Housekeeping Manager

The Hotel

Step inside a legendary revival at The Watergate Hotel, a luxurious urban resort located along the banks of the Potomac River. Here modern design blends with a storied past to redefine luxury. A place where travel and business are occasions worth celebrating, attention to every detail is the standard, and intrigue can be found just beyond every curve.

Location

The Watergate Hotel is centrally located in Washington, D.C., a city of political power, prestige, and elegance is culturally rich with theaters, museums, architectural splendors and unforgettable national memorials. The Watergate Hotel is situated within walking distance of the best the city has to offer.

Strategic Intent

Provides supervision and direction for all Housekeeping activities of the hotel to ensure the highest levels of cleanliness and guest satisfaction are maintained.

Organizational Structure

REPORTS TO: Director of Housekeeping

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Interview, hire, train, recommend performance evaluations, resolve problems, provide open communication and recommend discipline and/or termination when appropriate.
• Provide clear direction in assigning and instructing housekeeping and laundry staff in details of work.
• Plan, organize, and monitor staff activities to ensure compliance with quality assurance standards set by hotel, which requires continuous visual inspection of guest rooms and public space areas including restaurants, lounges, meeting rooms, etc.
• Manage finances of housekeeping and laundry operations including budget and inventory controls. Analyze data and compile reports on expenditures, wages, labor, supplies etc. in relation to hotel financial forecasts and budget.
• Establish and maintain adequate supplies for efficient operation of department.
• Distribute and delegate work load to guarantee maximum production and guest satisfaction with minimum outlay of expenses in terms of labor and materials.
• Monitor house count and make staffing adjustments accordingly.
• Ensure proper usage of chemicals and cleaning supplies by monitoring usage, providing complete training for employees and ensuring proper labeling of hazardous supplies in accordance with hotel hazard communication program.
• Plan and conduct staff meetings. Attend various other related meetings to obtain and disseminate pertinent information.
• Evaluate condition of furniture, fixtures, decor, etc. Make recommendations and assist in the coordination of rehab projects.
• Communicate both verbally and in writing to provide clear direction to staff.
• Comply with attendance rules and be available to work on a regular basis.
• Perform any other job related duties as assigned.

Experience and Requirements

Successful candidates will possess the following skills and expertise:

• 5+ years direct, related experience in similar position for a luxury hotel.
• Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management or related field is required.
• Prior experience in an opening hotel environment is required.
• Prior experience managing third party vendors is required.
• Must have direct, related experience managing and motivating a high performing team in a diverse and dynamic environment.
• Strong communication skills are mandatory with fluency in English required.
• Demonstrated superior attention to detail is required; must possess a strong commitment to achieving excellence in the luxury hotel environment.
• Prior experience designing, implementing and leading effective training programs for continuous improvement.
• Must possess strong computer skills including MS Office, Opera, HotSOS, etc.
• Must be physically able to meet the demands of the position such as: lift/carry/push/pull 30+ lbs.; walk/stand for extended periods while on shift.
• Those with multi-lingual skills are preferred (Spanish, in particular, will be favored).
• Flexible work hours to meet the demands of a 24 hour operation.

Must have the ability to communicate in English. Self-starting personality with an even disposition. Maintain a professional appearance and manner at all times. Can communicate well with guests. Must be willing to "pitch-in" and help co- workers with their job duties and be a team player. Knowledge of basic sanitation requirements/controls and applications of relevant chemicals. Knowledge of policies applicable to housekeeping, especially those relating to safety and security of guest and hotel property. Basic mathematical skills to prepare moderately complex calculations for financial reporting. Supervisory skills to manage entire housekeeping operation. Ability to deal effectively with employees, vendors, contractors. Ability to coordinate and cooperate with other departments regarding housekeeping services/activities. Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach and move continuously to inspect rooms on all floors of the hotel. Ability to access and accurately input information using a moderately complex computer system.