Senior Supervisor, Housekeeping

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Positional Summary

Perform supervisory duties in the care, cleaning, and general housekeeping of several buildings, residence areas, or sections of large buildings of Duke University; hire and train new employees; conduct first step grievance hearings.

Key Position Duties

Staff Supervision and Development- % of Effort

• Provide leadership and direct supervision to housekeeping staff, ensuring high-quality cleanliness and sanitation standards throughout the facility.
• Establish and maintain housekeeping schedules and assign employees to areas for various housekeeping duties; conduct comprehensive inspections to check the completion of work assignments.

• Ensure that assignments are appropriately staffed and that employees have adequate supplies and equipment for the completion of tasks.
• Conduct regular meetings to communicate goals, expectations, organizational updates and general housekeeping procedures with personnel of the assigned area; recommend and implement procedure changes.
• Perform various personnel functions including, but not limited to, hiring, terminations, promotions, transfers, and vacation schedules; conduct first-step grievance hearings.
• Address performance issues promptly and professionally through coaching, counseling, or corrective actions.

• Monitor and ensure the training of new housekeeping employees on cleaning protocols, safety standards, and proper use of cleaning equipment.
• Identify skill gaps and provide continuous training opportunities to enhance staff performance.

• Monitor and evaluate staff performance, providing constructive feedback and recognition for exceptional work, in line with organizational policies.

Housekeeping Leadership 5%

• Maintain records and submit reports concerning personnel, equipment, supplies, expenses, and general housekeeping activities.
• Ensure adherence to workplace policies, health regulations, and environmental safety standards.
• Develop and enforce procedures for cleaning and maintaining all areas, including restrooms, dorms, and common areas.
• Work closely with other departments to coordinate cleaning schedules and address specific needs or complaints.

• Foster a positive team environment by promoting open communication and teamwork.

Problem Solving and Decision Making 10%

• Take necessary action to correct any mechanical, structural, or electrical condition needing repair or replacement.
• Respond to unexpected situations (e.g., staffing shortages, facility emergencies) by reallocating resources efficiently.
• Implement solutions to improve workflow, enhance efficiency, and maintain quality standards.

Resource Management 10%

• Oversee inventory of cleaning supplies and equipment, ensuring availability and proper usage.
• Recommend procurement of new tools or supplies to meet operational needs.

Other- 5% of Effort

• Perform related duties as assigned or required to meet departmental, Division, and University goals and objectives as assigned by their Supervisor, Director, or respective designees.

This job description intends to provide a representative outline of the type of responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as all-encompassing or as a declaration of all specific duties and responsibilities of this position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Strongly Preferred Experiences:

Leadership in Housekeeping Operations

• Proven experience supervising housekeeping staff in a healthcare, educational, or hospitality environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams and foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, and excellence.

Training and Staff Development

• Experience in onboarding, training, and mentoring housekeeping employees to ensure adherence to cleaning standards and safety protocols.
• Familiarity with creating and implementing training programs to improve team performance and address skill gaps.

Preferred Skills and Competencies:

Leadership and Team Management

• Strong ability to lead, supervise, and motivate diverse teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective delegation and ability to manage multiple priorities, ensuring timely and high-quality results.
• Experience in fostering teamwork and maintaining a positive, professional workplace culture.

Knowledge of Cleaning Standards and Protocols

• In-depth understanding of housekeeping best practices, cleaning techniques, and sanitation standards, particularly in healthcare or academic settings.

Training and Development

• Proven ability to train, mentor, and develop staff to meet organizational standards and improve team performance.
• Skill in identifying staff development needs and implementing practical solutions to address them.

Operational and Problem-Solving Skills

• Strong organizational and time-management skills, focusing on attention to detail and efficiency.
• Ability to analyze challenges, troubleshoot issues, and develop practical solutions for operational success.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with staff, leadership, and other departments.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships, resolve conflicts, and ensure high levels of staff engagement and satisfaction.

Administrative Competencies

• Proficiency in maintaining records, managing schedules, and overseeing supply inventory and budgets.
• Knowledge of using facility management software and tools to streamline housekeeping operations.

Compliance and Safety Awareness

• Familiarity with regulatory requirements, including OSHA standards, infection control protocols, and safety guidelines.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe and compliant work environment for all team members.

Commitment to Excellence

• Demonstrated dedication to delivering exceptional service and maintaining high cleanliness standards across all facilities.
• Ability to adapt to evolving needs and implement strategies for continuous improvement.

Physical Demands

Physical demands associated with this position include, but may not be limited to:

• Walk, stand, and move throughout the facility for extended periods during shifts.
• Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching to inspect areas or assist with cleaning tasks when necessary.

• Visually to inspect cleanliness, identify issues, and read labels or documentation.
• Ability to effectively hear and respond to team members, alarms, and operational alerts.

Must be able to complete all positional requirements outlined above with or without reasonable accommodations. For more information, please visit https://hr.duke.edu/policies/ada/

Anticipated Pay Range:

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $ 20.20 to USD $32.31. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as w ell as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck.  Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or menta l abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reason able accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Work requires the ability to provide instructions and maintain records, generally acquired through a partial high school education.

Experience

Work requires four years of cleaning or related experience necessary to obtain knowledge of scope of housekeeping unit operations, or four years of supervisory experience to become familiar with accepted supervisory and personnel practices and standards.  OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essentialjob functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.