Assistant Housekeeper

In brief

**Overview** This is an explanation of the Assistant Housekeeper role at Sun International. The Assistant Housekeeper is responsible for the effective day-to-day management of a team and the delivery of comprehensive housekeeping operations. This includes various cleaning services such as room cleaning, public areas, valet and turndown services, kitchen and back-of-house areas, specialized hygiene, and pest control. The role also involves the control and management of linen, uniforms, and operating stock. The primary objective is to ensure continuous achievement of internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and external grading standards, handle special requests, and deliver a professional customer experience in line with IHG standards and legislative requirements. **What you will do** Key responsibilities include: * **Housekeeping Operational Management:** * Translating housekeeping objectives into activities and plans aligned with unit and functional strategies. * Facilitating communication, implementation, and measurement of departmental housekeeping deliverables. * Compiling proactive housekeeping plans and schedules, including high access, kitchen, back-of-house, public areas, specialised hygiene, and specialised cleaning, as well as special laundry services. * Developing personalised plans for unique customer requirements, such as for VIP guests. * Providing clear delegation of authority and accountability for deliverables. * Managing and allocating people and operational resources. * Reporting and escalating areas of risk and challenges in meeting milestones and timelines. * Achieving and operating within specified budgets for operational expenses. * **Shift Management:** * Implementing staff scheduling and duty allocations to ensure sufficient coverage based on business occupancies. * Handling shift briefings, handovers, and shift reports. * Monitoring and managing staff appearance, floor appearance, and the functioning of equipment and systems. * Providing feedback and reports to management and business partners on challenges experienced on the floors. * Monitoring the control of linen, stock, amenities, and operating equipment as per SOP. * Maintaining par stock of guest supplies, cleaning supplies, room amenities, linen, and uniforms. * Monitoring and tracking costs against a pre-defined budget. * Facilitating and participating in monthly stock control procedures. * Monitoring laundry and levels of condemned linen. * Organising and monitoring inventories against linen, uniform, and fixed assets registers. * Completing shift reports. * **Housekeeping Standards & Governance:** * Developing and implementing, updating, and communicating housekeeping SOPs and processes. * Aligning practices with new legislative compliance, including health, hygiene, safety, and environmental regulations. * Implementing sufficient control measures against standards using systems, processes, and checklists. * Providing input and motivating for new room and housekeeping standards, and service enhancements. * Conducting quality assurance around housekeeping standards in rooms and public areas. * Conducting weekly walkabouts of all front-of-house and back-of-house areas to monitor housekeeping and aesthetic appearance, including room checks. * Organising and monitoring pest eradication activities. * Working with internal stakeholders (maintenance, finance, HR, and security) to identify and address risk areas. * **People Management:** * Managing staff conditions of employment, including attendance, absenteeism, leave, and adherence to policies. * Identifying employee training needs. * Performing on-the-job training and coaching to close developmental gaps and build a talent pipeline. * Monitoring adherence to SOPs, including conducting quality assurance of work performed. * Managing employee relations and any required disciplinary action. * Facilitating staff communication and motivation. * Performing and documenting performance contracting, reviews, and development discussions. * Providing resources and removing obstacles to performance. * Recruiting and resourcing talent for departmental positions. * Onboarding new staff members. * **Customer Experience Management:** * Ensuring guests are treated with courtesy and respect at all times. * Interacting with guests and providing professional service standards and solutions. * Handling escalated complaints, disputes, and suggestions as required. * Engaging with customers to provide an experience that supports brand loyalty. * Interacting and being present on the floor during shifts to understand and assist clients with requests, special requirements, recommendations, concerns, and complaint resolution. * Conducting staff training on product knowledge and promotions. * Providing post-mortem feedback on promotions to ensure relevance and effectiveness. * Ensuring staff have sufficient insights and information regarding VIP customers during shift handover. * Building relationships with repeat customers to anticipate their needs. **Requirements (from the original advert)** * **Education:** * Grade 12 * 3 Year Hotel School Diploma or equivalent National Qualification at a Diploma level * **Experience:** * Minimum of 6 years’ housekeeping experience with 3 years experience as a Housekeeping supervisor * Previous experience in hotel housekeeping is required * **Work conditions and special requirements:** * Ability to work shifts that meet operational requirements including public holidays, night work and weekends * Physically able to move operating equipment and furniture to perform housekeeping activities * **Skills and Knowledge:** * Housekeeping industry knowledge – HACCP; FCS standards * Quality Assurance * Housekeeping Product knowledge & standards * Housekeeping tools and chemicals * Cleaning techniques including specialised cleaning * Written and verbal communication skills * Proficiency in MS Office Suite, Opera * Business Acumen * Financial Acumen * Report writing * Contract management – SLA of service providers * Knowledge and application of legislation relating to Safety, Health and the environment * Team Planning **Who should apply** This role is suitable for individuals with significant experience in hotel housekeeping, including a minimum of three years in a supervisory capacity. Ideal candidates will possess a relevant hotel school diploma or equivalent qualification, coupled with a strong foundation in housekeeping industry knowledge, including HACCP and FCS standards. Applicants should demonstrate robust leadership and people management skills, a keen eye for quality assurance, and proficiency in operational planning, financial acumen, and report writing. The role requires the ability to work varied shifts, including weekends and public holidays, and physical capability for moving equipment. Strong communication skills and proficiency in MS Office and Opera are essential. **Deadline** Not specified **Reference** Original posting: https://www.myjobmag.co.za/job/assistant-housekeeper-sun-international Source: myjobmag

Summary drafted with AI assistance from the original advert. The advert itself is the authority — how we use AI.

At a glance

• At least 3 years of experience.

• Microsoft Office

Extracted automatically from the advert; confirm requirements on the original listing.

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