Pay: From $14.41 per hour
Job description:
Head of Housekeeping & Guest Room Stylist
The Wayside Inn 1797 – Middletown, VA
Overview
Wayside Inn 1797 is more than just a place to stay; it is a 200 year old story that we get to tell every day. We are looking for a Head of Housekeeping who takes deep personal pride in the "Old World" charm of our boutique inn.
This is a role for someone who loves the details: the perfectly fluffed pillow, the scent of a fresh room, and the gleam of a historic mirror. You won't just be managing a team; you will be the guardian of our guests' first impressions.
The Role & Your Impact
As the Head of Housekeeping, you are the heart of our standards. You will lead a small, dedicated team and ensure that every guest who walks through our doors feels the care and history of the Wayside Inn.
- The Final Touch: You will perform the final walkthrough of guest rooms, adding those "finishing flourishes" that set us apart. Your sign-off is the guarantee that a room is perfect.
- Mentorship & Training: You will be the primary trainer for our housekeeping team, sharing your expertise and "Eagle Eye" for detail with new hires to help them succeed.
- Department Ownership: You will keep the engine running smoothly by managing housekeeping inventory, coordinating with our Assistant Manager on supply orders, and working closely with our laundry department so our historic rooms stay in top shape.
- A Helping Hand: True leadership means being part of the team. You will lead by example, stepping in to cover shifts or assist with rooms when needed to ensure our high standards never slip.
- Curation & Decor: You will work closely with the Executive Director of Operations to keep the Inn looking its best. Whether that is refreshing a room's layout, hanging new artwork, or seasonal decorating, you help curate the experience.
Culture & The "Mutual Respect" Pact
We know that life happens. At Wayside Inn 1797, we treat our team like family, which means we offer flexibility you simply won't find at a big-box hotel chain. We trust our professionals, and in return, we provide:
- Life-First Flexibility: We have all been there... a sick kid, a school delay, or a sudden emergency. We respect that you have a life outside of work. You do not need to "ask permission" like a child; simply coordinate with the team, post in our communication app, and ensure your responsibilities are covered. We keep track of how often it happens so it doesn't become a problem, but we also trust that you will not take advantage of our policies.
- The "Innkeeper’s Perk": If we have an empty room and you need a place to stay for the night, it is yours. All we ask is that you maintain our high standards and personally ensure the room is cleaned and guest-ready the following morning.
- Performance-Based Growth: We believe in rewarding those who go above and beyond. We conduct Quarterly Performance Reviews to celebrate your wins and discuss your professional growth and compensation. This is a dedicated time to provide you with the support you need, but also to get your feedback that is actually taken into account.
The Professional Standard
We provide a safety net for your life because we value you as a person, but in return, we expect you to be the backbone of our daily operations. This means arriving on time, staying for your full shift unless there is a true emergency, and maintaining total reliability.
Please note: Because we offer so much flexibility for your personal life, we simply ask for your best effort in return. We are looking for people who find satisfaction in the details and want to be part of a team where everyone pulls their weight. If you take deep pride in your work and love the feeling of a job well done, we would love to meet you.
What Makes You a Great Fit?
- You’re a Perfectionist at Heart: You notice the small things others might miss and find satisfaction in a job done right.
- You’re a Natural Leader: You enjoy coaching others and are comfortable providing kind, clear feedback to ensure the whole team shines.
- You’re Reliable & Proactive: You take ownership of your space. If you see something that needs fixing or supplies running low, you take care of it before it becomes a problem.
- Physical Stamina: You are comfortable being on your feet and moving through our beautiful historic building, including stairs and extreme temperatures.
Requirements
- Proven experience in cleaning or hospitality is preferred.
- Excellent attention to detail and a proactive approach to work.
- Physical stamina for standing, bending, and moving through a historic building with stairs.
- Effective communication skills to coordinate with team members via our digital platforms.
Pay: From $14.41 per hour
Benefits:
Application Question(s):
- If an Assistant Manager approaches you with constructive feedback regarding your department's performance, would your first reaction be one of indignation or appreciation? Please briefly explain why.
- You notice two staff members are consistently 10 minutes late and are opening new cleaning supplies before finishing the old ones. How do you address this with them to ensure both reliability and cost-efficiency?
- We’ve noticed that tip envelopes aren't being used frequently when stored with other room papers. Based on your eye for detail and guest experience, what is your suggestion for increasing housekeeping tips through better presentation?
Work Location: In person
