What Does a Housekeeping Manager Do?

The role of a housekeeping manager is one that requires attention to detail and an eye for cleanliness. They are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of their hotel’s or motel’s cleaning staff.

Housekeeping managers must ensure that all areas of their property are properly cleaned on a regular basis. This includes guest rooms, public spaces, laundry facilities, etc. They also commonly oversee other aspects of the guest experience such as towel and linen service, room service requests, etc.

Housekeeping Manager Job Duties

A housekeeping manager typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Overseeing the daily operations of housekeeping staff including hiring, training, scheduling, and evaluating performance
• Collaborating with other managers to develop department budgets and plans for growth or change within their organization
• Ensuring that staff members comply with safety regulations, such as wearing appropriate footwear or using ladders or lifts when needed
• Consulting with the facility’s medical staff to ensure that infection control procedures are being followed
• Creating schedules for cleaning personnel, including assigning tasks and setting deadlines for completion
• Managing the inventory of cleaning supplies and equipment, ordering supplies as needed, and maintaining records of supplies used
• Reviewing employee work performance to ensure that it meets standards of quality and efficiency
• Conducting regular inspections of work areas to ensure that they are clean and safe
• Coordinating with facility managers to ensure that housekeeping staff have access to supplies and equipment they need to do their jobs efficiently

Housekeeping Manager Salary & Outlook

The salary of a housekeeping manager can vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the size and location of the hotel or motel. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of bonuses.

• Median Annual Salary: $44,500 ($21.39/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $70,500 ($33.89/hour)

The employment of housekeeping managers is expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade.

As hotels and other lodging establishments continue to upgrade their facilities, they will need more housekeeping managers to oversee the cleaning staffs. In addition, as the economy grows, demand for travel and tourism is expected to increase, leading to greater demand for housekeeping managers in the hospitality industry.

Related: Housekeeping Manager Interview Questions and Answers

Housekeeping Manager Job Requirements

A housekeeping manager typically needs to have the following qualifications:

Education: A high school diploma or GED certificate is often a minimum requirement for housekeeping managers. Some employers may prefer or require a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management or a related field. Relevant coursework includes hospitality management, business administration, accounting, marketing and human resources.

Training & Experience: Housekeeping managers typically have at least five years of experience in the hospitality industry. They may have started as a housekeeper or a room attendant and worked their way up to a management position. They may have worked in a variety of roles, including housekeeping supervisor, assistant housekeeping manager and housekeeping manager.

Housekeeping managers may also receive on-the-job training in the form of an orientation program. During this training, they learn about the hotel’s policies and procedures, including safety and health, and they may also learn about the hotel’s computer systems.

Certifications & Licenses: Certifications can prove an individual’s qualifications to current and prospective employers. Housekeeping managers can earn certifications to gain more practical knowledge of their daily responsibilities, test their professional skills and further advance their career.

Housekeeping Manager Skills

Housekeeping managers need the following skills in order to be successful:

Leadership: As a manager, you may be responsible for overseeing a team of housekeeping staff. Leadership skills can help you motivate your team and encourage them to perform their duties to the best of their ability. You can also use leadership skills to delegate tasks and motivate your team to complete them.

Communication: As a manager, you may be required to communicate with employees from various departments. This can include communicating with housekeeping staff about their duties, communicating with management about employee performance and communicating with management about budgetary concerns. Effective communication skills can help you to convey your message clearly and to understand the message that you are receiving.

Organization: Organization is the ability to plan and execute tasks in a logical order. As a hotel manager, you may be responsible for overseeing the cleaning of multiple rooms, hallways and common areas. Being able to organize your day and your team’s duties in a logical order can help you and your team complete tasks efficiently.

Time management: Time management is the ability to plan and execute tasks in a timely manner. As a housekeeping manager, you may oversee multiple teams and departments, so it’s important to be able to prioritize tasks and delegate responsibilities effectively. This can help you ensure that your team is completing their duties in a timely manner.

Problem-solving: As a manager, you may be responsible for resolving issues that arise in your department. Having strong problem-solving skills can help you identify the source of the issue and develop a solution. You may also be responsible for resolving issues between your team members or with other departments.

Housekeeping Manager Work Environment

Housekeeping managers are responsible for the overall operation of a housekeeping department in a hotel, motel, resort, or other commercial establishment. They typically work 40 hours per week, but may work longer hours to ensure that the department is running smoothly. Housekeeping managers typically work in an office environment, but may also spend time inspecting guest rooms and public areas to ensure that they meet the establishment’s standards for cleanliness and safety. Some housekeeping managers may be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Housekeeping Manager Trends

Here are three trends influencing how housekeeping managers work. Housekeeping managers will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Growth of the Gig Economy

The gig economy is growing rapidly, as more and more people are choosing to work on a freelance basis. This trend is having a major impact on the housekeeping industry, as more and more businesses are looking for housekeepers who can work on a freelance basis.

Housekeeping managers who are able to adapt to this trend will be in high demand, as they will be able to provide businesses with the flexibility they need to keep costs down. In addition, housekeeping managers who are able to manage a team of freelancers will be in a better position to compete for business.

More Focus on Sustainability

As sustainability becomes a bigger focus in the world, businesses are beginning to look for ways to reduce their environmental impact. This is leading to an increased demand for housekeeping managers who have expertise in sustainable cleaning practices.

Housekeeping managers who are able to utilize sustainable cleaning methods will be in high demand, as they will be able to help businesses reduce their carbon footprint while still maintaining a clean and safe workplace.

Greater Attention to Employee Engagement

Employee engagement has become a top priority for many businesses in recent years. This is because research has shown that engaged employees are more productive and loyal, which leads to greater profitability for the company.

Housekeeping managers can capitalize on this trend by focusing on creating a positive work environment where employees feel valued and appreciated. This can be done by providing feedback, offering rewards, and giving praise when it is deserved.

How to Become a Housekeeping Manager

A career as a housekeeping manager can be rewarding and fulfilling. It’s important to consider the requirements of the job before applying. Most companies require that candidates have at least 2 years of experience in housekeeping, cleaning, or hospitality. They also want managers who are able to lead teams, communicate effectively, and work well under pressure.

If you meet these qualifications, it’s time to start looking for jobs. You can find openings on sites like Indeed and Monster.com. Additionally, you can network with other housekeeping managers to learn about new opportunities.

Advancement Prospects

There are several ways to advance in the field of housekeeping. One of the best is to get further education, which will enable you to apply for management positions that are not otherwise open to you. For example, a housekeeper with only a high school diploma may wish to obtain an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in hotel management.

Another way to advance in this field is to gain experience. An experienced housekeeper might ultimately become a housekeeping manager, for example. And a housekeeping manager with a lot of experience might eventually become a director of housekeeping.

Finally, you can also advance in this field by getting certified. The Association of Residential Cleaning Services International offers a Certified Residential Housekeeping Professional credential. To earn this credential, you must have at least two years of experience in the field of housekeeping and pass an exam.

Housekeeping Manager Job Description Example

At [CompanyX], we believe that first impressions are everything. That’s why we’re looking for an experienced and detail-oriented housekeeping manager to lead our team of housekeepers. The ideal candidate will have experience managing a housekeeping staff in a hotel or similar setting, and will have a strong understanding of cleaning procedures and protocols. They will be responsible for ensuring that all areas of the hotel are clean and well-maintained, and will be expected to lead by example by pitching in and helping with cleaning tasks when necessary. They will also be responsible for managing inventory and ordering supplies, as well as training and supervising staff.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Schedule and assign work to housekeeping staff, ensuring adequate coverage of all areas at all times
• Inspect guest rooms, public areas, and back-of-the-house areas regularly to ensure they meet established standards of cleanliness and orderliness
• Investigate complaints regarding housekeeping service and equipment, taking any necessary corrective action
• Ensure that lost and found items are properly logged, stored, and returned to guests in a timely manner
• Maintain inventory of cleaning supplies and linens, ordering new supplies as needed
• Train new housekeeping staff members on proper cleaning techniques, safety procedures, and use of equipment
• Prepare work schedules and post them in designated areas
• Monitor timekeeping and attendance records for housekeeping staff, approving time off requests in accordance with company policy
• Conduct performance reviews for housekeeping staff members on a regular basis
• Handle employee discipline issues in accordance with company policy
• Participate in the interviewing and hiring of new housekeeping staff members
• Plan and oversee special projects as needed, such as deep cleaning or event preparation

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Proven experience as a housekeeping manager or supervisor in a hotel, resort, or similar setting
• Excellent communication and people skills
• Outstanding organizational and leadership abilities
• Up-to-date with latest housekeeping trends and best practices
• Thorough knowledge of cleaning chemicals and supplies
• High school diploma or equivalent; bachelor’s degree preferred

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a luxury hotel or resort
• Formal training in housekeeping management
• Certification from an industry association, such as the International Executive Housekeepers Association
• Proficiency in a second language