Head Housekeeper
Overview
Our client, a prominent private family based in Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, is seeking a professional Head Housekeeper for their newly built 10-bedroom villa.
With established business interests in construction, brick manufacturing, and cement, the family is well regarded across the region and maintains an international outlook, with property investments in Europe and a London-based eldest son.
The residence is a high-spec private villa, and the family is assembling a professional household team to operate to international standards. The role includes private on-site accommodation and full visa sponsorship at no cost. This is an excellent long-term opportunity for an experienced private household professional seeking a well-compensated position with a forward-thinking family.
Position: Head Housekeeper
Reports To: Estate Manager
Manages / Works With: 6 Housekeepers (including 1 dedicated Laundry and Wardrobe Housekeeper)
Role Purpose: Lead the Housekeeping team to maintain the villa and all family and staff areas to immaculate, five-star hotel standards, with hands-on involvement when required.
Job duties
Responsibilities of the Head Housekeeper in Iraq include:
- Plan and supervise daily and weekly cleaning schedules for all internal areas, ensuring consistent luxury-level standards and full readiness whether the family is in residence or not.
- Work hands-on when required: detailed cleaning, care of luxury finishes, surfaces, artwork (with appropriate training) and specialist materials.
- Oversee all laundry and wardrobe routines in coordination with the designated laundry housekeeper, including linens, towels, family clothing and guest bedding rotation.
- Inspect all rooms and back-of-house spaces, correct deficiencies, raise maintenance tickets and follow up until full resolution.
- Train, coach and performance-manage the housekeeping team, including cross-training into basic service and back-up roles for other departments.
- Manage housekeeping inventories, order supplies within agreed budgets and maintain storerooms in an organised and efficient manner.
- Collaborate closely with the Head Butler, Executive Chef, Security Supervisor and Maintenance Supervisor to coordinate schedules, deep cleans and event support.
- Conduct regular quality inspections and produce clear reports for the Estate Manager.
Candidates must be/have:
- Have 5–8+ years of experience in luxury five-star hotels or UHNW private households, including substantial team leadership experience.
- Demonstrate strong people management capabilities and an exceptional eye for detail.
- Maintain the very highest standards of discretion and confidentiality at all times.
- Be comfortable adapting to evolving SOPs as the villa’s operations are established and refined.
- Have demonstrable experience managing housekeeping budgets, inventories and supplier relationships.
- Be knowledgeable in the specialist care of luxury fabrics, high-value surfaces and premium furnishings.
- Be comfortable in a cross-cultural environment and fluent in English (Arabic advantageous).
- Be physically fit and present to a high standard at all times.
- Be willing to live on-site and work collaboratively as part of a professional household team; candidates new to Iraq are preferred.
Hours
Six days per week; 8–10 hours per day.
Hours are structured around the villa’s operational needs and the family’s schedule.
Flexibility is essential.
Overtime worked will be compensated in lieu days when the family is not in residence.
Location
Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Private on-site accommodation within the secure villa compound is provided.
Salary
$100,000 USD per annum (net, tax-free).
Benefits include 30 days’ annual leave, comprehensive medical insurance, and a return flight home. Each candidate will be required to undergo a medical examination upon arrival. The package also provides private on-site accommodation, all meals while on duty, full visa sponsorship, and agreed flights at the start and end of employment.
Job ref
CP1015: Head Housekeeper for private villa in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq.
⚠ Travel & Safety Advisory: Sulaymaniyah is located in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Candidates are strongly advised to review the latest official travel guidance issued by their government before applying or accepting an offer. UK nationals should consult: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/iraq. The employer will provide visa sponsorship, on-site accommodation within a secure villa compound, and a full security briefing prior to commencement.
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