How to Be Executive Housekeeper - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 1, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Living in an age of hectic schedules, executive housekeepers are becoming increasingly important. They help to ensure that homes and businesses run smoothly by providing a wide range of services, from cleaning and laundry to grocery shopping and meal preparation. The result is a stress-free living or working environment that allows individuals and families to focus on their day-to-day tasks without worrying about household chores.

Executive housekeepers also contribute to the overall health of their clients by keeping the premises clean and free of allergens, dust, and other harmful particles. They can also provide timely reminders about important tasks, such as paying bills or scheduling medical appointments. the services provided by executive housekeepers can make a significant difference in the lives of those they serve.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Most employers require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED. If you do not have either, you can enroll in a program to obtain one.
Consider Pursuing a Degree. Although it is not required for all executive housekeeping positions, some employers may prefer that you have a degree in hospitality management or a related field. A degree can help you develop a deeper understanding of the industry and provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed.
Gain Experience. Many employers require executive housekeepers to have at least three years of experience in housekeeping or a related field. If you do not have any housekeeping experience, you may want to consider working as a maid or housekeeper in order to gain some experience.
Acquire Certification. Certification is not required for executive housekeeping positions, but it can demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to the job. The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) offers a Certified Executive Housekeeper (CEH) certification that may help you stand out from other applicants.
Take Leadership Courses. Leadership courses can help you develop the skills needed to manage staff, delegate tasks, and create an efficient workflow. Taking courses in business management may also be beneficial.
Apply for Open Positions. Once you have the necessary qualifications, you can start applying for open positions. Many employers post job openings on job boards and websites such as Indeed, Monster, and Glassdoor. You can also check with local hotels and resorts to see if they are hiring.

Having a reliable and competent executive housekeeper is essential for the smooth running of any business or organization. An executive housekeeper is expected to be organized and efficient in managing supplies and personnel, and to also provide a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene. A reliable executive housekeeper will be able to effectively coordinate with other staff members, manage a budget, and ensure that the work environment is safe and secure.

When an executive housekeeper is organized and efficient, it reduces the time and money spent on fixing problems and allows for more focus on improving the overall customer experience. Furthermore, a competent executive housekeeper can create a positive work environment by maintaining high standards of cleanliness and efficiency while also providing a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. having a reliable and competent executive housekeeper is key to the success of any business or organization.

You may want to check Executive Communications Manager, Executive Project Manager, and Executive Administrator for alternative.

Job Description

Develop and implement housekeeping policies, standards and procedures.
Manage the daily operations of the housekeeping department and ensure that all Housekeeping staff are following procedures.
Schedule and coordinate the work of all Housekeeping staff.
Monitor the performance of Housekeeping staff and take corrective action when necessary.
Train and motivate Housekeeping staff and keep records of their performance.
Monitor inventory levels of cleaning supplies, linen and other materials and order more when needed.
Inspect guest rooms and public areas to ensure they are clean and presentable.
Liaise with other departments to resolve maintenance issues.
Develop and manage the housekeeping budget.
Analyze feedback from guests and take action to improve their satisfaction.
Ensure all safety regulations are followed by Housekeeping staff.
Respond to guest complaints and ensure that corrective action is taken.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of cleaning products, equipment and methods.
Ability to set and meet schedules.
Excellent organizational skills.
Ability to handle large amounts of laundry.
Ability to coordinate staff and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Excellent communication skills.
Basic computer skills to use software such as spreadsheets, databases, and word processing programs.
Ability to provide excellent customer service.
Knowledge of safety and security regulations.
Knowledge of local regulations regarding cleaning services and supplies.
Knowledge of cost control and budgeting procedures.
Ability to recognize problems and take appropriate action.
Knowledge of fire safety and emergency procedures.
Ability to inspect rooms for cleanliness and orderliness.
Ability to lead and motivate staff members.

Organizational skills are an essential trait for any Executive Housekeeper to possess. The ability to plan and organize are key to success in this role. A well-organized housekeeper will be able to prioritize tasks, create efficient workflow processes, and ensure that the daily operations of the housekeeping staff run smoothly.

This, in turn, can lead to a higher level of service and satisfaction among guests and staff. effective communication is also essential for ensuring that staff members understand their responsibilities and duties, as well as any changes that may occur. Good communication helps to create an atmosphere of trust and collaboration among the housekeeping team, which can lead to improved morale and productivity.

Executive Vice President, Executive Sous Chef, and Executive Sales Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in a housekeeping role?
What are your strengths and weaknesses as an Executive Housekeeper?
How would you ensure the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene in a hotel environment?
Describe a difficult situation in the past when you had to manage a team and how you overcame it?
How do you develop and motivate staff to provide excellent service?
How do you handle complaints from guests or other staff members?
What systems do you have in place to ensure all cleaning tasks are completed on time?
How do you handle budgeting and cost control in the housekeeping department?
What strategies do you employ to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations?
How do you stay up to date with new technologies and trends in the hospitality industry?

Common Tools in Industry

Vacuum Cleaner. A cleaning device used to remove dirt and debris from carpets and other surfaces. (example: Dyson DC59 Motorhead Vacuum Cleaner)
Mop and Bucket. A pair of cleaning tools used to remove dirt and grime from floors. (example: O-Cedar EasyWring Spin Mop & Bucket System)
Microfiber Cloths. A type of cloth made with tiny fibers, used for cleaning surfaces without the use of chemicals. (example: AmazonBasics Microfiber Cleaning Cloths)
Carpet Cleaner. A device that uses hot water and suction to deep clean carpets and rugs. (example: Bissell ProHeat 2x Revolution Pet Carpet Cleaner)
Window Cleaner. A tool used to remove dirt, dust, and fingerprints from windows and glass surfaces. (example: Windex Outdoor Glass and Patio Cleaner Concentrate)
Disinfectant Sprays. A type of cleaner used to prevent the spread of germs by killing bacteria and viruses. (example: Lysol Disinfectant Spray)
Brooms and Dustpans. A pair of tools used to sweep up dust, dirt, and debris. (example: O-Cedar Dual-Action Microfiber Flip Mop & Dustpan)
Laundry Detergent. A cleaning product used to remove stains and dirt from clothing, sheets, and other fabrics. (example: Tide PODS Plus Oxi Liquid Laundry Detergent Pacs)
Air Freshener. A product used to eliminate odors and freshen the air. (example: Glade PlugIns Scented Oil Air Freshener Refill)
Trash Bags. Bags used for collecting and disposing of trash and other waste materials. (example: Hefty Ultra Strong Tall Kitchen Trash Bags)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Executive Housekeepers Association
Association of Professional Housekeepers
International Association of Hotel Housekeeping
National Association for Hotel and Lodging Professionals
National Apartment Association
American Society of Maintenance and Housekeeping Professionals
American Hotel & Lodging Association
International Facility Management Association
Building Owners and Managers Association International
Professional Cleaning and Restoration Alliance

We also have Executive Travel Coordinator, Executive Officer, and Executive Chef jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Linen Inventory Management. The process of managing and tracking the linen that is used in a hotel or other hospitality setting. This includes ordering, stocking, tracking usage, and maintaining adequate levels of linens.
Housekeeping Policies and Procedures. Established guidelines that housekeeping staff must follow when cleaning and maintaining a hotel or other hospitality setting. These policies and procedures help ensure a high level of cleanliness and efficiency.
Room Attendant. A member of the housekeeping staff responsible for cleaning guest rooms and ensuring they meet quality standards.
Public Area Cleaning. The process of cleaning common areas such as lobbies, hallways, and stairwells in a hotel or other hospitality setting.
Cleaning Supplies Management. The process of managing and tracking the cleaning supplies used in a hotel or other hospitality setting. This includes ordering, stocking, tracking usage, and maintaining adequate levels of supplies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the role of an Executive Housekeeper? A1: An Executive Housekeeper is responsible for supervising and managing the overall housekeeping operations of a hotel, resort, or other hospitality facility. They oversee cleaning staff, maintain quality standards, and ensure that all areas are properly stocked with supplies. Q2: What qualifications are necessary for an Executive Housekeeper? A2: A successful Executive Housekeeper should have a combination of education and experience in the hospitality industry. Many employers require a degree in hospitality management or a related field, as well as several years of experience in housekeeping management. Q3: What duties does an Executive Housekeeper typically perform? A3: The duties of an Executive Housekeeper typically include inspecting rooms, assigning tasks to housekeeping staff, creating schedules and budgets, ordering supplies, maintaining inventory levels, and ensuring compliance with safety and health standards. Q4: How many people does an Executive Housekeeper typically manage? A4: This depends on the size of the hotel or facility. An Executive Housekeeper may manage anywhere from 10 to 50 or more housekeeping staff members. Q5: What salary can an Executive Housekeeper expect to earn? A5: The average salary for an Executive Housekeeper is around $45,000 per year, depending on experience and location.

Web Resources

Online Executive Housekeeper from Arkansas State University ed2go.degree.astate.edu
Executive Housekeeper - Housing & Hospitality housingandhospitality.ucla.edu
Executive Housekeeper | Professional Development & Training training.unh.edu