What Does a Housekeeping Supervisor Do?

A housekeeping supervisor is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a hotel, motel, resort or other lodging establishment. They are in charge of managing all aspects of the cleaning staff and ensuring that they perform their duties in an efficient and timely manner.

Housekeeping supervisors may also be tasked with maintaining quality control standards within their organization. This might include making sure that all employees are properly trained on safety procedures, sanitization methods, etc.

Housekeeping Supervisor Job Duties

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

• Determining the number of employees needed to complete tasks within specific time frames
• Coordinating with other staff members to ensure that cleaning tasks are completed efficiently and effectively
• Training new employees on proper techniques for various cleaning tasks such as dusting and vacuuming
• Conducting periodic inspections of rooms to ensure that they are clean and orderly
• Evaluating the quality of work performed by staff members and providing feedback where necessary
• Ensuring that supplies are available for use by staff members in their work, such as soap, cleaning agents, and linens
• Directing employees in their work, providing feedback, and addressing problems as they arise
• Scheduling staff members’ work hours and communicating any changes to them
• Maintaining inventory of cleaning supplies and equipment and ordering replacements when needed

Housekeeping Supervisor Salary & Outlook

The salary of a housekeeping supervisor can vary depending on their level of experience, the size of the company they work for, and the location of the job.

• Median Annual Salary: $39,500 ($18.99/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $85,000 ($40.87/hour)

The employment of housekeeping supervisors 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 supervisors 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 supervisors in hotels and other lodging establishments.

Related: Housekeeping Supervisor Interview Questions and Answers

Housekeeping Supervisor Job Requirements

A housekeeping supervisor typically needs to have the following qualifications:

Education: A high school diploma or GED certificate is often a minimum requirement for housekeeping supervisors. Some employers may prefer an associate or bachelor’s degree in hospitality management or another related field. Courses in business, management, accounting and human resources can be helpful for a housekeeping supervisor.

Training & Experience: Housekeeping supervisors typically receive on-the-job training from their previous position. They may also receive additional training in the form of a short course or seminar. These courses are often offered by hotel management companies and can teach housekeeping supervisors how to manage a hotel or motel. They may also teach supervisors how to manage a team of housekeepers and how to handle common issues that may arise.

Certifications & Licenses: Although certifications are not typically required for a housekeeping supervisor role, they can be useful for candidates seeking a position in this field. Certifications allow candidates to show their skills and knowledge to potential employers.

Housekeeping Supervisor Skills

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

Leadership: Leadership is the ability to guide and motivate others. As a housekeeping supervisor, you may be responsible for overseeing a team of housekeeping staff. Leadership skills can help you to guide and direct your team to complete their work efficiently and effectively. Leadership can also help you to motivate your team to work hard and to be committed to their work.

Communication: Communication is another important skill for a housekeeping supervisor to have, as it allows them to convey information to their team members effectively. This can include both written and verbal communication, as a housekeeping supervisor may need to send emails to their team and also give them in-person updates. They may also need to give feedback to their team members on their work and provide them with instructions.

Problem-solving: As a supervisor, you may be tasked with resolving conflicts between team members or finding solutions to challenges that arise during the course of your team’s work. Your problem-solving skills can help you identify potential solutions and determine the best course of action. You can also use your problem-solving skills to help your team members find solutions to their challenges.

Organization: Organization is a crucial skill for a housekeeping supervisor to have, as it allows them to plan and execute their duties and responsibilities effectively. Being able to plan and organize your work schedule, staff and resources is a valuable skill for a housekeeping supervisor to have.

Time management: Time management is the ability to plan and execute tasks in a timely manner. As a housekeeping supervisor, you may be responsible for overseeing the cleaning of multiple rooms or buildings. Having strong time management skills can help you delegate tasks to your team members and ensure that all areas are cleaned in a timely manner.

Housekeeping Supervisor Work Environment

Housekeeping supervisors work in hotels, motels, resorts, and other commercial establishments. They typically work full time and may be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. Some housekeeping supervisors work in private homes. They may be required to work long hours, and their workdays may vary depending on the needs of their employer. Housekeeping supervisors typically work in clean, well-lit, and well-ventilated areas. However, they may be exposed to cleaning chemicals and to the noise of vacuum cleaners and other equipment.

Housekeeping Supervisor Trends

Here are three trends influencing how housekeeping supervisors work. Housekeeping supervisors 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 Senior Population

The senior population is growing at a rapid rate, which is leading to an increased demand for housekeeping services. As more and more seniors live alone, they need help with basic chores like cleaning and laundry.

Housekeeping supervisors can capitalize on this trend by developing specialized services for seniors. This may include providing assistance with medication management or helping to maintain a safe environment. In addition, housekeeping supervisors can work with local hospitals and nursing homes to develop long-term care plans that meet the needs of both the patient and the family.

More Focus on Employee Engagement

Employers are increasingly focusing on employee engagement as a way to improve productivity and reduce turnover. Housekeeping supervisors can utilize this trend by creating a workplace culture that promotes engagement among employees.

This can be done by offering benefits and perks that appeal to all types of employees, such as those with families, those who want to learn new skills, and those who want to be challenged. Additionally, housekeeping supervisors can create opportunities for employees to connect with each other outside of work, such as through social events or volunteer opportunities.

A Greater Emphasis on Green Cleaning Practices

Green cleaning practices are becoming increasingly popular in the business world, as companies are looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact.

As housekeeping supervisors, you can capitalize on this trend by learning about green cleaning products and techniques. You can then share your knowledge with your team members and encourage them to use green cleaning products whenever possible. In addition, you can also promote the use of reusable cleaning products, such as mops and sponges, to reduce waste.

How to Become a Housekeeping Supervisor

A career as a housekeeping supervisor can be rewarding and fulfilling. It’s important to consider the many factors that will influence your success in this role, including the size of the company you work for, its culture, and its geographic location.

You should also think about what skills and experience you have that will make you a good fit for this job. Do you have experience working in a hotel or other hospitality setting? Are you comfortable managing people and leading a team? Can you handle difficult situations calmly and professionally? If so, then you may be well-suited for a career as a housekeeping supervisor.

Advancement Prospects

There are many opportunities for advancement in the field of housekeeping. A housekeeping supervisor may advance to a position such as assistant manager, executive housekeeper, or general manager. In a large hotel, the housekeeping supervisor may advance to a position in the corporate office, such as director of housekeeping or director of engineering.

Many housekeeping supervisors start out as housekeepers or maids. Some may have previous experience in related fields, such as janitorial work, but it is not necessary. There are many opportunities for on-the-job training, and most hotels offer some type of training program for their housekeeping staff.

Housekeeping Supervisor Job Description Example

The Housekeeping Supervisor is responsible for the cleanliness and upkeep of all areas of the hotel. This includes guest rooms, public spaces, back of the house areas, and any other areas as assigned. The Housekeeping Supervisor will oversee the work of the housekeeping staff to ensure that all areas are clean and well-maintained. He or she will also be responsible for training new staff, scheduling shifts, and handling guest requests or concerns. The ideal candidate will have prior experience working in a hotel or similar environment, as well as supervisory experience. He or she must be able to work well under pressure and be able to handle a fast-paced environment.

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 to ensure they meet established standards of cleanliness
• Investigate complaints regarding housekeeping service and equipment, taking any necessary corrective action
• Assist in the development and implementation of housekeeping policies, procedures, and systems
• Monitor inventory levels of cleaning supplies and guest amenities, ordering new supplies as needed
• Train new housekeeping employees on proper cleaning techniques and safety procedures
• Prepare work schedules and coordinate the activities of housekeeping staff during shifts
• Evaluate the performance of individual staff members and provide feedback to improve productivity and quality of work
• Handle employee concerns and resolve conflict effectively and fairly
• Participate in the interviewing and hiring of new housekeeping staff
• Develop and implement plans for the cleaning of special events or functions
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Skills and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Proven experience as a housekeeping supervisor or similar role
• Working knowledge of cleaning chemicals and equipment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Outstanding organizational and leadership abilities
• Good physical stamina and strength
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends and holidays

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in hotel management or related field
• Previous experience working in a hotel or resort
• Certification from the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA)
• Bilingualism