Housekeeping Supervisor

SUMMARY:
Position Overview
The Housekeeping Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the daily housekeeping operations of a prestigious 5-star luxury game lodge in the Sabi Sands. The successful candidate will ensure that all guest accommodation, public areas and back-of-house facilities are maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness, presentation and hygiene.
The role requires a hands-on, highly organised and detail-oriented individual with strong leadership abilities, excellent communication skills and a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences.
The Housekeeping Supervisor will lead and support the housekeeping team, monitor daily operations, conduct room inspections and ensure that the lodge consistently maintains its luxury standards.
Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Housekeeping Operations

• Supervise and coordinate the daily housekeeping operations of the lodge.
• Ensure all guest rooms, suites, bathrooms and public areas are cleaned and maintained to 5-star standards.
• Conduct daily room inspections to ensure exceptional cleanliness, presentation and attention to detail.
• Ensure rooms are correctly prepared for guest arrivals, departures and stayovers.
• Oversee turndown services and ensure these are completed according to lodge standards.
• Monitor the cleanliness of guest pathways, communal areas, lounges, dining areas and staff facilities.
• Ensure housekeeping schedules and cleaning checklists are followed.
• Maintain high standards of hygiene, sanitation and presentation throughout the property.

1. Staff Supervision and Management

• Supervise, motivate and lead the housekeeping team.
• Allocate daily duties and responsibilities according to occupancy and operational requirements.
• Conduct daily briefings with housekeeping staff.
• Monitor staff performance, productivity and adherence to lodge standards.
• Provide on-the-job training and coaching to housekeeping employees.
• Ensure staff follow correct procedures, grooming standards and professional conduct.
• Manage staff rosters, attendance, leave schedules and shift allocations.
• Address performance issues and report disciplinary matters to management.
• Promote teamwork and effective communication between departments.

1. Guest Experience and Service Excellence

• Ensure guest rooms are presented to the highest luxury hospitality standards.
• Attend to guest requests, special arrangements and housekeeping-related complaints.
• Ensure VIP rooms, honeymoon suites and special occasions receive appropriate attention.
• Coordinate with Front Office and Guest Relations regarding room readiness and guest movements.
• Ensure guest preferences and special requirements are communicated to the team.
• Maintain confidentiality and respect guests' privacy at all times.

1. Linen, Laundry and Stock Control

• Oversee the issuing, collection and distribution of linen and towels.
• Monitor linen quality, stock levels and replacement requirements.
• Ensure correct handling and storage of guest laundry.
• Monitor housekeeping consumables, amenities and cleaning materials.
• Conduct regular stocktakes and maintain accurate stock records.
• Control wastage and ensure cost-effective use of supplies.
• Ensure cleaning chemicals are correctly stored, labelled and used.
• Report damaged, missing or defective equipment and linen.

1. Administration and Reporting

• Prepare daily housekeeping reports and room status updates.
• Maintain cleaning schedules, inspection records and departmental checklists.
• Monitor room readiness and communicate outstanding tasks to management.
• Assist with departmental budgeting and cost control.
• Record maintenance issues and follow up to ensure these are resolved.
• Maintain housekeeping standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Participate in departmental meetings and management briefings.

1. Maintenance, Health and Safety

• Identify and report maintenance issues within guest rooms and public areas.
• Follow up on repairs with the Maintenance Department.
• Ensure housekeeping equipment is maintained and used correctly.
• Enforce health, safety and hygiene procedures.
• Ensure safe handling of chemicals and cleaning equipment.
• Maintain safe and hygienic working conditions for all housekeeping employees.

POSITION INFO:
Minimum Requirements and Qualifications Matric (Grade 12). Hospitality or Housekeeping Management qualification would be advantageous. Minimum 2-3 years' housekeeping experience in a supervisory role. Previous experience within a 4- or 5-star hotel, luxury lodge or safari lodge environment. Strong knowledge of luxury housekeeping standards and procedures. Knowledge of laundry operations, linen management and stock control. Experience with staff supervision, training and performance management. Knowledge of cleaning chemicals, equipment and hygiene standards. Computer literacy, including MS Office. Good administrative and organisational skills. Valid driver's licence would be advantageous. Must be willing to live and work in a remote lodge environment.