. Maintain accurate inventory records, anticipating demand and placing orders to avoid shortfalls. Liaise closely with the Operations team to log, prioritise, and follow up on property maintenance and repair requirements. Coordinate with the Lodges, Founders' Suite, Welcome Centre, Restaurant, Animal Rescue Centre and Staff areas to ensure housekeeping services are delivered seamlessly across all facilities. Enforce all health, safety, and sanitation protocols in full, including COSHH compliance, correct PPE usage, and chemical handling procedures, in conjunction with the H&S Officer. Ensure all team members adhere to COSHH instructions and that relevant records and risk assessments are kept up to date.
- Collaboration & Continuous Improvement: Attend and contribute to team meetings and cross-departmental briefings, sharing insight and championing housekeeping standards. Actively participate in formal and informal training and development opportunities. Contribute ideas and initiatives that support the sanctuary's journey towards 5-Star Gold hospitality accreditation. Carry out additional duties as reasonably required in support of the wider sanctuary operation.
About you:
- Proven experience in a housekeeping management/supervisory role within a luxury hotel, lodge, or premium hospitality environment
- An exceptional eye for detail and a natural instinct for standards of presentation that exceed expectation
- Strong people leadership skills, with the ability to motivate, develop, and hold a team to account with warmth and clarity
- Sound knowledge of COSHH regulations, health and safety requirements, and safe chemical handling
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, confident, professional, and warm with both guests and colleagues
- Highly organised, self-motivated, and able to prioritise effectively within a fast-paced, seasonal environment
- Flexibility to work across a 7-day rota including weekends and bank holidays
What we offer:
- 28 days paid annual leave, plus Christmas Day off as standard.
- Overtime or TOIL available for additional hours worked.
- Free access to BCS and a network of UK and European zoos and wildlife collections.
- Enhanced family leave.
- Staff discounts and a genuinely special working environment, supporting a charity with a real conservation mission.
The Big Cat Sanctuary is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.
Locations
Housekeeping Manager in Ashford, Kent employer: The Big Cat Sanctuary
The Big Cat Sanctuary is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a conservation-focused environment that prioritises quality and guest experience. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will lead a passionate team while enjoying benefits such as 28 days of paid annual leave, enhanced family leave, and free access to wildlife collections. Join us in creating memorable experiences for our guests while contributing to a meaningful conservation mission in the beautiful setting of Headcorn, Kent.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housekeeping Manager in Ashford, Kent
✨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 The Big Cat Sanctuary. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to The Big Cat Sanctuary
Don't be shy about reaching out to The Big Cat Sanctuary 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 Housekeeping Manager in Ashford, Kent
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 The Big Cat Sanctuary 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 The Big Cat Sanctuary
✨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!
