Housekeeping Shift Leader

Location: West Dean, West Sussex (PO18 0QZ)
Salary: £23,569 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week, five days (including weekends and bank holidays)
Contract: Permanent

West Dean is seeking a dedicated and motivated Housekeeping Shift Leader to join our team, helping maintain the beauty, cleanliness, and historic charm of our estate. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who takes pride in high standards, enjoys working as part of a team, and is passionate about delivering an exceptional experience to visitors, guests, and students.

As a Housekeeping Shift Leader, you will oversee specific areas of the estate, lead the housekeeping team during your shift, and ensure that all rooms, public areas, and facilities are kept clean, safe, and welcoming. You will also support the Senior Housekeeper in maintaining departmental standards, delegating tasks, and supervising staff when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support the housekeeping team to ensure West Dean’s properties are maintained to a high standard.

• Clean and polish fixtures, marble, wood, brass, floors, bathrooms, and guest rooms to established standards.

• Make beds, replenish linens, towels, and bathroom supplies.

• Monitor equipment condition and report any maintenance issues.

• Maintain health, safety, and security standards across the estate.

• Supervise housekeeping operations in the absence of the Senior Housekeeper, including assigning tasks, distributing rotas, and ensuring high standards are met.

• Ensure all college literature, fire regulations, and guest information are up to date in rooms and student accommodations.

About You

• Experience in a similar housekeeping or supervisory role.

• Excellent cleaning skills with attention to detail.

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to follow procedures and manage tasks effectively.

• Exceptional customer service and communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

• Physically able to undertake prolonged standing, walking, and medium lifting (GOR).

• NVQ Level 1 in Literacy and Numeracy; City & Guilds/NVQ Level 1 or 2 in Housekeeping (or equivalent).

Desirable Skills & Knowledge

• Familiarity with operating cleaning equipment.

• Knowledge of Health and Safety regulations, particularly COSHH.

Benefits

• 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays).

• Generous contributory pension scheme.

• Life assurance up to six times your annual salary.

• Employee Assistance Programme & Mental Health First Aiders.

• Free or discounted places on West Dean College short courses.

• Complimentary entry to West Dean Gardens.

• Discounts on accommodation, food, and beverages.

• Free on-site parking and Cycle to Work scheme.

• Complimentary hot drinks, fruit, and biscuits on site.

If you are a reliable, detail-oriented, and motivated professional who thrives in a historic and vibrant environment, we would love to hear from you!

• Please view the Housekeeping Shift Leader Job Pack Sussex 02 2026 document (opens in a pop up)