Housekeeping manager in retreat centre and centre for adult education - united kingdom, forest row, east sussex

emerson college is a centre for adult education and retreats with an extensive range of holistic workshops, conferences and events. our kitchen is well known for its creative, vegetarian and seasonal meals. part of our campus is a botanical garden, an apple orchard, a vegetable, flower & herb garden.

this is an exciting opportunity for an experienced people-focused

housekeeping manager

to join us in a mixed role of hands-on housekeeping and managing our large household with 60 bedrooms, 8 classrooms, dining rooms and common areas such as libraries, small meeting rooms and offices.

primary responsibilities will be coordinating a small team of house keepers and ensuring that all our course participants and tutors are well looked after and enjoy their stay at emerson college.

we are looking for someone who will undertake the work with enthusiasm and a smile, someone who takes pride in housekeeping and cleaning, who will work efficiently and cooperatively with others.

the role is very diverse and busy and is a wonderful opportunity to join a really friendly team.

please see the job description and application form below or email bookings@emerson.org.uk for further details.

job description / housekeeping manager

location emerson college, forest row

reports to director of operations

hours 40 hours / week from friday to tuesday. this is a permanent position, where you will receive an employment contract, monthly payslips, holiday entitlement and pension contributions. job share might be possible (minimum hours are 20/week).

salary depending on experience

starting date: as soon as possible

background information

emerson college is a charity offering adult education and retreats with an extensive range of holistic workshops, conferences and events in several buildings, surrounded by a botanical garden, an apple orchard, a vegetable, flower and herb garden. our kitchen is well known for its creative, vegetarian, vegan and seasonal meals.

position summary

the housekeeping manager is responsible for managing the day-to-day operation of 60 bedrooms, 8 classrooms, dining rooms, common areas such as libraries, small meeting rooms and offices.

the successful candidate works closely with the kitchen team in the dining rooms, liaises with course leaders, the events manager and reception on a daily basis.

primary responsibilities

housekeeping and cleaning

coordinating and carrying out housekeeping, laundry and cleaning for the emerson campus ensuring high standards of cleanliness across the venue and facilitating site changes between groups.
managing the housekeeping team to ensure they know what tasks they are responsible for and ensuring they are completed to a high standard.
carrying out property checks at the end of shifts and before guests check in.
ensuring equipment is set up for incoming groups.
keeping all site premises, equipment and facilities clean, stocked, in good order, ready and welcoming.
working in line with health and safety guidance to ensure safety of participants and colleagues.
maintain all cleaning and health and safety records and contribute to meetings.
manage any issues/concerns/damage to property with maintenance manager.
creating of housekeeping rotas for 3 – 5 people.

catering

preparation of continental breakfast
laying up and clearing up of dining rooms
overseeing and helping with food service
preparing tea and coffee breaks

courses and events

providing unobtrusive but efficient and cheerful support and a warm welcome to course participants during their stay
preparing the premises for visitors to a high standard and on time
liaising with other staff to ensure course participants enjoy their stay and feel well looked after.
acting as the duty manager in the absence of the maintenance manager.

being part of the team

working within the management team in a supportive way and taking part in staff trainings.

the successful candidate can be involved in the development of volunteer programmes and renovation plans.

legal requirements

adhering to health and safety, food hygiene, cossh and other statutory regulations.

person specification

we are looking for someone who takes pride in housekeeping and cleaning and who will work efficiently and cooperatively with others; someone who enjoys looking after our course participants and be part of the centre for holistic education.

essential criteria

good communication and leadership qualities are essential for this role
experience of working in retreat centre, college or hotel of a similar size
enjoy housekeeping and cleaning
calm under pressure
attention to detail
good timekeeping
fitness and willingness to undertake the work
interest in and support for the aims of the emerson college trust
interest in anthroposophy and / or holistic adult education

benefits of working at emerson college

33 days paid holiday a year
pension, staff discounts on some courses and food
coaching and support.
opportunity to undertake further learning and training and be part of a great team.
free parking and a beautiful work environment
opportunity to work for an organisation committed to making a difference by supporting people to connect with nature and to finding meaning in life

diversity

emerson college is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves and succeed on merit. we strive to ensure that opportunities to work and develop at are open to all. we treat all job applications equally, regardless of age, disability, gender identity or gender expression, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or any other equality characteristic. please notify us of any disability at the earliest opportunity should you wish us to make any special arrangements for the application process or, if successful, for the role. we will ensure we make reasonable adjustments wherever we can.

right to work in the uk

it is a requirement that any successful applicant has the right to work in the uk and can provide evidence of this. this would be an express term and condition of your employment with us.

april 2022

position applied for

housekeeping manager

personal details

first name(s)

surname

address

postcode

email address

tel (day/eve)

education and training

please list educational details, including training courses, starting with most recent.

dates

institution name

course and qualification(s) obtained

please add more rows if necessary

current or most recent employment / work experience

organisation

post

address and postcode

date appointed

please describe your position, tasks and responsibilities in the organisation, explaining how your work experience is relevant to this post. highlight aspects of the work you have enjoyed.

previous employment and work experience

please list educational details, including training courses, starting with most recent.

dates

organisation name and address

role

please add more rows if necessary

other interests

please note your interests and activities, membership of societies, etc.

references

please give the names and contact details for two referees.

one should be your present or most recent employer.

we will not contact your references without asking your permission first.

referee 1

name

relationship to you

address

telephone

email

referee 2

name

relationship to you

address

telephone

email

if appointed, when could you start?

i confirm that the information given in this application is correct.

signature:

date:

More jobs