Head Housekeeper - English Oak Care Homes

Job Posted: 29 October 2026

• Contract Term: Permanent
• Location: Newport, Isle of Wight
• Contract Type: Full time
• Salary: £13.81 per hour
• Industries: Domestic Services Health & Social Care

Head Housekeeper – Lake View Care Home

Location: Blackwater, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 3BJ

Job Types: Full-time, 40 hours per week

Hours/Shifts: Five days per week across a seven-day rota, as agreed with management. Applicants must be flexible and available to work both weekdays and weekends.

Salary: £13.81 per hour

Job Summary

We are seeking a reliable, organised, and experienced Head Housekeeper to join our team at Lake View. You will play a key role in leading and supporting our domestic and laundry teams, ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and presentation throughout the care home.

This role is essential in maintaining a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for residents, visitors, and staff. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership skills, excellent attention to detail, and a commitment to protecting residents' dignity, privacy, and wellbeing.

Responsibilities

The Head Housekeeper's responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Supervise, lead, and support the domestic cleaning and laundry teams to maintain consistently high standards.

• Ensure all areas of the home, including residents' bedrooms, bathrooms, communal spaces, and staff areas, are thoroughly cleaned and maintained.

• Oversee daily cleaning schedules, ensuring all tasks are completed and accurately recorded.

• Manage cleaning and laundry supplies, including monitoring stock levels and ordering materials within the agreed budget.

• Carry out routine inspections to ensure cleanliness, hygiene, and presentation standards are maintained.

• Ensure compliance with COSHH regulations, infection prevention and control procedures, and health and safety requirements.

• Identify and promptly report maintenance issues, damaged equipment, or potential safety concerns.

• Support the induction, training, and ongoing development of domestic staff.

• Work closely with care, kitchen, and maintenance teams to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.

• Promote and protect the privacy, dignity, welfare, and rights of all residents.

• Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, audits, and inspections as required.

• Contribute to evaluating and continuously improving housekeeping standards and practices throughout the home.

Experience & Skills

• Previous experience in a cleaning or housekeeping role is essential.

• Experience working in a residential care home or healthcare environment is essential.

• Previous experience supervising or leading a domestic or housekeeping team is desirable.

• A relevant cleaning or housekeeping qualification, such as an NVQ or City & Guilds, is advantageous.

• Good knowledge of infection prevention and control, COSHH, and health and safety procedures.

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks and manage daily cleaning schedules effectively.

• Excellent attention to detail and a proactive approach to maintaining high standards.

• Good written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently while supporting and motivating a team.

• A respectful, compassionate, and professional approach when working with residents, families, and colleagues.

• Reliable, flexible, and committed to maintaining a clean, safe, and comfortable care environment.