Summary
Stewardess Head of Housekeeping — 80m Luxury Yacht (2:2 Rotation) — Start in One Month
Before you apply for this position, please read the specifications carefully. Should you not have the experience or qualifications, you will be rejected... and no one likes rejection.
If you do, we encourage you to apply.
Overview
We are seeking a highly experienced, professional Head of Housekeeping to lead the interior service team aboard an 85m luxury yacht. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining exemplary standards of cleanliness, presentation, and hospitality throughout the vessel, ensuring guest areas and crew accommodation are immaculate and operated to the highest luxury standards. This is a 2:2 rotation role starting in one month.
Key Details
- Vessel: 80+ metres, luxury private yacht
- Position: Head of Housekeeping (Interior Lead)
- Rotation: 2 months on / 2 months off (2:2)
- Start date: In one month
- Location: Flexible (based on yacht schedule) — must be available for international cruising
- Reporting to: Chief Steward/ess and Captain
- Accommodation: Onboard
- Compensation and benefits: Competitive yacht salary, travel, medical insurance, and other standard crew benefits (details to be discussed)
Required Qualifications & Licenses
- Minimum 5 years’ experience working in yachting at senior interior/housekeeping roles (Head of Housekeeping, Chief Steward/ess, Senior Steward/ess).
- and or Minimum 5 years’ experience in high-end hotels, luxury villas, or comparable hospitality environments.
- Proven longevity in previous positions (minimum 2+ years in most recent role preferred).
- Relevant yachting certifications and licenses, including but not limited to:
- STCW basic safety training (mandatory)
- ENG1 or equivalent medical certificate (valid)
- Proficiency in interior safety and service procedures (preferred training certificates)
- Yacht Interior Rating/Stewardess certification or other professional interior service qualifications (preferred)
- Food handling/hygiene certification (where applicable)
- Valid passport and right to travel internationally without restriction.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Strong leadership and people-management skills: ability to lead, train, and motivate an interior team to deliver consistently excellent service.
- Exceptional attention to detail: flawless presentation of guest cabins, public areas, dining, and entertainment spaces.
- High-end housekeeping skills: bedding and linen management, fine fabric care, silver and china polishing, stain removal, delicate textile handling, wardrobe and closet management.
- Service excellence: polished table service, tray service, turndown, butler-style guest interaction where required.
- Inventory and purchasing: stock control for housekeeping consumables, linen, and amenities; vendor liaison and procurement experience.
- Maintenance and quality control: ability to supervise deep-clean cycles, minor repairs, and liaise with the engineering team for interior maintenance.
- IT literacy: basic knowledge of crew management or housekeeping software, inventory spreadsheets, and email communication.
- Discretion and professionalism: confidentiality, tasteful guest interaction, and polished demeanor at all times.
- Flexibility and resilience: comfortable working long hours during guest periods and adapting to changing itineraries.
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the interior/housekeeping team; recruit, onboard, and train new interior staff as needed.
- Maintain and enforce the highest standards of cleanliness and presentation across all guest and crew areas.
- Oversee daily cabin service, turn-down, laundry coordination, and wardrobe care to five-star standards.
- Manage inventory, ordering, and cost control for all interior supplies, linens, amenities, and cleaning products.
- Plan and execute periodic deep-cleans, seasonal maintenance, and refit preparations for interior spaces.
- Implement and maintain housekeeping routines, checklists, and quality-control inspections.
- Coordinate with the Chief Steward/ess, on guest operations, provisioning, and maintenance issues.
- Maintain accurate records: inventories, maintenance logs, service reports, and notices.
- Ensure compliance with safety, hygiene, and maritime regulations onboard.
- Deliver discreet, anticipatory guest service when required and represent the interior department professionally.
- Foster a positive, long-term-minded crew culture with emphasis on retention and staff development.
Personal Attributes
- Impeccable grooming, professional presentation, and a calm, confident bedside manner.
- Excellent communicator, fluent in English; additional languages a plus.
- High level of integrity, discretion, and respect for guest privacy.
- Proactive, organized, and able to multitask under pressure.
- Commitment to longevity: The candidate should demonstrate a track record of multi-year tenures in prior roles.
Application Requirements
Please provide:
- CV highlighting yachting and luxury hotel experience with dates and roles.
- Copies of all relevant certifications (STCW, ENG1, interior qualifications, food hygiene).
- References from at least two recent employers (one must be from the most recent yachting position).
- Confirmation of availability to start in one month and willingness to work 2:2 rotation.
- A brief cover letter outlining why you are seeking the role and examples of longevity in prior positions.
