Director of Housekeeping Career Guide

What is a director of housekeeping?

A director of housekeeping is a key leader in places like hotels and resorts. Their main job is to make sure the place is clean and comfy for guests. This role is super important because how clean and nice the place looks affects what guests think of it and whether they come back.

These directors do more than just manage a cleaning team. They make sure the team focuses on giving great service and paying attention to the little things that make guests feel good. How well they do their job shows in the cleanliness and upkeep of the place.

Duties and responsibilities

• Managing the cleaning team: They set schedules, check cleaning methods, and make sure everything is spotless.
• Budgeting and supplies: They handle money matters, like keeping track of costs and making sure they have all the cleaning stuff they need without wasting.
• Checking the property: They regularly look over rooms and public areas to make sure everything looks perfect.
• Keeping up with trends: They always learn about the latest and best ways to clean and teach these methods to their team.
• Hiring and training: They find and train new team members to keep their team strong and skilled.

Work environment

The director of housekeeping splits their time between an office and moving around the property. They spend lots of time planning and handling paperwork but also get hands-on, checking on their team and making sure guests are happy. Sometimes, the job can get pretty stressful, and hours can be long and at odd times, especially when the hotel is really busy.

Typical work hours

Directors usually work full-time, but because hotels are always open, they might have to work nights or weekends sometimes. They need to be okay with having a flexible schedule. Even though it can be a tough job, making sure guests have a great stay feels pretty rewarding.

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How to become a director of housekeeping

Becoming a director of housekeeping requires a mix of schooling, hands-on experience, and skills in managing people. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get there:

Step 1: Finish high school

Start with a high school diploma. Focus on classes like hospitality, business, and people management. This gives you the basic knowledge you need.

Step 2: Work in housekeeping

Get into housekeeping jobs first. You could start as a cleaning staff member, a supervisor, or even a manager. The more you work, the better you’ll understand what this job demands.

Step 3: Study more

Consider getting a college degree in hotel or hospitality management. This helps you learn more about managing a hotel, including the cleaning part.

Step 4: Learn to lead

To be a director, you need to know how to lead people. Try to get roles like shift leader or manager in housekeeping. These jobs teach you how to manage a team.

Step 5: Get certified

While it’s not always required, a certification can help you stand out. The Certified Hospitality Housekeeping Executive (CHHE) is a popular one. It shows you know your stuff.

Step 6: Apply for director jobs

With the right education and experience, start applying for director positions. Make your resume and cover letter strong by showing off your leadership skills and past job successes.

Step 7: Nail the interview

The last step is the job interview. Be ready to talk about how you’ve managed teams and handled tough situations before. Show them why you’re the right person to keep their hotel clean and their guests happy.

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How much do housekeeping directors make?

Compensation for housekeeping directors varies by experience, industry, education, location, and organization size. The level of luxury and scale of the establishment and the team’s size can significantly impact their salary range.

Highest paying industries

• Traveler Accommodation: $65,800
• Local Government: $63,500
• Management of Companies and Enterprises: $62,200
• Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities: $61,750
• Employment Services: $60,540

Browse director of housekeeping salary data by market

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Types of housekeeping directors

Housekeeping directors can specialize in different settings, each with its own challenges and requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the common types:

Hotel director of housekeeping

These guys make sure hotels are super clean and comfy for guests. They manage big teams, deal with guest comments, and keep an eye on the budget for housekeeping.

Hospital director of housekeeping

In hospitals, these directors are super important because they keep the place sterile and clean, which helps patients get better and stops germs from spreading. They manage lots of staff to maintain high cleanliness standards.

Corporate office director of housekeeping

These directors focus on keeping office spaces neat and clean, which helps everyone work better. They work with different office teams to keep up the cleanliness and handle stuff like buying cleaning supplies.

Residential director of housekeeping

These directors manage the cleanliness of places like homes, condos, and communities. They work with property managers, handle cleaning teams, set schedules, and make sure all cleaning activities meet community standards.

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Top skills for directors of housekeeping

Being a director of housekeeping isn’t just about keeping things clean; it’s also about managing people and processes. Here are some of the key skills these directors need:

Attention to detail

Directors need to notice even the tiniest issues in cleanliness to keep up high standards. It’s all about spotting what’s out of place or what’s not being done right.

Strong people management

These directors lead large teams, so they need to be great at managing people. This includes motivating the team, giving out tasks, solving conflicts, and making good choices about hiring and firing.

Excellent communication

They must be clear and direct when talking to their team, other department heads, and sometimes guests. Good communication helps make sure everyone understands what needs to be done and how to do it.

Knowledge of cleaning methods and equipment

Directors should know the best ways to clean and the right tools for the job. Staying updated on new cleaning technologies can also make the cleaning process better and faster.

Budgeting skills

They have to handle the money wisely, making sure they don’t spend too much but still have what they need. Keeping track of supplies is also key to avoid running out and disrupting the cleaning schedule.

Problem-solving abilities

Problems can pop up any time, from staff issues to broken equipment. Directors need to think on their feet, figure out what’s wrong, and find a way to fix it quickly.

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Director of housekeeping career path

Housekeeping directors have several opportunities to climb the career ladder with the right experience and skills. Here’s how they can move up:

Facilities manager

After proving their leadership abilities, many directors advance to become facilities managers. This role involves overseeing all aspects of a building’s maintenance, not just cleaning. It requires working closely with a team and making more strategic decisions.

General manager at a larger hotel or resort

They can also aim to manage a larger hotel or resort. As general managers, they oversee all departments, balancing everything from budgets to guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Regional or executive director

In big organizations, ambitious directors can become regional or executive directors. These positions involve overseeing multiple locations or even national operations. They require strategic planning, a deep understanding of operations, and often involve managing finances.

Consultant or industry supplier

Another path is becoming a consultant or working with companies that supply housekeeping products or equipment. This role makes use of their industry knowledge and experience to help other businesses improve their operations.

Academic or trainer

Some directors choose to share their knowledge by teaching or training future housekeeping pros. This can be through academic programs or professional training courses.

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Similar job titles

• Construction Manager
• Construction Project Manager
• Facilities Manager
• Hotel Manager
• HR Manager
• Office Manager
• Operations Manager
• Property Manager
• Store Manager
• Warehouse Manager

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Position trends and outlook for housekeeping directors

• Sustainability initiatives: More hotels and resorts are focusing on eco-friendly practices, such as recycling and using green products. This shift often falls under the responsibilities of the housekeeping director, adding a layer of environmental management to the job.
• Technology integration: The adoption of new tech is changing how housekeeping operates. From smart cleaning tools to software that schedules tasks and tracks inventory, these technologies are making operations more efficient and enhancing guest satisfaction.

Employment projections

The demand for lodging managers, which includes housekeeping directors, is expected to grow significantly. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this sector is projected to expand by 18% through 2031. The growth is driven by the continuous demand for travel and accommodation services. Those with a hospitality or hotel management degree are likely to have better job prospects.

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Director of housekeeping career tips

Understand the big picture

Knowing your organization’s goals is crucial. Whether you’re in a hotel, hospital, or residential setting, understanding the overall mission can guide your daily decisions, ensure resources are used efficiently, and align your team’s efforts with the broader objectives.

Adopt a hands-on approach

While management is key, being involved in your team’s tasks can greatly benefit your leadership. This hands-on involvement not only helps you understand the challenges your team faces but also earns their respect and demonstrates your commitment to their well-being.

Build a professional network

Networking is invaluable in the hospitality industry. It opens doors to new learning opportunities, partnerships, and career growth. Engage actively in industry forums, conferences, and seminars. Here are some excellent organizations:

• International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA)
• Professional Housekeeping Association of Australia (PHAA)
• Housekeeping Managers Association of Singapore (HMAS)

Implement a robust training program

Ensure your team is well-trained and knowledgeable. A strong training program is essential for maintaining high performance and can be a key differentiator in the quality of service provided.

Prioritize safety

Safety is paramount. Confirming that all safety protocols are followed not only protects your team but also prevents costly incidents. Regular audits, ongoing training, and clear communication about safety are crucial.

Invest in continuous learning

The housekeeping and hospitality fields are constantly evolving. Stay ahead by continuously updating your knowledge through courses, certifications, and industry publications. Consider obtaining certifications like:

• Certified Executive Housekeeper (CEH) – International Executive Housekeepers Association
• Certificate IV in Cleaning Management – Professional Housekeeping Association of Australia
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certification

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FAQs