Head of Housekeeping

29th May 2026
Location: Dublin Contract Type: Permanent Email: leah.colfer@materprivate.ie Closing Date: 12th June 2026

Head of Housekeeping 

Mater Private Network is seeking a Group Head of Housekeeping to oversee and govern cleaning, hygiene, and environmental presentation standards across all network facilities.

Key Responsibilities

  • Strategy & Governance: Develop and execute a Group-wide cleaning strategy aligned with healthcare best practices. Establish a robust governance framework complete with clear KPIs, SLAs, and audit mechanisms to ensure all sites remain inspection ready.
  • Supplier Performance Management: Act as the senior relationship owner for outsourced cleaning providers. Lead formal performance reviews (monthly, quarterly, and annually) and drive decisive corrective actions or performance improvement plans when necessary.
  • Commercial & Procurement Oversight: Partner with Finance and Procurement to lead commercial negotiations regarding rates, scope changes, contract renewals, and tendering activities to ensure strict budget control and value-for-money outcomes.
  • Operational Quality & Healthcare Standards: Implement a rigorous cleaning assurance program (including site inspections and unannounced audits). Standardize exceptional hygiene outcomes across high-stakes areas like theatres and wards, as well as public and back-of-house environments.
  • Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Identify and deploy modern cleaning technologies, sustainable practices, and productivity methods suitable for acute hospital settings.
  • Stakeholder Leadership: Build trusted relationships with Hospital Directors, clinical teams, and Infection Prevention experts, fostering an organizational culture that takes immense pride in clinical cleanliness and presentation.

Person Specification

Experience & Qualifications

  • Experience: Significant senior experience managing cleaning operations, soft facilities management, or outsourced service delivery—ideally within a healthcare, hospital, life sciences, hospitality, or highly regulated multi-site environment.
  • Supplier & Commercial Expertise: Proven track record of holding third-party providers accountable through strict KPI/SLA frameworks and leading commercial contract negotiations.
  • Education: A degree, diploma, or equivalent professional qualification in Facilities Management, Hospitality Management, Business, or a related discipline is highly desirable.
  • Certifications: Professional membership (e.g., IWFM, IFMA, ISSA) or training in infection prevention, quality systems, or Lean improvement is advantageous.

Knowledge & Skills

  • Deep understanding of healthcare hygiene expectations, national hygiene standards, and infection control protocols.
  • Strong negotiation skills with commercial confidence and supplier management gravitas.
  • Data-driven mindset with the ability to translate audit trends into clear, actionable improvements.
  • High emotional intelligence to constructively challenge, influence decisively, and manage diverse stakeholders.

Job Description available on request.

 

Apply now 

 

Mater Private Network is an Equal Opportunities Employer