Director of Housekeeping

We are seeking an accomplished, highly motivated, and hands-on Director of Housekeeping to join the leadership team of a new 200-key luxury hotel in West Palm Beach, Florida. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced luxury hospitality professional to play a critical role in the pre-opening, launch, and ongoing operations of an exciting new luxury hotel. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in luxury hotel housekeeping operations, a proven track record of successfully opening new hotel properties, exceptional attention to detail, and a passion for maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness, presentation, and guest satisfaction. As the Director of Housekeeping, you will be responsible for establishing and overseeing all aspects of the Housekeeping Department, including guest rooms, suites, public areas, laundry operations, staffing, departmental budgets, inventory management, quality assurance, and operational efficiency. We are looking for a dynamic leader who combines strategic planning with a hands-on management approach, understands the expectations of discerning luxury travelers, and takes personal pride in delivering an immaculate and beautifully maintained hotel environment. Previous luxury hotel housekeeping leadership experience and direct hotel pre-opening experience are mandatory requirements for this position. Key Responsibilities Pre-Opening Leadership & Hotel Launch Lead all Housekeeping Department pre-opening activities to ensure complete operational readiness for the successful launch of the 200-key luxury hotel. Develop and execute comprehensive pre-opening plans, departmental timelines, staffing models, operating budgets, and operational readiness checklists. Establish detailed standard operating procedures (SOPs), cleaning protocols, inspection standards, and quality assurance programs consistent with luxury hospitality expectations. Collaborate closely with ownership, executive leadership, the Rooms Division Manager, construction teams, project managers, Engineering, and vendors to ensure all guest rooms, suites, public areas, and back-of-house spaces are ready for opening. Participate in construction handover inspections, punch-list reviews, room readiness assessments, and the identification and resolution of deficiencies. Coordinate the initial deep cleaning and final presentation of guest rooms, suites, corridors, public spaces, and operational areas before opening. Oversee the selection, procurement, organization, and distribution of housekeeping operating supplies and equipment (OS&E), including linens, terry, guest amenities, cleaning equipment, uniforms, and housekeeping supplies. Establish par levels, storage systems, inventory controls, and procedures for replenishment and accountability. Develop the departmental organizational structure, staffing requirements, job descriptions, training materials, and onboarding programs. Recruit, interview, hire, and train Housekeeping leadership, supervisors, room attendants, public area attendants, laundry associates, and other departmental personnel in coordination with Human Resources. Develop room cleaning procedures, turndown service standards, VIP room preparation protocols, and detailed room inspection checklists. Coordinate departmental training, mock room inspections, trial stays, and operational simulations before opening. Ensure the Housekeeping Department is fully staffed, trained, equipped, and prepared to deliver exceptional service from the hotel's first day of operation. Housekeeping Operations & Leadership Direct and oversee the daily operations of Housekeeping, Public Areas, Laundry, Linen, and related departmental functions. Maintain exceptional standards of cleanliness, sanitation, presentation, and maintenance throughout guest rooms, suites, corridors, public areas, and back-of-house spaces. Conduct daily property walkthroughs, guest room inspections, and quality assurance audits. Establish and maintain rigorous inspection procedures to ensure every guest room meets luxury hotel standards before being released for occupancy. Monitor daily occupancy, arrivals, departures, VIP reservations, room assignments, and special guest requests to coordinate departmental priorities. Ensure accurate and timely communication of room status, out-of-order rooms, and maintenance concerns with Front Office and Engineering. Oversee room cleaning productivity, assignment distribution, turndown service, and housekeeping scheduling. Ensure prompt response to guest requests, special accommodations, and service recovery situations. Develop and maintain effective preventive maintenance reporting procedures in coordination with Engineering. Maintain high standards for linen care, laundry operations, uniform presentation, and guest amenities. Establish clear accountability for departmental performance, operational efficiency, and service consistency. Remain highly visible throughout the property and actively participate in inspections, employee training, and daily operational activities. Luxury Guest Experience & Service Excellence Establish a culture of exceptional cleanliness, refined presentation, personalized service, discretion, and meticulous attention to detail. Ensure guest rooms and suites consistently reflect the elevated expectations of a luxury hotel. Develop detailed standards for bed presentation, bathroom cleanliness, guest amenities, linen quality, room fragrance, and overall guest room appearance. Establish VIP room preparation procedures, personalized amenities, special occasion arrangements, and guest preference protocols. Oversee evening turndown service and ensure consistency in luxury room presentation. Anticipate guest needs and empower employees to provide thoughtful, proactive, and personalized service. Monitor guest feedback, satisfaction surveys, online reviews, and quality assurance results related to housekeeping. Investigate guest complaints and implement effective corrective actions to prevent recurring service deficiencies. Maintain service standards aligned with recognized luxury hospitality benchmarks, including Forbes Travel Guide and AAA Five Diamond expectations, where applicable. Collaborate with Front Office, Guest Services, Concierge, and other departments to ensure a seamless and memorable guest experience. Financial Management & Labor Productivity Develop, manage, and monitor the Housekeeping Department's annual operating budget, payroll expenses, and departmental expenditures. Establish staffing models and productivity benchmarks based on occupancy forecasts, room types, service expectations, and operational demands. Monitor labor costs, overtime, cost per occupied room, cleaning productivity, and departmental operating expenses. Prepare staffing schedules that balance operational efficiency with uncompromising luxury service standards. Establish appropriate productivity targets for room attendants, housepersons, public area attendants, and laundry associates. Analyze departmental performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency without compromising guest satisfaction. Oversee purchasing, inventory management, vendor relationships, and cost-control initiatives. Monitor linen replacement costs, guest amenity consumption, cleaning supply usage, and equipment maintenance expenses. Implement effective inventory control procedures to minimize waste, shrinkage, and unnecessary expenditures. Prepare departmental financial reports, labor forecasts, productivity analyses, and performance updates for executive leadership. Demonstrate strong financial discipline and accountability while maintaining the highest standards of luxury hospitality. Team Development & Human Resources Recruit, develop, mentor, and lead a high-performing Housekeeping team committed to excellence. Establish clear departmental expectations, performance standards, and accountability measures. Develop comprehensive training programs covering cleaning procedures, luxury room presentation, guest interaction, safety, sanitation, and operational protocols. Conduct regular performance evaluations, coaching sessions, and employee development initiatives. Foster a positive, respectful, and collaborative work environment. Promote employee engagement, retention, professional growth, and internal leadership development. Ensure all associates are properly trained in equipment usage, chemical handling, safety procedures, and workplace standards. Partner with Human Resources on recruitment, employee relations, scheduling, training, performance management, and compliance matters. Maintain appropriate staffing levels and develop contingency plans to support fluctuations in occupancy and business demands. Lead by example through professionalism, accountability, attention to detail, and an active presence in daily operations. Quality Assurance, Safety & Compliance Develop and maintain comprehensive quality assurance and inspection programs for guest rooms, suites, public areas, and back-of-house spaces. Ensure compliance with applicable health, safety, sanitation, fire prevention, and workplace safety requirements. Establish safe handling, storage, and usage procedures for cleaning chemicals and equipment. Maintain proper documentation of inspections, training, safety procedures, and departmental operations. Collaborate with Engineering to identify and address maintenance deficiencies, damaged furnishings, and equipment concerns. Establish and enforce procedures for lost and found, guest belongings, room security, and employee access. Ensure appropriate handling of biohazards, bodily fluids, and other potentially hazardous materials. Monitor linen quality, equipment condition, and overall departmental readiness. Implement corrective action plans to address inspection deficiencies and maintain consistent operational excellence. Required Qualifications Minimum of 7 years of progressive hotel housekeeping experience, including significant leadership responsibility in luxury hospitality environments. Minimum of 3 years in a Director of Housekeeping, Executive Housekeeper, Assistant Director of Housekeeping, or comparable senior housekeeping leadership role. Mandatory experience working in luxury, five-star, five-diamond, or comparable upscale luxury hotel environments. Demonstrated, hands-on experience participating in at least one successful luxury hotel pre-opening, from operational planning through hotel launch. Extensive knowledge of luxury housekeeping standards, guest room presentation, public area maintenance, laundry operations, and quality assurance programs. Proven experience developing departmental budgets, staffing models, productivity standards, and operational procedures. Strong understanding of labor management, payroll controls, departmental profitability, and cost per occupied room. Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, supervise, and motivate large, diverse housekeeping teams. Experience managing linen inventories, guest amenities, cleaning supplies, equipment, and vendor relationships. Familiarity with hotel property management systems, housekeeping management platforms, and room status reporting procedures. Strong knowledge of workplace safety, sanitation requirements, and chemical handling procedures. Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining immaculate luxury hotel environments. Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet demanding deadlines during pre-opening and operational phases. Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays based on hotel operational requirements. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Hotel Administration, Business Administration, or a related field. Previous experience opening a luxury hotel with 150 or more guest rooms. Experience with internationally recognized luxury hotel brands or independent luxury properties. Familiarity with Forbes Travel Guide service standards and luxury quality assurance programs. Experience implementing housekeeping technology, inventory systems, and departmental operating platforms. Experience working directly with hotel ownership, asset management, and executive leadership. Professional certifications related to housekeeping management, hospitality operations, or workplace safety. Additional language proficiency is an advantage. Ideal Candidate Profile The successful candidate will be a polished, confident, highly organized, and actively engaged hospitality leader who demonstrates: Pre-Opening Expertise: Proven ability to establish a Housekeeping Department from the ground up, implement operational standards, and execute a successful hotel opening. Luxury Hospitality Mindset: Deep appreciation for exceptional cleanliness, refined presentation, personalized service, and meticulous attention to detail. Hands-On Leadership: Willingness to work alongside the team, conduct room inspections, assist during demanding operational periods, and maintain a visible presence throughout the property. Operational Excellence: A disciplined approach to quality assurance, cleanliness, departmental organization, and service consistency. Financial Discipline: Ability to manage payroll, control departmental expenses, improve productivity, and maintain exceptional service standards. Team Development: Genuine commitment to training, coaching, motivating, and developing housekeeping professionals. Problem-Solving: Confidence in identifying operational challenges, implementing practical solutions, and responding effectively to changing priorities. Professionalism: Strong communication skills, integrity, discretion, accountability, and the ability to represent the hotel at the highest standards. Position Requirements & Work Environment This is a full-time, on-site leadership position based in West Palm Beach, Florida. The Director of Housekeeping must be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as operationally required. During the pre-opening phase, additional flexibility and extended hours may be necessary to meet critical opening milestones. The position requires an active presence throughout the property, including guest rooms, suites, public areas, laundry facilities, storage areas, and back-of-house operational spaces. The role involves frequent standing, walking, bending, and conducting detailed inspections throughout the hotel. Equal Employment Opportunity & Non-Discrimination Statement We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.