A Head Housekeeper manages and supervises all domestic/cleaning staff within a private household. He or she is responsible for ensuring that all communal and private areas (such as bedrooms, bathrooms, reception rooms etc.) are maintained to an impeccable standard in line with the principal's specifications.
A head housekeeper’s role is to implement specific employer requests in regards to the upkeep of the household (such as preparing rooms for visitors, organisation of the cleaning schedule, following specific cleaning procedures especially for antique and highly valuable objects, personal preferences in regards to tidying and furniture placement etc.).
This position is therefore one of great responsibility and value. The head housekeeper has the sole responsible of being the spokesperson on subjects concerning the overall cleanliness of the household, serving as mediator between the employer and their domestic/cleaning staff.
A head housekeeper must be a meticulous professional, an excellent communicator, plus be able to successfully lead and manage an often large team.
Duties
Managing stock and supply operations regarding cleaning and maintenance, such as liaising and negotiating with suppliers
Overseeing domestic household budgets and expenditure
Managing recruitment for all domestic/cleaning staff
Maintaining high standards of upkeep and cleanliness at all times, handling specific employer requests in regards to cleaning, maintenance and organisation
Managing guest arrivals and preparation of guest rooms
Organizing daily tasks, timetables and rotas for house personnel
