Head of Housekeeping, Dublin

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.

Mater Private Network is an equal opportunities employer.