Executive Housekeeper

Job Title: Executive Housekeeper – Pre-Opening & Housekeeping Excellence Leader

Location: Kuala Lumpur International Hotel, Malaysia

Reports To: Hotel Manager / General Manager

Classification: Full-Time, Department Head

A highly motivated, detail-oriented, and inspirational Executive Housekeeper to lead the pre-opening and operational excellence journey of our new upscale 4-Star hotel in Kuala Lumpur. This role is not merely about keeping spaces clean — it is about crafting an atmosphere of elegance, tranquillity, and perfection. The Executive Housekeeper will be the guardian of beauty, hygiene, and comfort, ensuring that every room, corridor, and public space embodies the spirit of hospitality and meets MOTAC 4-Star standards.

The ideal candidate will bring exceptional technical expertise, leadership, and creativity to build a team of passionate professionals who take pride in creating immaculate, welcoming environments. Under her leadership, the Housekeeping Department will become the backbone of guest satisfaction and the silent engine of the hotel's operational success. This is more than a management role — it is a calling to excellence, an opportunity to make history by setting new standards of care, service, and pride in Kuala Lumpur's hospitality landscape.

Key Responsibilities

1. Pre-Opening Phase: Planning & Operational Readiness

• Lead all pre-opening preparations for the Housekeeping Department, ensuring all planning, setup, and staffing align with the hotel's upscale 4-Star positioning.
• Work closely with Project, Procurement, and Design Teams to plan housekeeping storage layouts, uniform rooms, pantries, and laundry facilities for optimal workflow and efficiency.
• Develop detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all housekeeping activities including room cleaning, turndown service, laundry, and public area maintenance.
• Oversee selection, purchasing, and inventory setup of linen, guest supplies, cleaning equipment, and chemicals — ensuring top-quality, sustainable, and cost-effective choices.
• Collaborate with the Interior Design and Project Team to ensure all furnishings, fabrics, and finishes meet durability, maintenance, and aesthetic standards suitable for upscale operations.
• Coordinate with Human Resources to recruit, train, and onboard a passionate team of housekeepers, supervisors, and attendants — ensuring they understand the property's vision and culture.
• Conduct pre-opening cleaning rehearsals, quality audits, and trial runs to ensure readiness before official opening and MOTAC inspections.

2. MOTAC 4-Star Certification & Compliance

• Ensure all housekeeping standards, cleanliness levels, and documentation meet or exceed MOTAC's 4-Star classification requirements.
• Prepare the department for MOTAC inspection by maintaining proper records of cleaning schedules, chemical usage, training programs, and guestroom standards.
• Implement and monitor quality assurance programs that reflect the hotel's commitment to hygiene, sustainability, and service excellence.
• Guarantee compliance with health, safety, and sanitation regulations, ensuring all cleaning agents, materials, and practices meet national and environmental standards.

3. Operational Excellence

• Manage and oversee all daily housekeeping operations for guest rooms, public areas, back-of-house areas, and laundry services.
• Conduct regular room inspections and cleanliness audits to ensure consistent adherence to brand and quality standards.
• Ensure rooms are maintained at pristine condition — with attention to every detail including linens, amenities, lighting, air quality, and scent.
• Lead daily briefings and task assignments, ensuring seamless communication and productivity across shifts.
• Coordinate with the Front Office and Maintenance teams to ensure timely room readiness for arrivals and flawless service delivery.
• Monitor linen, uniform, and guest supply inventory levels, implementing efficient control systems to minimize wastage and maintain accountability.
• Supervise flower arrangements, decorations, and seasonal setups, ensuring aesthetic harmony throughout the hotel.
• Manage outsourced services (if applicable), ensuring compliance with hotel standards and performance contracts.
• Introduce innovative cleaning techniques, environmentally friendly products, and sustainability practices that reduce waste and conserve resources.

4. Team Leadership, Motivation & Training

• Build a motivated, disciplined, and proud Housekeeping team who see their work as a reflection of the hotel's excellence.
• Foster a culture of respect, teamwork, and empowerment — where every attendant feels valued and understands their role in creating guest satisfaction.
• Develop comprehensive training programs covering grooming, etiquette, cleaning techniques, safety, and guest interaction.
• Conduct on-the-job coaching, performance evaluations, and recognition programs to encourage high morale and continuous improvement.
• Promote teamwork between Housekeeping, Front Office, Laundry, and Maintenance to ensure smooth coordination.
• Inspire the team to deliver every task — from room make-up to corridor cleaning — with pride, passion, and precision.

5. Financial & Resource Management

• Prepare and manage the Housekeeping Department's pre-opening and operational budgets, including staffing, linen, cleaning supplies, uniforms, and equipment.
• Forecast and control operating expenses, maintaining strict cost control without compromising service quality.
• Develop and monitor inventory and procurement systems to ensure cost efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
• Maintain proper record-keeping of linen usage, par levels, and asset replacement cycles.
• Participate in the CAPEX planning for future equipment upgrades and renovations.

6. Safety, Hygiene & Sustainability

• Enforce strict hygiene and sanitation standards in all guest and staff areas.
• Lead regular health and safety training sessions for all Housekeeping associates.
• Ensure compliance with fire, safety, and environmental policies, and coordinate with the Chief Engineer and Security for periodic inspections.
• Implement eco-friendly housekeeping practices, such as linen reuse programs, biodegradable cleaning products, and water conservation initiatives.
• Maintain all Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for chemicals and ensure safe handling practices are observed.

7. Guest Experience & Brand Representation

• Ensure every guest experiences the comfort of a flawlessly clean and well-presented environment — from rooms to public spaces.
• Personalize guest experiences through thoughtful touches, room preferences, and attention to detail.
• Handle guest feedback and service recovery with empathy, professionalism, and a proactive approach.
• Collaborate with the Front Office, Sales, and Events teams to support special requests, VIP arrangements, and banquet setups.
• Represent the Housekeeping Department in departmental meetings and actively contribute to hotel-wide excellence.

Technical & Professional Skills

• Expert knowledge in cleaning chemistry, sanitation processes, and hygiene management.
• Proficiency in linen management systems, chemical dilution systems, and cleaning equipment operations (e.g., scrubbers, extractors, polishers).
• Strong understanding of inventory control, cost analysis, and purchasing cycles.
• Familiarity with MOTAC inspection criteria, OSHA standards, and local health regulations.
• Hands-on experience with PMS systems (Opera, Fidelio), MS Office Suite, and housekeeping management software.
• Advanced skill in room inspection techniques, defect management, and quality assurance tracking.
• Ability to design and implement training programs, SOPs, and sustainability initiatives.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities for pre-opening logistics and operational setup.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: RM5, RM6,800.00 per month

Benefits:

• Free parking
• Health insurance
• Maternity leave
• Meal provided
• Opportunities for promotion
• Professional development

Education:

• Diploma/Advanced Diploma (Required)

Experience:

• Assistant Housekeeper: 5 years (Required)

Work Location: In person