Housekeeping Team Lead (Household)

About the organisation

Southern Cross New Plymouth Hospital is a contemporary private surgical facility that has served New Plymouth and the wider region since 1983. It is the city’s only private surgical hospital and includes advanced operating theatres, comfortable patient spaces, 36 inpatient beds, and a dedicated day-stay unit.

The hospital supports high-quality pre- and post-operative nursing care across a broad range of elective surgeries, such as orthopaedics, gynaecology, ophthalmology, oral surgery, urology, ENT, plastic reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, as well as general and endoscopic surgery.

About the role

This is a full-time, permanent Housekeeping Team Leader position based at Southern Cross New Plymouth Hospital. Reporting to the Support Services Manager, you will guide the housekeeping function to ensure outstanding cleaning and housekeeping standards across clinical and non-clinical spaces.

The role is hands-on and leadership focused. You will organise daily housekeeping activity, manage rosters and workflow, support team capability and performance, and help maintain a consistently safe, tidy, and service-oriented environment. A key part of the job is leading by example, providing practical support, coaching, and direction while helping build a positive and productive team culture.

The ideal candidate will be dependable, highly professional, and detail-oriented, with strong experience in housekeeping, cleaning, healthcare, or a comparable setting. You should be motivated by developing people, improving team performance, and sustaining very high standards.

Working hours are Monday to Friday, mainly in the afternoon to evening, with occasional flexibility needed for weekend cover.

Key responsibilities

You will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day housekeeping operations, supporting and developing the team, and ensuring cleaning standards remain excellent throughout the hospital.

Skills and experience

• At least 5 years of experience in housekeeping, cleaning, healthcare support services, or a similar environment.
• Prior supervisory or leadership experience, including the ability to coach, encourage, and support staff.
• Experience in healthcare, medical cleaning, or another regulated environment is strongly preferred.
• Solid understanding of cleaning methods, hygiene standards, and health and safety practices.
• Proven ability to organise rosters, manage workloads, and prioritise daily operational needs.
• Strong eye for detail and a commitment to consistently high standards.
• Good communication and relationship-building skills, with a collaborative and service-minded approach.
• A proactive style, with the ability to spot opportunities for improvement and put solutions into action.
• A practical leadership approach and willingness to work alongside the team.
• Genuine enthusiasm for fostering a positive team environment and service excellence.

What we offer

• A competitive remuneration package, plus an employee referral bonus scheme.
• Funded health insurance, a full wellbeing programme, and extended Christmas/New Year breaks.
• Discounts with a range of partner organisations and access to an Employee Network.

Our values

Southern Cross Healthcare is committed to improving quality healthcare across Aotearoa New Zealand. Its values are:

• Care First – leading with compassion and delivering care with genuine manaakitanga.
• Better Together – working collaboratively to achieve stronger outcomes.
• Pursue Excellence – continually improving, innovating, and aiming for the best possible results.

The organisation has a strong purpose-led focus and plans with a long-term view rather than short-term gains.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion

Southern Cross Healthcare is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. It honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi and aims to provide a culturally safe environment that reflects manaakitanga and the diversity of Aotearoa New Zealand. Candidates with specific needs can contact the Talent Acquisition team at careers@schl.co.nz for a confidential discussion.

Additional information

This role is based in New Plymouth, Taranaki, New Zealand, and is a full-time on-site position. The employer invites people to join a meaningful organisation focused on helping others live their best lives by reimagining healthcare.