Housekeeper

The Abbotsford Trust Housekeeper Job Description

Job Title: Housekeeper

Status: Permanent, part-time

Working Hours: 1-35 hours/week

Location: Abbotsford, Melrose

**Salary**: £10.94 rising to £11.44 from 1 April

With aspirations of becoming a real living wage employer soon.

Reporting to: Assistant House Manager

Context

Abbotsford was designed and built by Sir Walter Scott as both his home and the location for his extensive collection of books and historical memorabilia, and was first opened to the public in 1833, five months after his death. After the death of his last direct descendent in residence, Dame Jean Maxwell-Scott, in 2004, The Abbotsford Trust was created to preserve, protect and promote not only the house, but also the life and works of Sir Walter.

Abbotsford has come to the end of an £11.24 million restoration, with £4.85 million granted by the Heritage Lottery Fund and a further £3.95 million granted by the Scottish Government, Scottish Borders Council, Historic Scotland and Scottish Enterprise. With funds now fully secured for this work, Abbotsford is moving into the next exciting phase of its development. While the main restoration project is fully funded, the Trust continues to fundraising for a wide range of cultural projects, revenue costs and for a £2.5 million endowment that will secure the future of Abbotsford longer term.

The housekeeping team at Abbotsford is responsible for the cleaning care across all estate’s unique buildings. The successful applicant will assist the Assistant House Manager in maintaining our cleaning standards throughout the business.

Job purpose:
To assist the Assistant House Manager and Supervisor in the cleaning and maintaining our five star self-catering accommodation offered at Abbotsford’s The Hope Scott Wing. Areas also covered are the Visitor Centre, Gardener's Cottage, Prep kitchen, Board Room, Learning Centre and all staff areas.

Key Responsibilities:

- Working as a part of a team or individually depending on area of work
- Doing general cleaning tasks like, hoovering, laundry, mopping and dusting
- Comply with Health & Safety legislation relevant to the housekeeping role working safely (e.g. use of chemicals, lifting of objects, fire safety etc.)
- Follow all guidelines with particular consideration to the historical furniture collection and the delicate nature of many items mainly located in the accommodation
- Help to trouble-shoot any maintenance issues that may arise by bringing them to the attention of your manager
- Monitor stock levels and highlight to the manager when stocks are low and orders are required
- Highlight any Health and Safety issue to your manager
- Any other tasks that can reasonably be expected, within the role

Person Specification

Knowledge
- A good understanding of the needs of guests renting five-star self-catering accommodation
- Some knowledge of the relevant health & safety legislation is desirable
- Interest in hospitality heritage & tourism industry

Experience
- Experience of working in a customer-facing, practical role such as hospitality cleaning
- Work in a five star property with high standards


Skills and Abilities
- Able to learn quickly and work at a fast pace, while remaining positive & calm
- Good organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise and re-prioritise workload
- The ability to ‘think ahead’ and spot potential challenges, and come up with practical solutions and share with the team
- Good interpersonal and team working skills, including ability to communicate simply and clearly and work well with other colleagues on the team
- Ability to work with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail

Personal Qualities and Requirements
- Interest in, and commitment to, The Abbotsford Trust's mission, vision and values
- Our Mission - is to inspire, inform and engage audiences in the life and legacy of Sir Walter Scott. As custodians of Abbotsford we aim to safeguard the house, collections, gardens and estate for future generations, enabling diverse communities to benefit from all that we care for.
- Our Vision - Abbotsford will be recognised as one of the world’s most extraordinary literary homes. We will open the storybook that is Scott and Abbotsford, unlocking creativity, imagination and enjoyment for more people.
- Commitment to, Equality and Diversity policy and practice and an understanding of how these translate into own area of work
- Ability to work weekends, as required

**Job Types**: Part-time, Permanent

**Salary**: £10.94 per hour

Expected hours: 1 - 35 per week

**Benefits**:

- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking

Schedule:

- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 22/03/2024