Head Housekeeper

We are seeking a meticulous, detail-driven, and proactive Head Housekeeper to oversee the full housekeeping and laundry operations of an exclusive, ultra-luxury 5- safari villa. Serving local and international guests, this unique granite pavilion-style estate demands the highest level of five-star hospitality standards and absolute discretion.

As the Head Housekeeper, you will lead a small, high-performing team to maintain the villa’s immaculate presentation. This is a highly hands-on leadership role suitable for a professional who thrives in a premium bush environment, takes complete ownership of cleaning operations, and brings a warm, service-oriented approach to a private luxury residence.

Key Responsibilities

1. Departmental Leadership & Training Manage, schedule, and supervise daily operations for the housekeeping, laundry, and general cleaning team. Provide active, hands-on training to staff to achieve and elevate established 5-star cleaning standards and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Cultivate a highly efficient, motivated, and detail-oriented workplace culture.
2. Villa Presentation & Quality Control Perform rigorous daily inspections of all 5 luxury en-suite bedrooms, open-air pavilions, guest living areas, walkways, and outdoor spaces. Ensure all guest linens, towels, and private laundry are processed, pressed, and handled with meticulous care. Oversee guest turn-down services, matching precise preferences for high-end international guests. Actively track and report any technical, maintenance, or equipment abnormalities immediately to the maintenance team.
3. Inventory, Stock Control & Administration Drive monthly stocktakes of all villa linens, cleaning chemicals, staff uniforms, and equipment. Direct the procurement and ordering of premium guest amenities, room supplies, and departmental consumables. Maintain strict cost-control and budget parameters without ever compromising on standard excellence. Coordinate sustainable operations aligned with the villa's environmental and waste guidelines.

Requirements

Minimum 3–5 years of experience in a senior or Head Housekeeper role within a high-end 5-star safari lodge or an exclusive-use luxury villa. Standards & Execution: Proven mastery of luxury room presentation, fabric care, laundering practices, and premium guest turn-down etiquette. Leadership Traits: A hands-on, proactive leader who is willing to clean alongside the team while managing operational logistics.

Organizational Skills: Excellent administrative ability, including basic computer literacy (Excel) for managing stock data and inventory lists. Communication Skills: Fluid command of written and spoken English. Ability to speak local regional languages (such as Tsonga/Shangaan) is a highly valued advantage for local team integration.

Health & Environment: Physically fit, energetic, and completely comfortable living and working full-time in a remote wilderness setting.

Benefits

What We Offer

A highly competitive, experience-dependent salary package. On-site, live-in staff accommodation within the reserve precinct. 3 balanced meals provided daily while on duty. Complete uniform allocation.