Laundry Attendant – Cruise Guest and Staff Laundry Management
Maritime Elite Hospitality
Available Locations:
Gqeberha, Eastern Cape
Job Description
Job Summary
As a Laundry Attendant with Maritime Elite Hospitality, you will ensure impeccable cleanliness, hygiene, and presentation of all guest and crew linens, uniforms, and soft furnishings aboard our cruise ships. You will operate industrial laundry equipment, manage par levels, adhere to strict safety and sanitation standards, and deliver on-time, high-quality service in a fast-paced, 24/7 marine environment.
Key Responsibilities
- End-to-end laundry operations: Sorting, washing, drying, pressing, folding, and finishing guest, crew, spa, hotel, and F&B linens/uniforms.
- Quality control: Inspect items for stains, damage, and proper finishing; apply stain-removal techniques and reprocess when required.
- Equipment handling: Safely operate and maintain industrial washers, dryers, flatwork ironers, steam presses, folders, and finishing equipment.
- Chemical management: Correctly dose detergents and laundry chemicals per SOPs and MSDS guidelines.
- Inventory & par level management: Track and maintain adequate linen/uniform stock; report shortages, losses, and damages.
- Labeling & tracking: Tag, record, and return items accurately, ensuring timely delivery to designated lockers/cabins/departments.
- Preventive maintenance & housekeeping: Keep laundry areas clean, organized, and compliant with HACCP, USPH, and company audit standards.
- Health, safety & environmental compliance: Follow PPE requirements, lockout/tagout procedures, and waste/water-use reduction practices.
- Cross-functional support: Assist in uniform distribution, alterations coordination, and embarkation day volume spikes.
- Documentation: Complete production logs, temperature checks, chemical usage records, and incident reports as required.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Proven ability to operate industrial laundry machinery (washers, dryers, ironers, presses).
- Strong understanding of fabric care, stain identification/removal, and finishing standards.
- Working knowledge of chemical dosing, MSDS, and basic equipment troubleshooting.
- Ability to lift, push, pull, and stand for extended periods in a hot, humid environment.
- Basic English communication skills (reading SOPs, logging data, team coordination).
- High attention to detail, time management, and the ability to meet strict turnaround times.
- Commitment to hygiene, safety, and environmental standards applicable to cruise operations.
Experience
- 1–2 years of professional laundry experience in cruise lines, hotels, hospitals, or large-scale industrial laundries (cruise experience is a strong plus).
- Familiarity with USPH/HACCP standards and/or STCW safety training is advantageous (can be completed post-selection if required).
- Experience with OPL (On-Premise Laundry) or inventory tracking systems preferred.
Working Hours
- Shipboard contracts typically run 6–8 months onboard, followed by scheduled vacation periods.
- 7 days a week, with split shifts common; average 70–80 hours per week depending on operational needs and itinerary.
- Flexibility to work nights, weekends, port days, and turnaround days is essential.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Technical: Fabric identification, machine settings optimization, chemical dosing, preventive maintenance basics.
- Operational: Sorting protocols, par level tracking, labeling systems, and production logging.
- Safety & Compliance: PPE usage, ergonomics, chemical handling, spill response, and audit readiness.
- Soft Skills: Teamwork, reliability, adaptability to multicultural environments, and calmness under pressure.
Benefits
- Competitive tax-free salary with potential overtime.
- Free accommodation and meals onboard.
- Medical coverage during the contract period.
- Travel to/from the vessel as per company policy.
- Uniforms and laundry of workwear provided.
- Structured career progression within Maritime Elite Hospitality’s hotel operations.
- Access to crew recreational facilities and welfare programs onboard.
Why Join Maritime Elite Hospitality
- Work with a globally respected cruise hospitality brand committed to excellence and safety.
- Gain international exposure, sailing to iconic destinations while building a specialized maritime hospitality career.
- Be part of a diverse, inclusive, and growth-focused team with clear advancement pathways (e.g., Laundry Supervisor, Uniform Supervisor).
- Continuous training and development, including safety certifications and operational upskilling.
How to Apply
- Prepare your resume/CV highlighting relevant laundry/housekeeping/industrial operations experience.
- Include certificates (if available): STCW, Crowd Management, USPH/HACCP, or any technical laundry training.
- Email your application to: careers@maritimeelitehospitality.com (or apply via the company’s careers portal).
- Use the subject line: “Laundry Attendant – Cruise | Your Name”.
- Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for technical interviews and document verification.