Director of Housekeeping- Pre Opening Hotel

Over the past two decades, The First Group has forged a reputation as one of the hospitality industry’s leading innovators, providing groundbreaking investment opportunities to clients and partners, while delivering exceptional, memorable experiences to hotel and leisure guests. Our corporate ethos and unique vision for the future of hospitality is encapsulated in our fast-growing portfolio of award-winning hotels and residences, exciting F&B outlets and lifestyle venues, and delivered through our array of complementary third-party hotel and asset management services.

Core to our vision for the future of hospitality is The First Collection, our award-winning hotel brand that reflects the rich culture, innovative spirit, and unparalleled refinement for which Dubai is famous for. The First Collection’s urban lifestyle resorts, situated in prime locations across Dubai, are renowned for their unique blend of world-class hospitality and modern flair, as well as their cutting-edge guest facilities and services, which include exclusive access to the stunning Soluna Restaurants and Beach Club, located on the world-famous Palm Jumeirah.

Every hotel in our fast-growing portfolio reflects our ambition to capture the essence of urban living, blending it seamlessly with the tranquillity of a serene getaway. The First Collection echoes the city’s heartbeat, ensuring all our guests are made to feel a part of the magnificent tapestry of Dubai, the world’s most exciting metropolis.

Job Summary:
We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Director of Housekeeping to join our leadership team for the pre-opening of the tallest hotel in the world, located in the iconic Dubai Marina. This role requires a hands-on leader who will oversee all housekeeping operations, ensuring that the hotel maintains the highest standards of cleanliness, guest satisfaction, and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Opening Phase:

• Collaborate with the pre-opening team to develop and implement housekeeping standards, processes, and procedures.
• Oversee the recruitment, training, and development of housekeeping staff to ensure the team is aligned with the hotel’s service culture and operational goals.
• Set up and ensure the smooth operation of the housekeeping department, including the cleaning of rooms, public areas, and back-of-house facilities.
• Establish and monitor cleanliness and quality standards for all areas, ensuring alignment with the brand’s luxury positioning.

Operational Management:

• Manage day-to-day housekeeping operations, ensuring all areas of the hotel are clean, well-maintained, and in perfect condition for guests.
• Oversee room inspections, guest corridor cleaning, and the maintenance of public areas, ensuring adherence to hotel standards.
• Ensure proper stock levels of cleaning supplies and linen, and manage inventory in line with budgetary constraints.
• Coordinate with the engineering department to address any maintenance or repair issues identified during daily housekeeping activities.

Guest Experience:

• Maintain and improve the cleanliness of all guest rooms, public spaces, and back-of-house areas to meet or exceed guest expectations.
• Ensure guest requests and special requirements are met in a timely and personalized manner.
• Handle guest complaints regarding housekeeping services and take immediate corrective action to resolve any issues.

Team Leadership:

• Lead, motivate, and develop the housekeeping team, ensuring a positive and productive work environment.
• Provide ongoing training and support to the team, ensuring all members are knowledgeable about hotel standards, safety protocols, and operational procedures.
• Create a culture of excellence in housekeeping, with an emphasis on teamwork, safety, and high-performance standards.

Financial and Administrative Responsibilities:

• Prepare and manage the housekeeping department’s budget, ensuring effective cost control without compromising quality.
• Monitor staffing levels, overtime, and inventory costs to ensure the department operates within budget.
• Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to housekeeping operations, cleanliness, and guest satisfaction.

Sustainability and Innovation:

• Implement sustainable housekeeping practices, focusing on reducing waste, conserving energy and water, and using eco-friendly cleaning products.
• Explore and introduce innovative technologies and processes to improve efficiency and enhance the guest experience.

Crisis Management:

• Ensure all housekeeping staff are trained in emergency procedures, including fire and safety protocols.
• Develop and maintain cleaning and maintenance protocols for high-touch areas, ensuring guest and staff safety.

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in housekeeping management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within luxury hotels or large-scale properties.
• Proven experience in hotel pre-openings is highly preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of housekeeping operations, cleaning standards, and best practices.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks while maintaining a high level of attention to detail.
• Experience with inventory and budget management.