Chief Housekeeper

About the role

The Chief Housekeeper leads the entire housekeeping operation aboard a cruise vessel, ensuring the delivery of high‑quality, efficient, and personalized butler and cleaning services to guests and crew. This senior position is responsible for maintaining impeccable standards across guest suites, public areas, and back‑of‑house spaces while upholding public health regulations and driving total guest satisfaction.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee all housekeeping activities, providing the highest quality service to guests and crew.
• Conduct regular walkthroughs of the ship to verify smooth operations and promptly address any issues.
• Interact proactively with guests to identify and fulfill their expectations and needs.
• Collaborate with other departments, ensuring effective people management and conduct.
• Respond immediately to guest requests, enquiries, and complaints, ensuring satisfactory resolution.
• Monitor guest satisfaction through comment cards and rating scores, taking corrective actions as needed.
• Inspect VIP and suite areas on embarkation, performing random checks on other suites.
• Maintain and display an equitable in‑port manning schedule for the housekeeping team.
• Handle sensitive information with confidentiality.
• Maintain accurate employee records, training logs, and administrative documentation.
• Prepare cruise reports, suggest service improvements, and manage complaint logs and operational costs.
• Ensure compliance with public health requirements and company standards.
• Liaise with HR on personnel matters to continuously improve service quality.
• Implement a fair corrective‑action system and lead turnaround crew meetings.

Required profile

• Proven experience in senior housekeeping or hospitality management, preferably on cruise ships or luxury hotels.
• Strong leadership and people‑management skills with the ability to coach and develop staff.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities to interact with guests and crew.
• Detail‑oriented mindset with a focus on maintaining high service standards.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle guest complaints efficiently.
• Commitment to confidentiality and adherence to health and safety regulations.

Required skills