Head Custodian | Torchora

🎯 Role Definition

The Head Custodian, often referred to as a Custodial Supervisor or Lead Janitor, is a pivotal leadership position at the forefront of facility management and operational excellence. This role is responsible for directing and coordinating all custodial activities to ensure the facility is maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, and functionality. More than just a cleaning expert, the Head Custodian is a manager, a mentor, and a problem-solver who leads a team of custodial staff, manages resources, and upholds organizational and regulatory standards. They are the backbone of a building's daily operations, creating a positive and healthy environment for employees, clients, and visitors.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Custodian / Janitor: Individuals with a strong performance record and a desire for leadership.
Maintenance Worker: Professionals with hands-on repair skills looking to move into a supervisory capacity.
Floor Care Technician: Specialists in advanced floor maintenance who have demonstrated leadership potential.

Advancement To:

Facilities Manager: Overseeing all building operations, including maintenance, security, and custodial services.
Building Superintendent: Managing the overall operations and staff of a single large building or a portfolio of properties.
Director of Custodial Services: A senior-level role overseeing custodial operations across multiple sites or an entire district.

Lateral Moves:

Maintenance Supervisor: Shifting focus to oversee a team of skilled maintenance technicians.
Grounds Supervisor: Transitioning to manage the team responsible for landscaping and exterior property maintenance.

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Team Leadership and Supervision: Direct, supervise, and evaluate the work of all custodial staff, providing guidance, training, and constructive feedback to ensure high performance and team morale.
Workforce Scheduling and Coordination: Develop and implement daily, weekly, and monthly work schedules for the custodial team, assigning specific duties and areas to ensure comprehensive and efficient facility coverage.
Quality Control and Inspections: Conduct regular and thorough inspections of all building areas to ensure cleaning standards, safety protocols, and organizational expectations are consistently met and maintained.
Inventory and Supply Management: Monitor, order, and maintain an adequate inventory of all cleaning supplies, consumables, and personal protective equipment (PPE), ensuring resources are available while managing budget constraints.
Advanced Cleaning and Floor Care: Perform and oversee specialized cleaning tasks, including stripping, sealing, waxing, and buffing floors, as well as deep carpet extraction and restoration projects.
Equipment Operation and Maintenance: Operate and provide training on heavy-duty custodial equipment such as industrial scrubbers, high-speed burnishers, and carpet extractors, while ensuring all equipment is properly maintained, cleaned, and stored.
Minor Maintenance and Repairs: Identify and perform minor building maintenance and repairs, such as replacing light bulbs, fixing leaky faucets, adjusting door closures, and performing minor touch-up painting to keep the facility in good order.
Safety and Regulatory Compliance: Enforce all safety procedures, including the proper use of chemicals (GHS/SDS compliance), operation of equipment, and adherence to OSHA and other relevant health and safety regulations.
Event and Meeting Setup/Teardown: Coordinate and assist with the setup and teardown of furniture and equipment for meetings, events, and special activities, and ensure post-event cleanup is completed promptly.
Emergency Response Coordination: Act as the primary point of contact for custodial emergencies, such as spills, floods, or other urgent cleanup needs, and direct the team’s response in a safe and effective manner.
Staff Training and Development: Develop and implement comprehensive training programs for new and existing custodial staff on proper cleaning techniques, chemical handling, safety procedures, and equipment operation.
Performance Management: Conduct formal and informal performance reviews, document staff performance, and address any personnel issues or disciplinary actions in accordance with company policy.

Secondary Functions

Waste Management Program Oversight: Manage the building's waste disposal and recycling programs, ensuring compliance with local regulations and promoting sustainable practices.
Building Security: Secure the facility at the end of shifts, including locking doors, closing windows, and activating alarm systems as required.
Budget Input: Provide input and recommendations for the annual custodial budget, particularly concerning supplies, equipment purchases, and staffing needs.
Vendor and Contractor Coordination: Liaise with and oversee the work of external contractors for specialized services such as pest control, window washing, or major repairs.
Record Keeping and Reporting: Maintain accurate records, including staff time sheets, supply inventory logs, safety training documentation, and incident reports.
Grounds Maintenance Support: Assist with exterior maintenance tasks as needed, such as snow and ice removal from walkways, policing grounds for litter, and maintaining cleanliness of building entrances.
Interdepartmental Communication: Serve as the main liaison between the custodial department and other building occupants or departments, effectively communicating schedules and addressing concerns.
Continuous Process Improvement: Proactively identify and recommend new cleaning methods, products, or equipment to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of custodial operations.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced Cleaning Techniques: Expertise in a wide range of cleaning methods, including disinfection, sanitization, and specialized surface care for various materials.
Chemical Knowledge and Safety: Deep understanding of cleaning chemicals, their proper applications, dilution rates, and safety protocols, including SDS and GHS standards.
Heavy Equipment Operation: Proficiency in operating and maintaining industrial cleaning equipment like floor buffers, automatic scrubbers, carpet extractors, and pressure washers.
Basic Maintenance & Repair: Practical skills in minor plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and HVAC troubleshooting to handle routine building maintenance tasks.
Inventory Control Systems: Ability to use software or manual systems to track supply usage, manage stock levels, and process orders efficiently.
Work Scheduling and Planning: Competency in creating and managing complex staff schedules and work plans to ensure optimal coverage and task completion.

Soft Skills

Leadership and Supervision: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage a diverse team, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting clearly with staff, management, and other stakeholders.
Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to quickly identify issues, assess options, and implement effective solutions.
Time Management and Organization: Exceptional ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and organize workflows for an entire team.
Attention to Detail: A keen eye for detail to ensure that cleaning and maintenance standards are met with precision and consistency.
Dependability and Integrity: A strong sense of responsibility and reliability, demonstrating honesty and a professional work ethic.
Adaptability: Flexibility to handle changing priorities, unexpected emergencies, and varying workloads with a calm and professional demeanor.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

Vocational/Technical School Certificate in building maintenance, facilities management, or a related trade.
Associate's degree in a relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Facilities Management
Business Administration
Skilled Trades

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 5-8 years of progressive experience in custodial or facilities maintenance roles.

Preferred: At least 2-3 years of experience in a supervisory or lead capacity, demonstrating the ability to manage a team and coordinate custodial operations.