Hoedspruit: Housekeeping Manager posted by Kendrick Recruitment

Housekeeping Manager Luxury Safari Lodge | Near Kruger National Park
Kendrick Recruitment is seeking a highly organised and experienced Housekeeping Manager to oversee all housekeeping operations at a luxury safari lodge near the Kruger National Park. This live-in role requires a proactive leader with strong attention to detail and a hands-on approach to managing staff, standards, and operations in a remote lodge environment.

Position Overview

The Housekeeping Manager is responsible for ensuring all guest rooms, public areas, back-of-house facilities, and staff accommodation are maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness, hygiene, presentation, and safety. The role includes overseeing housekeeping stock, equipment, maintenance reporting, and fostering a motivated and accountable team culture.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Oversight

• Ensure all housekeeping areas, including guest rooms, public spaces, spa, laundry, and back-of-house areas, meet established standards.

• Oversee the cleanliness, organisation, and compliance of housekeeping storerooms.

• Delegate tasks to the Housekeeping Supervisor and monitor follow-through on instructions.

• Conduct regular spot checks to maintain service and cleanliness standards.

Staff Supervision and Development

• Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of housekeeping staff.

• Provide input for performance evaluations and staff rostering.

• Foster a motivated, accountable team culture focused on service excellence.

Inventory, Linen Control, and Financial Oversight

• Monitor linen usage and laundry cycles, ensuring adequate par stock levels.

• Perform monthly inventory counts for linen, cleaning products, and guest amenities.

• Liaise with suppliers and obtain quotes for major purchases.

• Track departmental spending to align with budgetary guidelines.

Sustainability and Hygiene Compliance

• Implement environmentally responsible cleaning practices.

• Enforce health and safety compliance, including PPE usage and chemical handling.

• Complete hygiene and room audit checklists and address deviations.

Maintenance Reporting and Coordination

• Identify maintenance issues during daily checks and report promptly.

• Track progress on repairs and escalate unresolved issues.

• Ensure all maintenance concerns are documented and followed up.

Guest Interaction and Special Requests

• Oversee honeymoon turndowns, VIP room preparations, and special guest requests.

• Coordinate housekeeping support for lodge events and functions.

Equipment and Machinery

• Maintain knowledge of operating procedures for all housekeeping machinery and equipment.

• Report faults or safety concerns and ensure timely repairs or replacements.

Additional Duties

• Perform additional duties as assigned by lodge management to support overall operations.

Minimum Requirements

• Matric.

• Minimum 3 years supervisory housekeeping experience, preferably in a lodge or remote environment.

• Strong organisational, training, and people management skills.

• High attention to detail, especially in luxury guest-facing areas.

• Knowledge of hygiene standards, chemical usage, and laundry systems.

• Computer literate (Outlook, Word, stock/inventory systems).

• Fluent in English; other local languages an advantage.

• Valid drivers licence and live on-site.

Core Competencies

• Exceptional attention to detail.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Leadership and team motivation.

• Proactive, hands-on approach.

• Ability to work under pressure in a remote or wilderness environment.

Working Conditions

• Lodge-based with on-site accommodation provided.

• Required to work shifts, weekends, and public holidays.

• Remote location with limited access to town facilities.

Package

• Salary: Negotiable, dependent on experience.

• Accommodation: Live-in provided.