Luxury Hotel Housekeeping Lead (Asst Director)

Ocean House Collection; Westerly (RI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job description

Scope of Position

The Assistant Director of Housekeeping will serve as the operational manager of the housekeeping department. In the absence of the Director of Housekeeping, the assistant will be responsible for supervising all housekeeping activities, including room cleaning, public space cleaning, laundry services, deep cleaning, renovations, FF&E maintenance and replacement, and guest requests. The role includes overseeing scheduling, payroll, inventory, and vendor management to ensure efficient and high‑quality operations.

Schedule Requirements

The operation runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including all holidays. The Assistant Director is expected to work extended shifts and additional days as business demands require, including weekends and holiday weekends. Working more than eight hours per day and more than five consecutive days may be necessary to fulfill job functions. Travel, which may include overnight stays, may also be required.

Key Responsibilities

• Motivate, train, supervise, and evaluate all housekeeping and laundry staff.
• Conduct pre‑shift meetings with managers and team members.
• Plan daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly assignments and projects for all Room Attendants, Guest Floor Attendants, Public Area Cleaners, Uniform/Laundry Attendants, and Office Coordinators.
• Perform administrative duties such as scheduling, payroll, linen and supply inventory, departmental training, special projects, purchase requests, and monthly consumption reports.
• Implement labor cost controls while maintaining adequate staffing for five‑star service.
• Manage vendors and contractors.
• Prepare and conduct housekeeping interviews, following company hiring procedures.
• Maintain the Safe & Sound program and lead the Forbes and hotel audits.
• Manage daily room turnover and assume director responsibilities during absences.
• Maintain compliance with IT, safety, and security procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Inspect all public areas, guestrooms, building exteriors, and back‑office spaces to ensure highest standards are met.
• Monitor deep‑cleaning program progress and assign tasks accordingly.
• Respond to guest questions, providing assistance, direction, and information.
• Conduct daily communication meetings with staff.
• Ensure guest and colleague privacy and security by correctly following company procedures.

Required Job Knowledge, Skills, Experience, and Education

• Strong knowledge of housekeeping operations, cleaning techniques, and industry standards.
• Excellent leadership and team‑management skills to motivate and supervise staff.
• Ability to train, mentor, and evaluate employees for optimal performance.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure cleanliness and quality standards are met.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for working with staff and guests.
• Proficiency in inventory management and supply ordering.
• Knowledge of health, safety, and sanitation regulations in a hotel environment.
• Ability to handle guest requests and resolve complaints professionally.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills to prioritize tasks efficiently.
• Experience with budgeting, cost control, and expense tracking.
• Proficiency in using housekeeping management software and hotel systems.
• Flexibility to work varying shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Maintain confidentiality of guest and employee information.
• Uphold company standards, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to remain calm and resolve problems using good judgment as interpreted by management.
• Work cohesively with co‑workers as part of a team.

Qualifications

• College degree or equivalent work experience.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills in English; ability to work with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse operation.
• Proficiency in Spanish is required.
• Preferred: Two‑year prior housekeeping management experience in a Forbes five‑star hotel.
• Required: Two‑year prior luxury hotel operations experience that can be demonstrated to be applicable to the duties listed in the job description.