Executive Housekeeping Manager - Maternity Leave Contract

Summary

An established full-service waterfront hotel in Richmond is seeking an experienced Executive Housekeeping Manager to lead one of the property's most important operational departments during a 12 to 18-month maternity leave contract. Set in a distinctive marina-side location with convenient access to Vancouver International Airport and the city, the property offers a unique combination of resort-style surroundings, full-service amenities and the pace of a busy urban hotel. Welcoming a diverse mix of leisure, corporate, group and international travellers, it is a dynamic environment where presentation, service and operational consistency have a direct impact on the guest experience.

This is an opportunity for a seasoned housekeeping leader who takes pride in exceptional hotel presentation, understands the operational detail behind a great guest experience, and knows how to build an engaged, accountable team. Working closely with the General Manager and hotel leadership team, the Executive Housekeeping Manager will oversee all aspects of guest room, public area, linen and laundry operations while ensuring consistently high standards of cleanliness, safety and service.

The successful candidate will inherit an established department and be trusted to provide continuity, leadership and operational discipline throughout the assignment. This role is well suited to a hands-on hotel professional who enjoys being visible with their team, understands the complexities of a busy unionized environment and can balance guest expectations, labour management, quality standards and departmental financial performance. For the right leader, this is an excellent opportunity to join a respected full-service hotel, contribute to the experience of a high-profile waterfront property, and further strengthen their leadership experience at the executive departmental level.

Responsibilities

Description

• Provide overall leadership for the Housekeeping Department, including guest rooms, public areas, linen, laundry and housekeeping support functions.

• Lead, coach and support housekeeping supervisors and employees while creating a positive, respectful and accountable team culture.

• Plan staffing levels, schedules and daily assignments based on occupancy, arrivals, departures, events and operational priorities.

• Conduct regular inspections of guest rooms, public areas and back-of-house spaces to ensure exceptional cleanliness, presentation and maintenance standards.

• Establish and maintain effective cleaning schedules, deep-cleaning programs, quality-control processes and preventive maintenance coordination.

• Respond quickly and professionally to guest concerns, housekeeping requests and service recovery opportunities.

• Work closely with Front Office, Engineering, Food & Beverage, Security and other departments to ensure seamless hotel operations.

• Recruit, onboard, train, coach and evaluate housekeeping employees in partnership with People & Culture.

• Manage attendance, employee performance, workplace conduct and employee relations matters consistently and professionally.

• Prepare schedules and allocate work in accordance with operational needs, labour budgets, seniority requirements and the applicable collective agreement.

• Develop constructive relationships with union representatives and shop stewards and participate in meetings, investigations and grievance processes when required.

• Manage departmental labour costs, operating expenses, productivity and supply budgets.

• Monitor overtime, absenteeism, room productivity, inventory usage and other departmental performance indicators, taking corrective action where required.

• Maintain appropriate inventory levels and controls for linen, uniforms, guest supplies, cleaning products and housekeeping equipment.

• Review payroll information, purchase requests, invoices and departmental records for accuracy and timely submission.

• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, sustainability, service quality and cost control without compromising the guest experience.

• Ensure compliance with WorkSafeBC, WHMIS, occupational health and safety requirements and hotel operating standards.

• Maintain appropriate procedures for chemical handling, equipment use, lost and found, keys, access devices and protection of guest and hotel property.

• Support emergency preparedness and response procedures as part of the hotel's senior operational leadership team.

• Maintain clear documentation of departmental priorities, programs, schedules and outstanding matters to support an effective transition at the completion of the assignment.

Requirements

Requirements

• Minimum 5-8 years of progressive housekeeping leadership experience within a full-service hotel or comparable hospitality environment.

• At least two years in a senior housekeeping or departmental leadership position.

• Demonstrated success leading a large and diverse housekeeping team.

• Previous experience within a unionized hotel environment is strongly preferred.

• Strong understanding of hotel housekeeping operations, guest room inspection standards, linen and laundry controls, cleaning products, equipment and workplace safety.

• Proven ability to manage labour, scheduling, departmental budgets, inventory and productivity within a high-volume operation.

• Strong leadership presence with the ability to coach, motivate and hold teams accountable while maintaining positive employee relationships.

• Excellent communication, organization, problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.

• Sound judgment and discretion, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-moving hotel environment.

• A hands-on leadership style and willingness to remain visible and engaged throughout hotel operations.

• Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, weekends and statutory holidays as operational requirements dictate.