OVERVIEW:
Elmley Nature Reserve is seeking a dedicated Housekeeping Lead to oversee the day-to-day operations of its housekeeping department. This is a full-time, hands-on role responsible for maintaining exceptional standards across all accommodation and communal spaces while working closely with a small, committed team. The role combines team leadership, operational oversight, with practical, on-the-ground housekeeping duties and close communication with management. You will work alongside two part-time supervisors and maintenance to ensure consistency, accountability, and high performance across all shifts. This position is central to delivering Elmley’s guest experience, ensuring every aspect of accommodation reflects the quality, care, and standards expected of a high-end rural venue.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES STANDARDS & QUALITY CONTROL:
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Maintain consistently high standards across all accommodation, including houses, huts, and communal facilities in-line with the Elmley brand.
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Conduct regular inspections and quality checks before guest arrivals.
Ensure Elmley branding, presentation, and housekeeping standards are always upheld. -
Identify issues early and ensure they are resolved promptly and effectively with open communication.
TEAM LEADERSHIP & OVERSIGHT:
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Provide day-to-day leadership to the housekeeping team.
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Work closely with two part-time supervisors to ensure seamless coverage and consistency.
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Rota allocation and management.
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Allocate tasks, support workload planning, and ensure clear communication across the team.
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Foster a positive, respectful/supportive, and efficient team culture.
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Ensure all team members are clear on expectations and supported in delivering their roles.
MANAGEMENT LIAISON & COMMUNICATION:
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Maintain regular communication with the General Manager and Directors.
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Provide operational updates, raise issues, and suggest improvements to systems and processes.
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Ensure feedback from the team is communicated effectively to management.
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Support the implementation of operational decisions and business improvements.
SYSTEMS, PROCESSES & COORDINATION:
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Oversee housekeeping systems including rotas, compliance checks, and stock control. This includes using IT software systems.
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Ensure all accommodation inventories and checklists are completed accurately.
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Monitor operational IT systems (including cloud based software where applicable) for updates or changes affecting housekeeping requirements.
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Ensure all compliance documentation (e.g. safety checks, sign-off folders) is completed and up to date.
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Work to KPIs.
STOCK, LAUNDRY & SUPPLIES MANAGEMENT:
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Oversee stock control for housekeeping consumables and equipment with support from the supervisors.
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Monitor laundry operations, including accurate recording of laundry usage and stock movements inline with demand.
Report damages, missing items, and reordering requirements promptly.
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COMPLIANCE & SAFETY:
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Ensure all housekeeping operations comply with health, safety, and operational standards.
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Ensure team adherence to uniform, conduct, and operational policies.
HANDS-ON OPERATIONAL DELIVERY:
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Work directly alongside the housekeeping team overseeing accommodation changeovers, setup, and inspections.
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Ensure all accommodation is cleaned, prepared, and presented to the highest standard.
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Support day-to-day housekeeping tasks including deep cleaning, turnarounds, and site presentation.
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Lead by example, demonstrating attention to detail, efficiency, and pride in the working environment.
RECRUITMENT & TRAINING SUPPORT:
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Support recruitment processes, including trial cleans and onboarding new team members.
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Assist in the training and development of housekeeping staff.
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Identify skills gaps and support continuous improvement within the team.
WORKING STRUCTURE:
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35 hours a week, this will include consistent shifts on key changeover dates (Friday and Sunday).
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£15.50 per hour.
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Supported by two part-time Housekeeping Supervisors.
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Responsible for ensuring consistency across all shifts and maintaining standards across the department.
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Reports directly to the General Manager and works closely with
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Directors where required.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
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Proven ability to maintain high standards in a professional environment.
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Excellent administrative and organisational skills, including task prioritisation, task management and experience using MS Excel and IT software.
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Proven ability to lead teams in a hands-on, operational setting.
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Excellent attention to detail and high personal standards.
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Confident communicator with management and team members.
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Strong organisational and time management skills.
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Calm, practical, and solution-focused under pressure.
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Ability to lead by example and be a strong team player.
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Reliable, consistent and proactive can do attitude.
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Flexible and willing to work across varied shift patterns, including weekends and holidays.
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Guest-experience driven mindset.
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We recruit on attitude rather than experience: we are open to candidates from any professional background, experience in hospitality or housekeeping is not essential but great work ethic and proactive positive mindset is.
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A genuine interest in high end and luxury hospitality would be benefit.
Due to our location you must drive and have access to your own vehicle at all times.
About Elmley Enterprises:
Elmley Nature Reserve is an award winning hospitality venue based on Isle of Sheppey North Kent. Based on National Nature Reserve of international wildlife significance, Elmley offers luxurious stays in nature and bespoke events and weddings. Elmley is, at its heart, a family run farm with a long-term vision to restore nature and a commitment to the sustainability of the landscape and land. We pride ourselves on our small, hard working and dedicated friendly team where our values of sustainability, conservation and education are reflected in all elements of our operations. In 2019 Elmley was awarded Best Sheppey Business at the Swale Business Awards. In 2017 Elmley was awarded Best Small Accommodation Provider at the Visit Kent Awards. In 2025 Elmley have been nominated in 4 categories of the Kent Wedding Awards. There are regular features in National press, to read more about us check our website; https://www.elmleynaturereserve.co.uk/
