Housekeeping Manager (F/M/X)

ABOUT ORIENT EXPRESS 

Artisan of Travel since 1883 Orient Express is a legendary brand, steeped in history and loved by past, present and future generations. Representing the pinnacle of ultra-luxury hospitality within Accor Group, this brand is currently going through exciting phases of rebirth and expansion.  

Orient Express embodies the refined nomadic spirit of travel, inviting each traveler to a place where the journey is the destination. Bringing awe-inspiring travel experiences to a new generation of adventurers, its exceptional portfolio includes The Orient Express, with its original carriages reimagined as the new embassy of French luxury; Orient Express La Dolce Vita, a train embodying the 'Made in Italy' way; Orient Express Silenseas - the world’s largest sailing ship; and hotels coming to Rome and Venice.  

Progressively shaping the future of luxury hospitality, Orient Express is focusing on employee journey and growth. 

ABOUT ARSENALE

Arsenale is a multi-brand Group capable of providing a comprehensive service to the largest and most renowned luxury global market operators who wish to expand in Italy. Founded and supported by internationally renowned entrepreneurs and investors, Arsenale aims at creating the leading luxury hospitality group in Italy. To pursue this ambition, the Group launched an impressive investments plan to boost tourism and made-in-Italy through the re-development and enhancement of iconic hotels and hospitality solutions in the most beautiful locations of the country. 

Orient Express La Minerva, Rome 

Considered as the beloved capital of the Orient Express legend, Rome will be home to the first Orient Express hotel, Minerva, in 2024. Orient Express, in partnership with the Italian luxury hotel group Arsenale S.p.A, has entrusted the interior architecture and artistic direction of the hotel Hugo Toro. The former Palazzo Fonseca is a sumptuous 17th-century palace with a huge, majestic façade. A place of memory still adorned with its Roman columns, sculptures by Rinaldi Rinaldo, a disciple of Casanova, and the fascinating goddess Minerva. At the end of 2024, a new décor and interior inspired by the Roman domus and the riches of the "Eternal City" will be revealed with a new touch of contemporary elegance. 

The Housekeeping Manager for Luxury Hotel La Minerve in Rome plays a pivotal role in maintaining the impeccable standards of cleanliness and orderliness expected in high-end hospitality establishments. This position involves overseeing all aspects of housekeeping operations to ensure the comfort, satisfaction, and safety of guests while adhering to the hotel's standards of excellence. 

Key Responsibilities 

Team Management 

• Recruit, train, and supervise a team of housekeeping staff, ensuring they understand and embody the hotel's service standards.
• Delegate tasks effectively, maintain schedules, and conduct regular performance evaluations to foster a motivated and efficient workforce. 

Operational Excellence

• Develop and implement cleaning procedures, protocols, and standards to maintain the highest levels of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the hotel. 
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, including the proper handling and disposal of cleaning chemicals and waste. 
• Monitor inventory levels of cleaning supplies and equipment and coordinate timely replenishment orders to sustain uninterrupted operations. 

Quality Assurance 

• Conduct regular inspections of guest rooms, public areas, and back-of-house spaces to ensure adherence to cleanliness and presentation standards. 
• Address any deficiencies promptly, implement corrective actions, and follow up to ensure issues are resolved to the satisfaction of guests and management. 

Guest Satisfaction 

• Foster a guest-centric culture within the housekeeping department, prioritizing the needs and preferences of guests to enhance their overall experience. 
• Respond promptly and courteously to guest requests, concerns, and feedback, striving to exceed expectations and resolve issues with professionalism and discretion. 

Collaboration and Communication 

• Liaise effectively with other departments, including front office, maintenance, and food and beverage, to coordinate housekeeping activities and address cross-functional needs. 
• Maintain open lines of communication with hotel management and participate in regular meetings to provide updates, discuss challenges, and propose solutions for continuous improvement. 

Training and Development

• Provide ongoing training and development opportunities for housekeeping staff, including skills enhancement, customer service training, and career advancement initiatives. 
• Foster a culture of teamwork, respect, and excellence, recognizing and rewarding outstanding performance and promoting a positive work environment. 

Qualifications and Skills 

• Proven experience in housekeeping management within the luxury hotel industry, with a thorough understanding of industry standards, best practices, and trends. 
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team to achieve exceptional results. 
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and familiarity with housekeeping management software systems. 
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, with fluency in Italian and English, additional languages preferred. 
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed to meet operational demands. 

Education and Certification 

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Hotel Administration, or a related field preferred. 
• Certification in Housekeeping Management or related disciplines is advantageous. The Housekeeping Manager for Luxury Hotels plays a crucial role in upholding the hotel's reputation for unparalleled service and hospitality, ensuring that every guest enjoys a flawless and memorable stay. This position demands a proactive and hands-on approach, a commitment to excellence, and a passion for delivering extraordinary guest experiences in a luxury setting.