Cleaning supplies including spray bottles, paper towels, and a decorative floral accent with the title 'Head Housekeeper' on the left and EMS logo in the corner.

Executive Housekeeper

An Executive Housekeeper is responsible for overseeing the cleanliness, organization, and overall maintenance of a luxury home or hospitality establishment. This role goes beyond standard housekeeping duties, requiring strong leadership and management skills to supervise a team of housekeepers, establish cleaning protocols, and ensure that the residence meets the highest standards of cleanliness and presentation. The Executive Housekeeper is responsible for maintaining fine furnishings, luxury fabrics, and specialty surfaces while ensuring that all cleaning products and methods align with the household’s preferences. They also manage laundry services, wardrobe care, and household inventory, ensuring that linens, cleaning supplies, and personal care items are always well-stocked.

In addition to daily operations, an Executive Housekeeper is expected to coordinate with vendors, oversee deep cleaning projects, and manage budgets for housekeeping expenses. They handle scheduling for housekeeping staff, assign responsibilities, and monitor quality control to maintain seamless household operations. They are also responsible for ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, such as proper waste disposal and eco-friendly cleaning practices. When guests are present, the Executive Housekeeper ensures that accommodations are prepared, amenities are provided, and the household is presented in a welcoming and pristine manner. For special events, they may assist in setting up dining areas, table arrangements, and décor, as well as coordinating post-event cleanup.

A successful Executive Housekeeper must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple responsibilities efficiently. They must possess excellent leadership and communication skills to coordinate with household staff, vendors, and principals while maintaining discretion and professionalism. The role demands adaptability, problem-solving skills, and the ability to anticipate the needs of the household or guests before they arise. As a key member of the household staff, an Executive Housekeeper plays an essential role in maintaining a smooth, well-functioning, and impeccably maintained residence that meets the highest standards of luxury and hospitality.

 

~ A good Executive Housekeeper knows how to create luxury in any environment. ~

 

 

Executive Housekeeper Responsibilities Can Include

      • Overseeing all housekeeping operations to maintain high cleanliness and organization standards
      • Supervising and managing housekeeping staff, including hiring, training, and scheduling
      • Conducting regular inspections to ensure quality control and adherence to household standards
      • Managing laundry services, including garment care, linen rotation, and wardrobe organization
      • Ensuring proper care and maintenance of fine furnishings, luxury fabrics, and specialty surfaces
      • Implementing and monitoring housekeeping protocols, including cleaning schedules and checklists
      • Managing household inventory, including cleaning supplies, linens, and personal care items
      • Coordinating with vendors for deep cleaning, pest control, and specialized maintenance services
      • Monitoring and enforcing health and safety regulations, including OSHA compliance
      • Handling waste management and ensuring proper recycling and disposal practices
      • Preparing guest areas and ensuring all rooms are stocked and maintained to perfection
      • Assisting in event setup, including table settings, décor, and post-event cleanup
      • Managing household budgets for housekeeping expenses, including purchasing and inventory control
      • Overseeing deep cleaning projects on a seasonal or rotational basis
      • Addressing and resolving any housekeeping-related issues or emergencies promptly
      • Maintaining communication with principals and household staff to align with expectations
      • Implementing and ensuring proper use of eco-friendly and high-quality cleaning products
      • Overseeing maintenance and servicing of housekeeping equipment and appliances
      • Providing personalized service and anticipating household or guest needs
      • Ensuring security by monitoring household access points and maintaining discretion at all times

Top 20 Hard Skills

      • Advanced Cleaning Techniques: Expertise in various cleaning methods, including deep cleaning, carpet care, and the use of specialized cleaning equipment.
      • Laundry Operations Management: Proficiency in overseeing laundry services, including washing, drying, ironing, and inventory management of linens and uniforms.
      • Inventory Control: Ability to manage and maintain housekeeping supplies, ensuring adequate stock levels and cost-effectiveness. 
      • Staff Training and Development: Competence in training housekeeping staff on cleaning procedures, safety protocols, and quality standards.
      • Budgeting and Cost Control: Skill in managing budgets, controlling expenses, and optimizing resource allocation within the housekeeping department.
      • Scheduling and Staff Management: Experience in creating work schedules, managing staff shifts, and ensuring adequate coverage at all times.
      • Quality Assurance: Ability to conduct inspections and implement quality control measures to maintain high cleanliness standards.
      • Knowledge of Cleaning Chemicals: Understanding of various cleaning agents and their appropriate usage, including safety and environmental considerations.
      • Operation of Housekeeping Equipment: Proficiency in using and maintaining housekeeping equipment, such as vacuum cleaners, floor polishers, and laundry machines.
      • Health and Safety Compliance: Knowledge of health and safety regulations, ensuring a safe working environment and compliance with legal standards.
      • Pest Control Management: Ability to identify pest issues and coordinate appropriate control measures to maintain a hygienic environment.
      • Waste Management: Expertise in proper waste disposal methods and recycling practices to promote environmental sustainability.
      • Customer Service: Skill in addressing guest inquiries and complaints related to housekeeping services, ensuring guest satisfaction.
      • Software Proficiency: Familiarity with housekeeping management software and property management systems for efficient operations.
      • Event Setup and Coordination: Experience in organizing and setting up venues for events, including coordination with other departments.
      • Decorative Skills: Ability to enhance room aesthetics through proper arrangement and decoration, contributing to a pleasant ambiance.
      • Energy Conservation Practices: Knowledge of energy-efficient practices within housekeeping operations to reduce costs and environmental impact.
      • Emergency Response Preparedness: Capability to respond effectively to emergencies, such as spills or accidents, minimizing disruption and ensuring safety.
      • Multilingual Communication: Proficiency in multiple languages to effectively communicate with a diverse team and international guests.
      • Report Generation: Skill in preparing reports on housekeeping activities, staff performance, and inventory status for management review. 

Soft Skills

    • Attention to Detail 
    • Exceptional Time Management 
    • Leadership and Team Management 
    • Strong Communication Skills 
    • Discretion and Confidentiality 
    • Problem-Solving and Initiative 
    • Adaptability and Flexibility 
    • Multitasking and Prioritization 
    • Professionalism and Integrity 
    • Organization and Planning Skills 
    • Conflict Resolution and Diplomacy 
    • Customer Service Orientation 
    • Emotional Intelligence 
    • Strong Work Ethic 
    • Calm and Composed Under Pressure 
    • Commitment to Excellence 
** While a Private Service Professional can handle most if not all of the above tasks, it is important to remember that every task takes time, and Employers should listen to their staff when they express how much time something takes to accomplish their duties. Your staff is dedicated to you, and "No" is not a part of their dictionary.  If they ask if something should take priority over another task or ask to delegate the task to maintain efficiency, they are really saying that their plate is full and additional tasks might prevent them from doing other duties.

Next Steps

Principals: If you are in need of a Private Service Professional and want a company that genuinely cares about its clients and candidates, please select one of the options to the right.

Candidates: If you are looking for a position, please check out our EMS Domestics for a complete list of our open positions and discover how to submit your resume.