Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Head Janitor

🎯 Role Definition

The Head Janitor is a cornerstone of our Facilities Management team, serving as both a hands-on leader and a strategic supervisor. This role is fundamentally responsible for upholding the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, and operational excellence across all our facilities. The Head Janitor directs the daily activities of the custodial team, managing everything from staff scheduling and training to inventory control and quality assurance. More than just cleaning, this position plays a critical part in preventative maintenance, regulatory compliance, and creating a positive and welcoming physical environment that reflects our organization's commitment to quality and employee well-being. This individual acts as the primary point of contact for all janitorial services and is expected to lead by example, fostering a culture of diligence, teamwork, and pride in our shared spaces.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Senior Janitor / Lead Custodian
Facilities Maintenance Technician
Experienced Custodian with demonstrated leadership potential

Advancement To:

Facilities Supervisor
Building Operations Manager
Maintenance Manager

Lateral Moves:

Maintenance Lead
Grounds Supervisor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Direct, supervise, and coordinate the work activities of all janitorial and custodial personnel to ensure a consistently high standard of cleanliness and order throughout the facility.
Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive cleaning schedules for daily, weekly, and periodic deep-cleaning tasks, ensuring efficient coverage of all assigned areas.
Train new and existing staff on proper cleaning techniques, the safe use of chemicals and equipment, and adherence to all health and safety protocols, including OSHA and SDS guidelines.
Conduct regular and thorough inspections of all building areas to assess cleanliness, identify maintenance needs, and ensure compliance with established quality standards.
Manage the complete lifecycle of cleaning supplies and equipment, from assessing needs and maintaining inventory levels to sourcing vendors and processing purchase orders within budget.
Perform and oversee a wide range of cleaning duties, including dusting, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and sanitizing restrooms, offices, common areas, and specialized spaces.
Act as the first line of response for minor building maintenance and repairs, such as changing light bulbs, addressing minor plumbing clogs, or performing small patch-and-paint jobs.
Champion and enforce all workplace safety regulations, ensuring the janitorial team utilizes personal protective equipment (PPE) and follows safe work practices at all times.
Skillfully operate and provide oversight for the use of heavy-duty cleaning equipment, such as industrial floor buffers, carpet extractors, and power washers, ensuring their proper function and maintenance.
Create and manage staff work schedules, approve time-off requests, and coordinate staffing to cover all shifts, including weekends, holidays, and special events as needed.
Provide constructive performance feedback, conduct formal and informal employee evaluations, and handle disciplinary issues in coordination with HR to foster a motivated and effective team.
Respond promptly and professionally to urgent cleaning requests, spills, and other facility-related emergencies to minimize disruption and safety risks.
Collaborate with department heads and event coordinators to plan and execute cleaning and setup/teardown services for meetings, conferences, and special company functions.
Maintain meticulous and organized records of cleaning activities, inspection reports, staff training, and supply inventories for accountability and planning purposes.
Oversee specialized floor care programs, including the stripping, sealing, waxing, and buffing of hard-surface floors and the deep cleaning of carpets.

Secondary Functions

Coordinate the proper sorting, collection, and disposal of all trash, recycling, and regulated waste materials in accordance with company policy and local environmental regulations.
Serve as a key member of the facility’s safety committee, providing valuable input on environmental health and safety and participating in emergency preparedness drills.
Assist in the development and management of the annual departmental budget, providing forecasts for supply, equipment, and labor costs.
Proactively identify and report major repair needs, potential safety hazards, and security concerns to the Facilities Manager for timely resolution.
Oversee seasonal exterior maintenance tasks, such as snow and ice removal from walkways and entrances, to ensure safe access to the building.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced Cleaning Techniques: In-depth knowledge of commercial cleaning methods, materials, and chemistry for various surfaces and situations.
Equipment Operation & Maintenance: Proficiency in operating and performing routine maintenance on industrial cleaning equipment like floor scrubbers, buffers, and carpet extractors.
Inventory Management: Experience using manual or software-based systems to track, order, and manage cleaning supplies and equipment.
Safety & Compliance: Strong understanding of OSHA regulations, SDS (Safety Data Sheets), and proper handling of hazardous materials.
Basic Maintenance & Repair: Practical skills in minor plumbing, electrical, and carpentry tasks to address immediate facility needs.
Staff Scheduling & Management: Ability to create and manage complex work schedules to ensure adequate coverage and operational efficiency.

Soft Skills

Leadership & Team Supervision: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage a diverse team to achieve common goals.
Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with staff, management, and vendors clearly and professionally.
Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: The ability to quickly assess situations, identify problems, and implement effective solutions under pressure.
Attention to Detail: A meticulous and thorough approach to work, ensuring that no detail is overlooked in maintaining facility standards.
Time Management & Organization: Exceptional ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and organize both personal and team workloads.
Dependability & Initiative: A reliable and proactive work ethic with the capacity to work independently and take ownership of the role.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Associate's Degree or a technical/vocational certificate.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Facilities Management
Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

5-7 years of progressive experience in a commercial cleaning or facilities maintenance environment.

Preferred:

A minimum of 2-3 years of direct experience in a supervisory or lead capacity, demonstrating the ability to manage a team and oversee custodial operations.