Lead Housekeeper (Part-Time – 20 Hours per Week)
Location: Holland House Retreat and Conference Centre
Reports to: Warden / Reservations Manager AKA Head of House
Hours: 20 hours per week, worked flexibly across 4–5 days, including some weekend work.
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Job Purpose
The Lead Housekeeper plays a key role in supporting the mission of the Retreat Centre by ensuring that all accommodation and communal spaces are clean, welcoming, and conducive to rest, reflection, and stillness. This part-time role combines leadership, organisation, and significant hands-on cleaning, helping to create an atmosphere of peace, relaxation, and hospitality for all who visit.
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Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Support
• Work with and support a small housekeeping team in a spirit of cooperation and respect.
• Allocate daily and weekly cleaning duties in line with guest occupancy and retreat schedules, in liaison with the Head of House.
• Foster a calm, supportive working environment that reflects the values of the Retreat Centre.
Housekeeping & Operations
• Ensure public / meeting rooms are set up for guest use, in liaison with the Head of House.
• Ensure standards of cleanliness and presentation across:
o Guest bedrooms (including en-suite rooms)
o Bathrooms and Toilet facilities
o Landings, staircases, chapel, and communal areas e.g. Library, Dining Area, Drawing room and Conference room
• Carry out hands-on cleaning as part of the housekeeping team
• Ensure bedrooms and facilities are prepared with care and attention for arriving guests.
• Ensure lost property is kept safely and returned, when possible, within the designated time.
Planning & Organisation
• Plan general and deep-clean schedules within the limits of a 20-hour working week, in liaison with the Head of House.
• Coordinate linen, laundry, and room readiness
• Communicate closely with the Head of House or Operations Manager to support smooth arrivals and departures
Health, Safety & Stewardship
• Ensure all cleaning practices comply with health & safety and COSHH requirements
• Promote good hygiene and infection control standards
• Use cleaning materials responsibly and report maintenance or safety concerns promptly
• Care for the Retreat Centre’s buildings and resources
Administration & Stock Control
• Maintain simple cleaning records, rotas, and checklists in conjunction with the Head of House
• Monitor and manage housekeeping supplies within budget in liaison with the Accounts Manager
• Order cleaning materials and linen as required
Guest Care & Centre Ethos
• Always respect the reflective nature of the Retreat Centre
• Work discreetly around guests, retreats, and liturgical schedules as necessary
• Respond sensitively and professionally to guest needs or concerns and engage other staff as appropriate
• Support the Centre’s mission of welcome, compassion, and hospitality
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Person Specification Essential
• Experience in housekeeping, ideally in hospitality, retreat, or residential settings
• Experience leading or coordinating others
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, able to create and maintain a clear strategic approach to all housekeeping duties
• Ability to manage time and priorities within limited hours
• Respect for the ethos and values of the Retreat Centre
Desirable
• Experience of working in a diverse environment
• Experience working in a faith-based or pastoral environment
• Health & safety or COSHH training
• Experience managing rotas, supplies, or laundry services
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Personal Qualities
• Calm, dependable, and well-organised
• Respectful, discreet, and compassionate
• Practical and flexible
• Able to work independently and as part of a wider team
• Sympathetic to the ethos of Holland House

The position includes 5 weeks pro-rata holiday per year (one week must be taken at Christmas as we shut down) plus pro-rata public holidays. We also offer a non-contributory pension scheme if eligible after successful completion of probationary period.
Visit our website www.hollandhouse.org and social media pages for examples of our unique and exciting work. Applications can be sent via e-mail directly to frontofhouse@hollandhouse.org