Job Description

Chief Housekeeper for Azamara Cruises

Department: Hotel

Employment Type: Contract

Location: Shipboard

V.Ships Leisure is looking for Chief Housekeeper on behalf of Azamara Cruises.
Directs all Housekeeping functions for all guest public areas throughout the vessel, and associated activities by performing the duties described below.

Key Responsibilities

• Directs, coaches, supports, supervises, and evaluates (in conjunction with the 1. Hotel Director).
• The performance of all direct reports.
• Directs the overall housekeeping function onboard the vessel. Oversees the assignment of duties and responsibilities for the Assistant Chief Housekeepers. Observes and evaluates staff and work procedures to ensure quality standards and service are met.
• The Chief Housekeeper is responsible for cleaning and maintaining all the Crew areas.
• The Chief Housekeeper is responsible for keeping overtime within the allotted budget amount and will be responsible for any overtime needs.
• The Chief housekeeper is responsible for consumable and replaceable items
• Reviews outside audit findings and performs regular self-audits. Consumable and replaceable purchases must
• Be within the allocated budget.
• Always monitors United States Public Health (USPH) and Outbreak Prevention Plan (OPP) procedures for sanitation and cleanliness and monitors workstations and staff for adherence to those procedures. Enforces and follows USPH cleaning procedures for all assigned areas and related equipment.
• Investigates and resolves housekeeping quality and service complaints in a timely fashion and always with a view to exceeding the expectations of our guests.
• Is aware of, and/or acquires the necessary knowledge to comply with the ship’s standard operation, to assist guests and crew with inquiries.
• Attends meetings, training activities, courses and all other work-related activities as required.
• Ensure that all housekeeping equipment is maintained and inventoried on a monthly basis.
• Reports equipment shortage or equipment that needs to be serviced to shipboard and shoreside management.
• Responsible to ensure that proper documentation is done on any disciplinary action for Housekeeping Staff (Action plans, Verbal, and Written documentation).
• Responsible for coaching and training staff on housekeeping standards.
• Oversees Main Laundry Operation
• Will be required to meet the housekeeping appearance/cleanliness and service scores set forth by the company.
• Proper follow up and documentation of any Housekeeping related accidents/incidents. (Workplace Safety)
• Performs related duties as required. This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the shipboard employee occupying this position.
• Shipboard employees will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervisor or management.
• Responsible for effectively managing the time and attendance of their own direct reports’ and entire division’s work and rest hours in accord with MLC regulations and company procedures.
• Reviews financial transactions/monthly financial statement and manages staff to ensure expenditures stay within budget limitations for Consumable, Replaceable and R&M Budget. Constantly reviews current operating procedures for revenue-enhancement opportunities. Reviews for final approval requisition estimates for product replacements, supplies, purchases, etc.
• Maintains cleaning cost at reasonable levels without affecting quality and standards.
• Reviews and approves the requisitions from the various workstations. Reviews requisitions from subordinate staff and forwards to Hotel Director for final approval.
• Requires the items be requisitioned in correct quantities, within acceptable time frames and in accordance with established control procedures.
• Conducts workstation spot checks to ensure items are correctly stored and utilized to minimize deterioration and waste.
• Manages the financial budget for the assigned area, including the successful identification of expense reduction through cost control. Ensures the continuous operation of computer related equipment. Records production and operational data on specified forms.
• Analyzes operational problems and establishes controls. Reviews the overtime requests against production levels to determine appropriate needs and approves amounts accordingly.
• Reviews time sheets and forwards to Hotel Director for final approval. Prepares a variety of reports and letters utilizing personal computer system and equipment.
• On a regular basis, meets with subordinate supervisors and staff, to review the requirements of the day’s housekeeping schedule, international and disabled guest requirements. Disseminates any other company related correspondence, notices,
• policies, procedures, etc. Reviews schedule to estimate time requirements to ensure speed and efficiency. Meets with function managers and/or staff to review guest comments to implement revisions and improvements.
• Monitors and manages the various assigned workstation functions. Monitors the assignment of duties and responsibilities to his/her staff. Observes and evaluates staff and work procedures to ensure quality standards and service is met.
• Makes recommendations regarding personnel actions such as new hire requests and discharges, to ensure adequate and continuous staffing. Inspects workstations, work areas, equipment, etc. to ensure efficient service and conformance to standards.
• Mentors, develops, and provides on-the-job training to subordinates to strengthen their current performance and preparation for future advancement.

Education/Experience/Qualifications:

• Five to seven years housekeeping managerial experience in an upscale hotel, resort or cruise line (shipboard experience preferred).
• Diploma or Degree in Hotel management for 1 to 3 years required.
• Extensive knowledge of cleaning procedures regarding public health standards.
• Extensive knowledge of proper cleaning techniques, requirements, and use of equipment.
• Extensive knowledge of proper chemical handling.
• Strong management skills in a multicultural and dynamic environment.
• Strong communication, problem solving, decision making, and interpersonal skills.
• Superior customer service, team building and conflict resolution skills.
• Knowledge of the principles and processes for providing personalized services including needs assessment techniques, quality service standards, alternative delivery systems, and guest satisfaction evaluation techniques.
• Strong planning, coaching, organizing, staffing, controlling, and evaluating skills.
• Ability to work positively and cooperatively in a diverse team environment to meet overall established time frames for the entire housekeeping operation. Ability to communicate tactfully with, department heads, coworkers, and other shipboard crewmembers to resolve problems and negotiate resolutions.
• Demonstrated aptitude for the financial aspects of a housekeeping operation, including the successful identification of expense reduction through cost control.
• Demonstrated aptitude for the management of headcount within assigned area, as it relates to and supports the business needs of the vessel.
• Knowledge of policies and practices involved in the human resources function.
• Ability to manage the international staff in a positive and productive manner by motivating, developing, and managing staff as they work. Ability to utilize and administer the disciplinary action process through coaching and counseling to improve performance or terminate employment.
• Working knowledge of computers, internet access, and the ability to navigate within a variety software packages such as Excel, Word, and Power Point.
• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business administration or related field from an accredited college or university or the international equivalent preferred.
• Ability to attend and complete, with a passing score, onboard USPH training.
• Completion of two contracts as Assistant Chief Housekeeper with a performance rating of Proficient or above along with demonstrated leadership skills.
• No disciplinary action on file for the last 12 months.
• Ability to speak English clearly, distinctly, and cordially with guests.
• Ability to read and write English to understand and interpret written procedures.
• This includes the ability to give and receive instructions in written and verbal forms and to effectively present information and respond to questions from guests, supervisors, and co-workers.
• Ability to speak additional languages such as Spanish, French, or German is preferred.