Houseperson

Accor’s Sofitel Wellington is seeking a Houseperson to join a refined, guest-focused team in the heart of Wellington. This luxury hotel, with 129 rooms, sits near the Botanic Gardens and the coastline, blending French elegance with New Zealand hospitality. The role is based onsite in Wellington and is a good fit for someone who likes hands-on cleaning, takes pride in presenting public spaces at their best, and wants to contribute to memorable guest experiences in a stylish setting. The position is described as permanent part time with a guaranteed minimum of eight hours per week and you must have full New Zealand working rights.

The Houseperson is at the heart of the guest experience, ensuring that public areas feel inviting and immaculate for every visitor. You’ll focus on maintaining the cleanliness and presentation of non-room spaces and back-of-house areas, helping to create a smooth, comfortable atmosphere that guests notice from the moment they arrive. Night shifts are a fixture of this role, running from 11pm to 7:30am, with weekend availability also required.

Day-to-day at the heart of Sofitel Wellington

In practice you’ll take charge of cleaning and maintaining all back-of-house spaces except the kitchen and stores, while also keeping the lobby, restaurant, and conference areas sparkling and guest-ready. You’ll tidy locker rooms, staff washrooms, and public toilets, and you’ll follow a programmed cleaning schedule to meet established standards. Using cleaning equipment with care and reporting any faults promptly is part of the job, as is keeping department gear in good condition and assisting with regular stocktakes. Security matters, such as safeguarding keys and access to public and back-of-house areas, are part of the daily routine, with procedures in place to flag any suspicious activity. You’ll also handle cleaning agents safely, storing them properly and adhering to health and safety regulations and manufacturer instructions.

Must-haves

• A flexible schedule that covers weekends and public holidays
• Valid New Zealand work rights
• Immaculate grooming and professional personal presentation
• A warm, caring personality with a professional, guest-focused approach
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage time effectively

Nice-to-haves

• Previous housekeeping or cleaning experience
• Experience in a five-star luxury environment (preferred, not essential)
• Ability to anticipate guest needs and maintain a welcoming, courteous demeanor
• Familiarity with cleaning equipment and safety practices beyond basic use

What you’ll get in return

The Sofitel Wellington offers a range of benefits designed to support team members. You’ll get a free staff meal during shifts, and there are ongoing rewards for colleagues and friends through hotel discounts and recognition incentives. Each year includes a complimentary night at the hotel with breakfast and dinner included. Accor supports career development via its training platforms, and there’s flexibility to help you balance work and life. The Heartist benefits extend to discounted food and beverages and accommodation worldwide, plus a Refer-a-Friend bonus and paid parental leave. The employer emphasises inclusion and is committed to providing reasonable adjustments to support candidates during recruitment.

Getting ready for your application

To position yourself well, start your resume with evidence that you can work a rotating schedule that includes nights, weekends, and public holidays, and that you hold valid New Zealand work rights. Highlight any prior housekeeping or cleaning roles and any experience in luxury settings, but also show how you present yourself with a polished appearance and a guest-friendly attitude. Be ready to discuss how you manage tasks, stay organized, and maintain safety when handling cleaning agents and equipment.

In interviews, you’ll want concrete examples of times you adhered to health and safety regulations and used cleaning agents correctly, including how you stored them and followed manufacturer instructions. Demonstrate your awareness of privacy and security by describing how you would protect keys and restricted areas. Plan to share a quick story about delivering a pleasantly welcoming interaction with a guest in a high-end environment.

One smart question to close with is to ask about the support structure for night shifts, what resources are available to ensure safety and efficiency during late hours, and how the hotel supports ongoing training through Accor’s platforms. You could also ask about opportunities for advancement within housekeeping and how the Learn Your Way program has helped previous team members grow.