Back to Home

Housekeeping Manager

💰 $55,000 - $85,000

HospitalityManagementFacilitiesOperations

🎯 Role Definition

The Housekeeping Manager is the driving force behind the presentation and cleanliness of our property, serving as a key leader in delivering an exceptional guest experience. This individual is responsible for directing and overseeing all functions and staff of the Housekeeping and Laundry departments. More than just ensuring rooms are clean, the Housekeeping Manager cultivates a high-performing team, manages budgets and inventory with a keen eye, and champions the highest standards of safety, hygiene, and comfort. This role is foundational to our reputation and the overall satisfaction of our guests, acting as the ultimate guardian of our physical environment.


📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Housekeeping Supervisor
  • Assistant Housekeeping Manager
  • Executive Housekeeper (from a smaller property)

Advancement To:

  • Director of Housekeeping / Director of Rooms
  • Assistant General Manager
  • General Manager (in smaller properties)

Lateral Moves:

  • Facilities Manager
  • Guest Relations Manager
  • Operations Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Direct and lead all housekeeping and laundry personnel, establishing a culture of excellence, teamwork, and empowerment through consistent coaching, training, and development.
  • Develop, implement, and enforce comprehensive cleaning protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure impeccable cleanliness and sanitation in all guest rooms, public areas, and back-of-house spaces.
  • Conduct rigorous daily inspections of rooms and public areas to guarantee that quality standards, safety protocols, and brand aesthetics are consistently met and exceeded.
  • Expertly manage the departmental budget, including labor costs, cleaning supplies, linen, and amenities, through meticulous planning, expense tracking, and strategic cost-control initiatives.
  • Oversee the entire inventory management process for linens, cleaning supplies, and guest room amenities, ensuring optimal stock levels are maintained without interruption to service.
  • Create and manage staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage for all shifts, daily needs, and special events, while adhering to labor budget constraints.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for all guest-related housekeeping issues, resolving complaints and special requests with professionalism, empathy, and a commitment to service recovery.
  • Recruit, interview, and train new housekeeping team members, ensuring a thorough onboarding process that instills our values and quality expectations from day one.
  • Implement and manage a comprehensive preventative maintenance program within guest rooms and public areas in close collaboration with the Engineering or Maintenance department.
  • Ensure strict adherence to all health and safety regulations, including OSHA and hazardous material handling guidelines, conducting regular safety training for all team members.
  • Champion sustainability initiatives within the department, such as waste reduction, recycling programs, and the use of eco-friendly cleaning products.
  • Prepare and analyze departmental reports, including productivity, labor, and expense reports, to identify trends and make data-driven decisions for operational improvements.
  • Coordinate and manage deep cleaning projects and other special projects as required, ensuring minimal disruption to guests and hotel operations.
  • Maintain and manage relationships with external vendors for laundry services, pest control, and supply purchasing to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness.
  • Conduct regular departmental meetings to communicate goals, celebrate successes, address challenges, and solicit feedback from the team.
  • Stay current with the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices in housekeeping management to continuously innovate and elevate departmental performance.
  • Develop and execute a robust lost-and-found program, ensuring all items are logged, stored securely, and handled according to established policy.
  • Oversee the care and maintenance of all housekeeping equipment, ensuring it is in safe and working order and that staff are properly trained in its use.
  • Manage the performance appraisal process for all housekeeping staff, providing constructive feedback and setting clear goals for professional growth.
  • Effectively coordinate with the Front Office department to manage room statuses, facilitate guest check-ins/check-outs, and prioritize room cleaning for VIPs and special requests.

Secondary Functions

  • Collaborate closely with other department heads, such as Front Office, Engineering, and Food & Beverage, to ensure a seamless and integrated guest experience.
  • Assist in planning and executing setups for special events, conferences, and VIP guest arrivals, ensuring all specific requirements are met.
  • Participate in hotel-wide leadership meetings, contributing insights and strategies for overall property success and operational excellence.
  • Act as a Manager on Duty (MOD) on a rotational basis, handling hotel-wide issues and emergencies as they arise.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Property Management Systems (PMS): Proficiency in using hotel PMS software (e.g., Opera, Mews, Cloudbeds) for managing room status and guest information.
  • Inventory & Budget Management: Strong ability to use spreadsheets (Excel) and financial software to track inventory, manage budgets, and forecast expenses.
  • Knowledge of Cleaning Standards: In-depth knowledge of commercial cleaning chemicals, sanitation standards (including OSHA/COSHH), and proper cleaning techniques.
  • Labor Management: Experience with scheduling software and a deep understanding of labor laws and productivity metrics.
  • Reporting & Analytics: Ability to generate and interpret reports on productivity, expenses, and quality control to guide decision-making.

Soft Skills

  • Leadership & Team Building: A natural ability to motivate, mentor, and lead a diverse team towards achieving common goals.
  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: An uncompromising eye for detail, ensuring that nothing is overlooked in the pursuit of perfection.
  • Problem-Solving & Crisis Management: The capacity to think quickly and act decisively to resolve guest complaints, staffing issues, and operational challenges.
  • Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting effectively with guests, team members, and senior management.
  • Time Management & Organization: Superior organizational skills to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Guest-Centric Mindset: A deep-seated passion for delivering outstanding customer service and creating memorable guest experiences.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Hospitality Management
  • Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-5+ years of progressive experience in a housekeeping department, including at least 2 years in a supervisory or management role.

Preferred:

  • Experience in a similarly sized and rated hotel, resort, or luxury residential property. Bilingual abilities (e.g., English/Spanish) are often highly valued.