Our client is seeking a Head Housekeeper who will be primarily responsible to oversee the day-to-day management of the housekeeping, food and beverage operations of the Chairman’s properties, including properties within the Middle East while maintaining a superior level of customer service. This role also involves overseeing the design, implementation and co development with the Properties Manager of all SOP’s and administrative infrastructure to optimise the residences operations.
- Candidates with prior GCC experience will not be considered for this role.
TYPE OF HOUSEHOLD
Family, Mansion, Professional / Philanthropist, Formal Household
LANGUAGE
English and Arabic
Roles and Responsibilities
1. Operational Oversight:
- Develop and implement high quality and high-level operating plans for the Properties – Operations Department and ensure alignment with the short-and long-term objectives of the Chairman & Family.
- Review expenditures, payroll entries, invoices, and other accounting documents for the properties in coordination with support services.
- Responsible for reviewing, approving and authorising all monetary movements, within the approved limits, pertaining to the Properties Operations Department, including the substantiation of transaction-level supporting documentation
- Monitor and manage the day-to-day operations of the private residences to ensure seamless service delivery.
- Maintain a safe and secure environment for the family and all staff.
2. Staff Management -
- Lead and motivate all staff and personnel to advance employee engagement and develop a high-performing middle management team.
- Supervise all operations and maintenance activities to ensure they produce the desired results and are consistent with the operating plans & budget.
- Work closely with all supervisory staff on implementing five-star service standards, operating procedures, detailed presentations and precision across all properties in coordination with support services.
- Manage all staff and personnel in the following departments: Administration, culinary, procurement, maintenance, telecommunications, accounting, logistics, groundskeeping, warehousing, security, transportation.
3. Property Maintenance -
- Oversee the maintenance, repair, and overall management of the family's private residences.
- Ensure that all properties are maintained to the highest standards and meet the family's preferences.
- Coordinate with the maintenance department to ensure timely repairs and upgrades as needed.
- Conduct regular inspections of properties to ensure their condition and functionality.
4. Logistical Coordination -
- Coordinate the arrival and departure of the family, their guests and staff ensuring that all necessary preparations are made in advance.
- Arrange for transportation, accommodation, and other logistical requirements for the family.
5. Communication and Reporting -
- Provide regular updates and reports to the Director of Private Office on the status of staff, properties, and departmental activities.
- Maintain transparent and continuous communication with the family, Director of Private Office, and all relevant stakeholders.
- Document all activities, incidents, and feedback for future reference and improvement.
6. Crisis Management -
- Develop and implement a crisis management plan for any emergencies that may occur at the private residences.
- Provide real-time assistance and support in case of any disruptions or emergencies.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications -
- Bachelor’s degree holder or equivalent
Relevant Experience -
- Minimum 5 years’ experience within a property management company and/or a 5-star hotel/resort.
- Experience managing and training large teams of disparate nationalities.
- Experience in staff training to elevate service standards.
- Solid administration and computer skills (Excel, Word etc)
- Experience interacting with accounting ERP and IT systems such as Oracle NetSuite is a plus.
- Candidates preferred with predominantly commercial background and less so in private service.
Competencies -
- Strategic, quick and procedural thinker.
- Efficient, self-reliant and proactive.
- Must have aptitude for creative problem solving, analysis and change management.
- Must be process driven with the ability to handle multiple competing priorities effectively with all levels and departments.
- Unquestionable integrity, dependability and confidentiality in handling sensitive information.
- Fluency in English and Arabic is a must.
Employment Type:
- Full-time, with availability to work flexible hours and the possibility of travel as and when required by the family's schedule.
