Cleaning Team Leader

Backpackerboard; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Haven Stays QT in Queenstown is seeking a Cleaning Team Leader to run a small team of cleaners across premium Airbnb properties. This hands-on role requires you to be on the tools most shifts, keeping turnaround windows tight and properties guest-ready.

You will also perform quality checks, final inspections, and report to the Operations Manager, ensuring high standards while guiding and mentoring the team, with weekend availability and a long-term commitment preferred.

Qualifications

• Proven cleaning experience in short-term rentals, hotels or high-end residential homes, ideally with experience leading or supervising a team
• Exceptional attention to detail – you catch what others miss, and you hold your team to the same standard
• Reliability, ownership and accountability; the team and the Operations Manager need to know they can count on you
• A confident, clear communicator, comfortable giving direction and feedback
• Able to work independently, prioritise tasks, and manage time and people across multiple properties in a shift
• Good physical fitness and stamina
• A valid NZ work visa or residency
• Based in Queenstown, and able to commit for at least six months – ideally we're looking for someone who wants to grow and stay with us longer term
• Availability to work weekends – this is essential, as most turnovers happen around check‑in / check‑out days
• A full, valid driver's licence, as you'll travel between properties
• A good level of spoken and written English, for communicating with the team, reporting to management, following property‑specific instructions and covering guest messaging

Responsibilities

• Lead, coordinate and motivate a small team of cleaners through daily property turnovers
• Keep the team to time, making sure turnaround windows are met and every property is ready before guests arrive
• Clean alongside your team on every shift - this makes up the majority of the role
• Allocate properties and tasks efficiently, adapting as bookings and schedules change
• Carry out quality checks and final inspections to our five-star presentation standard
• Train, support and mentor team members, upholding consistent standards across the team
• Flag maintenance issues, damage or missing items promptly and accurately
• Manage supplies and stock levels across properties, and report shortages
• Pitch in on linen and laundry runs, restocking, and the occasional extra task
• Provide cover for guest messaging from time to time, responding to guest queries and requests when needed
• Report regularly to the Operations Manager on team performance, property status and any issues arising

Skills

Cleaning leadership

Attention to detail

Communication

Time management

Reliability

Job description

CLEANING TEAM LEADER
Haven Stays - Upmarket Airbnb Property Management, Queenstown
Full-time | 30+ hours per week | $30 per hour

ABOUT US

Haven Stays is a Queenstown-based property management and cleaning company looking after a portfolio of premium short-term rental homes. Our reputation is built on presenting immaculate, guest-ready properties every single time, and we're looking for an experienced, hands‑on Team Leader to drive that standard across our cleaning team.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As Cleaning Team Leader, you'll lead a small team of cleaners through the turnover of high-end Airbnb properties between guests - and you'll be cleaning right alongside them. This is a hands‑on role: you'll be on the tools for most of every shift, working through properties with the team while keeping everyone to time and making sure each home is reset, styled and ready within its turnaround window.

On top of that, you'll carry out the quality checks and final inspections that sign a property off as guest‑ready before the next check‑in. You'll report directly to the Operations Manager.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Clean alongside your team on every shift - this makes up the majority of the role
• Lead, coordinate and motivate a small team of cleaners through daily property turnovers
• Keep the team to time, making sure turnaround windows are met and every property is ready before guests arrive
• Allocate properties and tasks efficiently, adapting as bookings and schedules change
• Carry out quality checks and final inspections to our five-star presentation standard
• Train, support and mentor team members, upholding consistent standards across the team
• Flag maintenance issues, damage or missing items promptly and accurately
• Manage supplies and stock levels across properties, and report shortages
• Pitch in on the odd extra task - linen and laundry runs, restocking, and the occasional job outside the usual turnover
• Provide cover for guest messaging from time to time, responding to guest queries and requests when needed
• Report regularly to the Operations Manager on team performance, property status and any issues arising

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Proven cleaning experience in short-term rentals, hotels or high-end residential homes, ideally with experience leading or supervising a team
• Exceptional attention to detail – you catch what others miss, and you hold your team to the same standard
• Reliability, ownership and accountability; the team and the Operations Manager need to know they can count on you
• A confident, clear communicator, comfortable giving direction and feedback
• Able to work independently, prioritise tasks, and manage time and people across multiple properties in a shift
• Good physical fitness and stamina
• A valid NZ work visa or residency (unfortunately we can't consider applicants without current NZ work rights)
• Based in Queenstown, and able to commit for at least six months – ideally we're looking for someone who wants to grow and stay with us longer term
• Availability to work weekends – this is essential, as most turnovers happen around check‑in / check‑out days
• A full, valid driver's licence, as you'll travel between properties
• A good level of spoken and written English, for communicating with the team, reporting to management, following property‑specific instructions and covering guest messaging

THE DETAILS

• 1 x full-time role, 30+ hours per week
• Shifts run 8:00am - 5:00pm
• $30 per hour
• Paid bi-weekly
• Hiring at the end of September - this role is not available for an immediate start, but expressions of interest are welcome now

WHY JOIN US

You'll be working with a close-knit, professional team that takes real pride in the properties we manage, and you'll be the one setting the tone for that standard. If you're a natural leader who takes satisfaction in a job done properly with your own hands, enjoys keeping a team on track, and wants steady hours in one of the most beautiful places to work in New Zealand, we'd love to hear from you.