WHAT DOES A HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR DO?

Published: Jul 9, 2025 - The Housekeeping Supervisor coordinates with other department supervisors and communicates with management to ensure smooth operations and high guest satisfaction. This role involves overseeing housekeeping staff performance, maintaining cleanliness and facility standards, and enforcing uniform, hygiene, safety, and security protocols. The supervisor also oversees cross-departmental communication, room inspections, and staff support across hotel functions as directed by the Executive Housekeeper.

A Review of Professional Skills and Functions for Housekeeping Supervisor

1. Housekeeping Supervisor Role Purpose

  • Guest Experience: Ensure that every effort is made to create a great experience for every guest
  • Team Leadership: Effectively lead, teach, and continually train the team
  • Customer Service: Effectively deal with internal and external customers with the highest level of professionalism
  • Policy Compliance: Follow and enforce hotel policies and procedures
  • Complaint Resolution: Manage and resolve all guest complaints in a timely, professional, and courteous manner
  • Training and Development: Train and lead the team to achieve the highest guest satisfaction
  • Operations Management: Attend to the daily operational requirements of the Housekeeping department, including pre-shifts and team meetings
  • Task Monitoring: Initiate and monitor shift checklists for proper completion of tasks
  • Guest Services: Respond to all guest needs and requests on time
  • Professionalism: Maintain a high level of professional appearance and demeanor of the staff
  • Work Culture: Create a courteous, friendly, professional, and training-focused work environment
  • Quality Inspection: Inspect all rooms and public areas

2. Housekeeping Supervisor Essential Functions

  • Team Supervision: Supervises and participates in the activities of the room boys engaged in cleaning and arranging guestrooms.
  • Standards Enforcement: Assigns room boys to (after having cleaned) for conformance to prescribed standards of cleanliness and maintenance.
  • Guest Relations: Attends to complaints and requests regarding guest rooms and services and immediately takes corrective actions, with the help of the Head Housekeeper.
  • Room Inspection: Examines rooms to determine the need for repairs, and makes appropriate recommendations to superiors, i.e., Executive Housekeeper.
  • Inventory Control: Sees to the adequate storage of supplies inventory in assigned floors to safeguard against shortage or loss.
  • Linen Management: Conducts inventory of linen in guestrooms and assists the Laundry Supervisor in the Food and Beverage inventory of table linen.
  • Reporting: Prepares floor report, completes the floor inspection report, and accomplishes requisitions from stores.
  • Area Inspection: Checks all floor corridors, service areas, and public areas, including the linen closet, storage room of cleaning equipment, and pantries.
  • Facility Check: Checks the offices and the swimming pool.
  • Grooming Standards: Checks room boys' proper grooming attire, nameplates, and inspects room boys’ cart, i.e., service trolley, for completeness of supplies needed for the day’s work.
  • Supplies Distribution: Checks all receiving of store items and distributes them between the morning and night staff as per their requirements.
  • Staff Motivation: Motivates room boys in providing the basis of sound management-employee relations, and in building and maintaining high employee morale.

3. Housekeeping Supervisor Additional Details

  • Staff Scheduling: Determine staffing required and schedule part-time housekeepers and full-time housekeeping employees, and arrange for additional staffing.
  • Team Leadership: Lead and mentor housekeeping staff daily to ensure cleanliness standards and operational efficiencies are met or exceeded.
  • Supervision: Supervise the housekeeping staff.
  • Staff Support: Provide recognition, coaching, and encouragement.
  • Supply Management: Maintain all housekeeping supplies to ensure that sufficient quantities are maintained to prevent shortages while operating within budget.
  • Cost Efficiency: Seek opportunities to reduce expenses and increase the efficiency of staff and the department.
  • Procurement Planning: Determine new or replacement equipment and linens needed and consult with the manager before ordering.
  • Task Coordination: Coordinate the work of the Housekeeping staff and conduct daily stand-up meetings.
  • Team Communication: Proactively communicate with the Operations Team.

4. Housekeeping Supervisor Roles

  • Guest Satisfaction: Creates 100% guest satisfaction by providing genuine hospitality and exceeding guest expectations.
  • Service Communication: Communicates and demonstrates quality service to other employees.
  • Teamwork: Gives personal attention, takes personal responsibility, and uses teamwork when providing guest service.
  • Problem Resolution: Listens, apologizes with empathy, finds a solution, and follows through when resolving guest problems.
  • Guest Assurance: Assumes the responsibility to notice when the guest is not satisfied and uses their best judgment as to when it is appropriate to use the 100% Guest Satisfaction Guarantee.
  • Information Sharing: Provides employees with the information needed to perform their jobs effectively.
  • Employee Orientation: Orients employees to the department and hotel, and provides on-the-job training on job responsibilities.
  • Work Assignment: Prioritizes and assigns work.
  • Performance Feedback: Provides feedback to the employee and department manager on the employee's performance of job responsibilities.
  • Staff Supervision: Supervises Room Attendants in the cleaning of guest rooms.
  • Room Inspection: Verifies that all rooms have been cleaned by reviewing the list of rooms cleaned by each room attendant daily.
  • Urgent Task Handling: Supervises the completion of short-notice requests for rooms.
  • Maintenance Request: Prepares requests for replacement of furniture, fixtures, etc., and follows up to ensure completion of the request.

5. Housekeeping Supervisor Tasks

  • Personnel Supervision: Assist with the supervision of all personnel in the Housekeeping and Laundry Departments.
  • Cleanliness and Safety: Maintain a high level of cleanliness and safety throughout the Facility.
  • Work Scheduling: Plan/coordinate work schedules and assign staff to established work areas and duties.
  • Supply Management: Order all necessary supplies and ensure that maintenance inventory is fully stocked.
  • Employee Motivation: Provide individual guidance and motivation to employees.
  • Equipment Assignment: Assign equipment to staff, and monitor daily equipment use, cleaning, and maintenance.
  • Equipment Maintenance: Ensure that all equipment is clean and in working condition at all times.
  • Staffing Management: Ensure staffing levels are sufficient to properly meet par levels.
  • Attendance Tracking: Be in charge of tracking attendance.

6. Housekeeping Supervisor Details and Accountabilities

  • Team Communication: Communicate with the Front Desk and Maintenance Teams to ensure the property is maintained and that guest rooms allow for maximum profitability.
  • Work Environment: Maintain a positive and efficient work environment.
  • Recruitment and Training: Conduct interviews, training, and onboarding for housekeeping applicants/new hires.
  • Staff Supervision: Supervise housekeeping staff to maintain company policies, including attendance tracking, quality of work, attitude, and cooperation.
  • Inventory Management: Maintain the organization and inventory of housekeeping and guest supplies, including minibar - ordering, receiving, vendor relations, monthly inventory for supplies, and liquor.
  • Minibar Service: Read and restock minibars in guest rooms with accuracy, and communicate with the front desk to ensure charges are being posted to the proper guests on time.
  • Task Assignment: Assign housekeeping daily tasks, room statuses, out-of-order statuses, and working knowledge of PMS.
  • Maintenance Coordination: Assist in maintaining Deep Clean schedules and preventative maintenance programs.
  • Inspection and Standards: Conduct daily guest room and property inspections to ensure the overall cleanliness of the hotel meets/exceeds company standards.
  • Lost and Found Management: Maintain a log of lost and found items.

7. Housekeeping Supervisor Overview

  • Damage Reporting: Recognize and report all missing, damaged, or sub-standard fixtures and equipment.
  • Room Inspection: Inspect assigned guestrooms, and ensure all general cleaning, preparation for VIPs, early arrivals, and special cleaning requests are complete.
  • Item Verification: Ensure all items are in place in guestrooms.
  • Cleanliness Monitoring: Monitor and maintain perfect cleanliness in all guestrooms, public areas, and the heart of the house.
  • Project Execution: Complete any other projects as deemed appropriate by the Housekeeping Director.
  • Customer Satisfaction: Ensure customer satisfaction from arrival to departure in accordance with standards and procedures in the guest rooms and general areas, following The Dewberry, Charleston standards.
  • Guest Service: Promote and recognize opportunities to provide guest service above and beyond all expectations.
  • Guest Request Handling: Monitor the correct handling of all guest requests and guest room servicing needs.
  • Team Briefing: Conduct daily pre-shift meetings.
  • Employee Training: Assist Housekeeping Management in all employee motivational and training programs.
  • Work Area Training: Train employees in maintaining clean, organized, and properly stocked work areas and equipment.
  • Grooming Standards: Ensure that grooming standards are always followed.
  • Room Attendant Supervision: Train and monitor room attendants daily to ensure that standards of service and cleanliness are understood and followed.
  • Information Sharing: Communicate accurate information actively and on time to all colleagues.
  • Cleaning Assistance: Clean rooms or assist Room Attendants, Public Area Attendants, Turndown Attendants, and Housepersons.

8. Housekeeping Supervisor Job Description

  • Policy Compliance: Maintain complete knowledge of and comply with all departmental policies/service procedures/standards.
  • Hiring Support: Interview new applicants and assist the Director with the hiring process and onboarding process.
  • Equipment Knowledge: Maintain complete knowledge of the correct maintenance and use of equipment (use equipment only as intended).
  • Guest Responsiveness: Anticipate guests' needs, respond promptly, and acknowledge all guests, however busy and at whatever time of day.
  • Guest Relations: Maintain positive guest relations at all times.
  • Complaint Resolution: Resolve guest complaints, ensuring guest satisfaction.
  • Area Maintenance: Monitor and maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and organization of assigned work areas.
  • Room Status Verification: Verify room status on A.M. report, report discrepant rooms, prioritize, and update the status of check-out rooms.
  • Shift Supervision: Accompany staff to the floors at the start of their shift to ensure a quiet atmosphere is maintained.
  • Noise Control: Monitor noise levels throughout the day to prevent disturbances (loud talking, yelling, etc).
  • Attendance Monitoring: Ensure that assigned staff have reported to work, and document any late or absent employees.
  • Break Coordination: Coordinate breaks for assigned staff.

9. Housekeeping Supervisor Functions

  • Task Assignment: Prepare and distribute assignment sheets to assigned staff and review priorities.
  • Key Control: Ensure that staff maintain control of their master keys and that they are returned daily to the PBX operator (lost keys should be reported immediately to management).
  • Shift Updates: Communicate additions or changes to the assignment sheets as they arise throughout the shift.
  • Supply Inspection: Inspect supply levels of floor closets, and assign designated personnel to rectify any deficiencies.
  • Cart Inspection: Check the Room Attendant's carts for proper supplies, neatness, cleanliness, and mechanical problems.
  • Room Inspection: Inspect rooms cleaned by assigned Room Attendants, directly contact the Room Attendant, and relay any deficiencies to be corrected.
  • Vacant Room Check: Inspect vacant/clean rooms at the start of the day to ensure the room is still in proper condition for guest rental.
  • Service Standards Review: Inspect rooms being serviced to ensure that all service standards are being met in stayover guestrooms.
  • VIP Preparation: Prepare VIP guestrooms and showrooms following hotel standards.
  • Room Status Update: Update room status after approving cleanliness and condition following departmental standards.
  • Discrepant Room Check: Check vacant rooms, verify status, and update the status of discrepant rooms throughout the shift.
  • DND Verification: Check DND rooms and verify status.

10. Housekeeping Supervisor Accountabilities

  • DND Communication: Leave a voicemail message for service rooms that have displayed a DND tag throughout the day.
  • Area Inspection: Inspect public areas/bathrooms, pool area, offices, and service areas after being cleaned by Floor/Lobby Attendants, using designated checklists.
  • Deficiency Reporting: Directly contact the respective personnel and relay any deficiencies to be corrected.
  • Maintenance Request: Complete work orders for maintenance repairs and submit them to Engineering.
  • Urgent Repair Coordination: Contact Engineering via PBX for urgent repairs.
  • Staff Training: Conduct training of staff on demand.
  • Performance Feedback: Provide feedback on staff performance to the Director.
  • Disciplinary Reporting: Report disciplinary problems to the manager and participate in the counseling of employees.
  • Logbook Documentation: Document pertinent information in the department logbook.
  • Closing Duties: Complete all paperwork and closing duties before leaving.
  • Assignment Review: Review the status of assignments and any follow-up action with the Director and/or incoming supervisor.
  • Report Verification: Check P.M. reports for accuracy and completeness.
  • Night Count: Complete night counts following departmental standards.

11. Housekeeping Supervisor Job Summary

  • Service Standards: Consistently follow the I-Serve standards at all times.
  • Policy Compliance: Follow all company and department policies and procedures.
  • Workplace Safety: Attend safety meetings, keep the workplace in a safe condition, and work safely.
  • Attendance Punctuality: Adhere to the attendance policy and report to the workstation at the scheduled start time.
  • Service Improvement: Propose ideas or find ways to improve services, systems, and/or procedures.
  • Standard Implementation: Consistently develop, implement, and lead departmental service standards.
  • Professional Appearance: Maintain and model an outstanding personal appearance at all times, always in compliance with Welk Resorts' handbook policies.
  • Team Motivation: Motivate Team Members by maintaining a positive attitude and exemplifying the vision and mission of Welk Resorts.
  • Team Supervision: Provide direction, coordination, and evaluation of Housekeeping associates.
  • Operations Coverage: Ensure coverage of daily housekeeping operations for the resort.
  • Supply Inventory: Ensure adequate inventory levels of supplies for the Housekeeping team.

12. Housekeeping Supervisor Responsibilities

  • Supply Management: Oversee the stocking of supplies.
  • Team Meetings: Conduct daily/weekly departmental meetings.
  • Department Operations: Be accountable for the operations of the Housekeeping department to achieve the highest level of cleanliness and appearance, to keep guest satisfaction and experience ratings at or better.
  • Room Inspection: Perform inspections of guest rooms to ensure all standards are met or exceeded.
  • Public Area Inspection: Perform inspections of public areas across the resort to ensure all standards are met or exceeded.
  • Payroll Assistance: Assist with staff payroll.
  • Safety Compliance: Ensure all associates follow all safety policies.
  • Interdepartmental Relations: Maintain close professional relationships with all departments on the property.
  • Guest Issue Handling: Be the initial point of contact for guest issues and report maintenance issues immediately to assure guest satisfaction.
  • Event Communication: Inform staff appropriately of all group events and guests' special requests.
  • Staff Training: Train new associates and assist team members.

13. Housekeeping Supervisor Details

  • Staff Supervision: Supervise and oversee the daily activities of the housekeeping staff.
  • Labor Planning: Work with the Housekeeping Manager, determine labor needs and adjust staffing levels, prepare assignment sheets for Housekeepers, and determine duties for remaining staff.
  • Staff Communication: Hold staff meetings to communicate information and updates, and listen to staff concerns or comments.
  • Training and Evaluation: Train and evaluate staff following the Oxford Collection of hotels' standards.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Perform all tasks in compliance with federal, state, local, food safety, and sanitation requirements and Oxford Collection of hotels' safety standards and security procedures.
  • Emergency Response: Be knowledgeable about and able to respond to emergencies.
  • Maintenance Reporting: Report any maintenance repairs needed immediately to their supervisor or General Manager.
  • Quality Control: Ensure standards of quality control and regularly scheduled cleaning programs (i.e., floor care, deep cleaning, changing shower curtains, etc.) are maintained, select and provide proper equipment and supplies for the operation of the department.
  • DND Follow-up: Check rooms with “Do Not Disturb” multiple times during the day, appropriately placing the “We attempted to service your room” card.
  • Room Inspection: Inspect rooms for quality, perform hotel cleaning services, ensure service standards are being applied by all team members, and that supplies are properly stocked.
  • Facility Inspection: Conduct public area inspections as well as room inspections to evaluate the physical condition of the hotel, recommending repairs, painting, and furnishing upgrades.

14. Housekeeping Supervisor Duties

  • Team Supervision: Supervise work activities of the housekeeping team to ensure hotel rooms and public spaces meet established cleanliness standards.
  • Recruitment and Training: Assist with interviewing, selection, training, and development of team members.
  • Performance Management: Manage performance of direct reports through one-on-ones, coaching, performance conversations, and performance reviews.
  • Leadership Participation: Member of the Housekeeping Leadership Team, participating in team meetings.
  • Work Oversight: Provide work direction, supervise daily cleaning objectives, inspect work, and assist in the administration of housekeeping services.
  • Task Delegation: Give work direction to the housekeeping team in the cleaning of hotel rooms, hotel public areas, the Tower Boardroom, and the Spa.
  • Daily Assignment Planning: Prepare efficient daily assignments by reviewing special requests and areas of concentration and coordinating team members to complete the assignments.
  • Key Management: Manage guest room keys by assigning designated room keys to team members, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring the security of the keys.
  • Room Status Coordination: Manage guest room status by working with the Front Desk team to verify room status, report status discrepancies, and prioritize and update the status of check-out rooms.
  • Facility Inspection: Inspect guest rooms, hallways, service areas, and hotel public areas for cleanliness, damage, supply levels, temperature, and maintenance issues to ensure department standards are met.
  • Feedback and Recognition: Share results with the team by recognizing achievements and coaching where improvement is needed.
  • Standards Compliance: Ensure the housekeeping team meets or exceeds expectations in the categories of guest service, guest satisfaction, safety, sanitation, and compliance with policies, procedures, and department standards.

15. Housekeeping Supervisor General Responsibilities

  • Guest Request Follow-up: Follow up on guest requests to ensure guest satisfaction.
  • VIP Monitoring: Actively monitor VIP guest requests and ensure responses are timely and high quality.
  • Issue Reporting: Thoroughly and quickly report guest satisfaction issues to department leadership.
  • Inventory Inspection: Inspect supply inventory in storage areas and chemical closets to ensure compliance with predetermined levels and safety policies.
  • Equipment Knowledge: Maintain complete knowledge of the correct use and maintenance of equipment, reporting safety hazards or maintenance issues for proper handling.
  • Maintenance Coordination: Prepare maintenance work orders and ensure execution through daily follow-up.
  • Cleaning Support: Assist in cleaning guest rooms, hallways, service areas, hotel public areas, and large cleaning projects.
  • Floor Project Oversight: Oversee floor renovations, setups, and breakdowns.
  • Lost and Found Assistance: Assist with Lost and Found inquiries.
  • Biohazard Cleaning: Clean areas soiled by bloodborne pathogens or bacteria.
  • Equipment Operation: Operate heavy equipment (extractors, shampoo machines).

16. Housekeeping Supervisor Key Accountabilities

  • Room Hygiene Standards: Ensures that room cleaning services are hygienic and of the highest standard.
  • Staff Management: Be in charge of managing all floor staff.
  • Guest Comfort Oversight: Acts as the "Mistress of the house", ensuring that guests have a comfortable stay.
  • Guest Privacy: Respects guests' privacy while working.
  • Guest Behavior Awareness: Takes guests' behavior patterns into consideration, whether the stay is of standard length or long-term.
  • Complaint Handling: Handles any guest complaints that have not already been settled by team members.
  • Cleanliness and Security: Guarantees a high standard of cleanliness in hotel rooms at all times, the provision of room services (welcome gifts, etc.), and security on the premises.
  • Cleanliness Monitoring: Ensures that rooms and common areas are constantly kept clean and tidy.
  • Maintenance Supervision: Supervises hotel room maintenance with the Technical Department.
  • Third-Party Services: Ensures the high standard of any services provided by a third party (linen hire, cleaning, etc.).
  • Room Allocation Coordination: Coordinates room allocation with the front office Team management.
  • Staff Development: Helps employees improve their skills to the highest degree possible and provides support for career development.
  • Team Motivation: Maintains the team's involvement and motivation by taking individuals' needs into account.

17. Housekeeping Supervisor Roles and Details

  • Scheduling: Prepares the work schedule for the team in compliance with labor legislation.
  • Staff Conduct: Ensures the appropriate behavior and impeccable presentation of personnel under his/her responsibility.
  • Room Service: Ensures a high standard of room services for guests (welcome gifts, etc.).
  • Guest Info: Informs guests about the services on offer at the hotel.
  • Budget Control: Manages the department's spend on cleaning products and welcome gifts.
  • Energy Saving: Helps optimize energy costs.
  • Team Efficiency: Organises the department for optimum efficiency, ensuring headcount matches the workload.
  • Dashboard Tracking: Maintains and analyses dashboard charts (state of rooms, stocks of linen, welcome gifts, etc.) and implements action plans.
  • Hygiene and Safety: Respects and ensures the respect of standards regarding hygiene, cleanliness, and the safety of guests' property.
  • Safety Rules: Applies and ensures the application of the hotel's safety regulations.
  • Eco Commitment: Respects the hotel's commitments to the "Environment Charter" (saving energy, recycling, sorting waste, etc.).

18. Housekeeping Supervisor Responsibilities and Key Tasks

  • Housekeeping Supervision: Responsible for the supervision of all areas of housekeeping in a ‘hands-on’ capacity, ensuring a high standard is achieved and maintained.
  • Laundry and Supplies: Clean supplies, Uniforms Inc. Badges, and Linen.
  • COSHH Training: Organise COSHH training, including the maintenance of the COSHH register.
  • Staff Scheduling: Maintain standard staff rota, ensuring adequate staff cover at all times.
  • Staff Development: Be responsible for conducting performance and development reviews for the Housekeeping team, identifying all training needs, and implementing them.
  • Staff Recruitment: Work with the Support Services Manager and HR Administrator in the recruitment and selection of new staff.
  • Unit Cleaning: Undertake cleaning of the Unit, including service users’ areas and communal areas.
  • General Cleaning: Carry out general cleaning of premises, including floors, sinks, toilets, wash hand basins, baths, work showers, surfaces, cupboards, etc., using designated equipment and re-stocking materials.
  • Deep Cleaning: Undertake periodic cleaning duties, such as corridor walls, windows, and carpets, using the appropriate machines/tools.
  • Uniform Standards: Ensure a smart appearance by wearing the company uniform provided.
  • Customer Care: Ensure the department is aware and provides high levels of Customer Care at all times.

19. Housekeeping Supervisor Duties and Roles

  • Team Supervision: Supervise the Housekeeping and Linen service teams to provide open communication, training, coaching, counseling, and performance feedback to ensure we are consistently delighting guests at maximum efficiency.
  • Guest Prep: Complete unit updates and communicate with the guest service team to proactively meet arriving guests’ needs.
  • Room Inspection: Check units daily to ensure that the quality standards are being maintained by the Housekeepers.
  • Area Standards: Ensure that all guest areas, public areas, and back-of-the-house work areas meet the established standards to maximize guest satisfaction and revenue.
  • Team Hiring: Hire and onboard Housekeeping Team associates.
  • Inventory Control: Maintain a proper inventory of linen and supplies.
  • Schedule Creation: Create weekly schedules for the Housekeeping Team.
  • Schedule Adjustment: Monitor booking changes and make staffing/scheduling adjustments accordingly.
  • Work Orders: Write work orders and submit them to Maintenance.
  • Guest Support: Assist the team to ensure optimum service to guests.

20. Housekeeping Supervisor Roles and Responsibilities

  • Interdepartmental Liaison: Liaises with the other department Supervisors for necessary details, follows up, and communicates with Management for any assistance or need.
  • Cross-Area Support: Assists in any other areas of the hotel, as instructed by the Executive Housekeeper.
  • Facility Knowledge: Ensures Housekeeping personnel are familiar with in-house facilities for the purpose of assisting guests.
  • Guest Satisfaction: Ensures maximum guest satisfaction.
  • Service Monitoring: Monitors Housekeeping personnel to ensure guests receive prompt and courteous service.
  • Room Status Communication: Informs other operating departments of Housekeeping matters that concern them, notably the Front Office, to ensure accurate room status, in addition to communicating with Engineering and the Laundry.
  • Employee Relations: Establishes and maintains effective employee relations.
  • Inspection and Maintenance: Inspects guestrooms and all Housekeeping areas regularly to ensure furnishing, facilities, and equipment are clean and in good repair, well-maintained.
  • Uniform and Hygiene: Maintains appropriate standards of uniform, hygiene, appearance, and sound discipline.
  • Procedure Control: Controls Housekeeping procedures, including lost and found, key control, security, and emergency procedures, health, and safety.
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