Lead Custodian - Educational Institutions

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Custodian to oversee daily cleaning and maintenance across school facilities in Bloemfontein. You will supervise a custodial team, manage supplies, and ensure a safe, hygienic environment for students and staff.

The role requires 3+ years in supervisory cleaning, knowledge of health and safety regulations, and strong leadership to train staff, schedule tasks, and uphold high standards during term time and school holidays.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years in a supervisory or lead custodial role.
• Knowledge of cleaning chemicals, equipment and best practices.
• Understanding of health and safety regulations for educational facilities.
• Strong leadership, organization and time management.
• Ability to train and motivate a team.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to safety.
• Physical ability to perform manual tasks and operate cleaning machinery.
• Proficiency in English.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and direct the daily custodial team activities and performance.
• Develop cleaning schedules to maintain high facility standards.
• Perform cleaning tasks including dusting, vacuuming, mopping and sanitizing.
• Manage inventory of supplies, equipment and toiletries.
• Inspect facilities for maintenance needs and safety hazards.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations.
• Train new staff on procedures and safety protocols.
• Respond to emergency cleaning needs and spills.
• Maintain positive relationships with school administration and staff.

Skills

Leadership

Team supervision

Cleaning best practices

English proficiency

Tools

Cleaning equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a respected educational trust managing several institutions in Bloemfontein, Free State , is seeking an experienced and diligent Lead Custodian. This role is responsible for overseeing the daily cleaning and maintenance operations across school facilities, ensuring a safe, hygienic, and welcoming environment for students, staff, and visitors. The Lead Custodian will supervise a team of cleaning staff, manage supplies, and perform specialized cleaning tasks. This position requires strong leadership skills, a thorough understanding of cleaning best practices, and a commitment to upholding high standards of facility upkeep in an educational setting. If you have a proven track record in custodial management within the Bloemfontein area, we encourage you to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and direct the daily activities of the custodial team, including assigning tasks, monitoring performance, and providing guidance.
• Develop and implement effective cleaning schedules and routines to ensure all areas of the educational facilities are maintained to high standards.
• Perform a variety of cleaning duties, including dusting, vacuuming, mopping, scrubbing floors, cleaning restrooms, and sanitizing high-touch surfaces.
• Manage inventory of cleaning supplies, equipment, and toiletries, ensuring adequate stock levels and proper storage.
• Conduct regular inspections of facilities to identify maintenance needs, safety hazards, and areas requiring attention.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations, including the proper use of chemicals and equipment.
• Train new custodial staff on cleaning procedures, safety protocols, and the use of equipment.
• Respond promptly to emergency cleaning needs and spills.
• Maintain positive working relationships with school administration, staff, and students.

Requirements

• Proven experience in a custodial or janitorial role, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or lead capacity.
• Demonstrable knowledge of cleaning chemicals, equipment, and best practices for various surfaces and environments.
• Understanding of health and safety regulations pertinent to cleaning services, particularly in educational institutions.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to effectively train and motivate a team.
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining a clean and safe environment.
• Physical ability to perform manual tasks, including standing, bending, lifting, and operating cleaning machinery.
• Proficiency in English.
• Reliability and a strong work ethic are essential for this role in Bloemfontein .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive annual salary and a stable employment position within the public education sector. Benefits include comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions. You will have access to ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance your skills and career progression within the trust. The role provides a consistent work schedule, generally aligning with school terms, and opportunities for overtime during school holidays or special events. Join an organization dedicated to providing a conducive and safe learning environment for the community in Bloemfontein .