Director of Housekeeping - The Langham, Chicago

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF POSITION:

To manage and coordinate all facets of the Housekeeping and Laundry Department within the hotel. To ensure high levels of guest service and satisfaction with cleanliness and comfort of guest facilities. Includes guest rooms, laundry, public areas, meeting space, food & beverage outlets, Club Lounge, department storage areas and other work areas. Responsible for selection, training and development of all colleagues working in Housekeeping. Maintain outstanding relationships with all areas and leaders in the hotel. Be fully versed on the Langham Quality League Model and its’ service culture, Brand Standards and Forbes Service Standards and ensure all these are communicated to all Housekeeping colleagues.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND JOB DUTIES:

• Assigns employees for various positions within the Housekeeping Department to ensure adequate personnel for staffing requirements.
• Supervises the hiring, termination, training, development and performance evaluations for all Housekeeping staff.
• Assist the Hotel Manager and Director of Rooms in the development of the department’s annual budget. Monitor performance against plan.
• Establish and maintain cost control system for linen inventories and cleaning supplies.
• Establish schedules and payroll by daily review to ensure costs are within budgets.
• Maintain guest room quality to Langham’s and Forbes inspection standards.
• Compile and report accurate room status of guest rooms to the front office.
• Enforce standard procedures for the recovery, security, and return of guest lost and found items.
• Approve purchases, levels of inventory, and supplies for guests using inventory control check lists and purchase orders. Keep written records of usage and uses forecast information as a tool, to assure supplies are available at all times.
• Inspect guest rooms personally and document discrepancies on a daily / weekly basis to ensure standards are met.
• Enforce all policies and procedures.
• Order and receive supplies so as to control purchases, inventory and costs.
• Responds immediately by acting upon negative guest and/or colleague comments/circumstances to take corrective action to ensure guest and colleague satisfaction at all times.
• Assist on an as need basis other departments, by scheduling work projects and accomplish cleaning of property.
• Oversee and monitor on a daily basis distribution of linen and supplies.
• Remain informed about hotel activities and changes to ensure the organization and/or reorganization of projects.
• Prepare and assist on an as needed basis the training of colleagues in OSHA safety standards (MSDS) chemicals and handling. Use of visual and written training to ensure compliance at all times.
• Initiates monthly meetings in the department. Attend staff meetings, operations meetings, forecast meetings and sales strategy meetings.
• Ensure Show Time is conducted in all areas and all colleagues are fully versed in Langham’s company philosophy, Brand Standards and Forbes service standards.
• Maintains strong communication between all departments.
• Lead and coach Assistant Directors/Mangers of Housekeeping and help develop them (to take on additional responsibilities).
• Be knowledgeable about all emergency plans and know how to act upon them. Report any unusual occurrences immediately to the Hotel Manager and/or the EAM Rooms Division.
• Inspects work performed by contracted overnight cleaning company.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Rooms

SPECIAL SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Ability to read and interpret business records and statistical reports.
• Ability to use mathematical skills to interpret financial information and prepare budgets.
• Ability to analyze and interpret established policies.
• Must be able to understand the government regulations covering business operations.
• Make business decisions based on production reports and similar facts as well as on your own experience and personal opinions.
• Deal with the general public, guests, employees, and government officials with tact and courtesy.
• Change activities frequently and cope with interruptions.
• Accept full responsibility for managing an activity.
• Must have language skills sufficient to read newspapers, periodicals and journals.
• Must be able to participate in discussions and debates.

EDUCATION REQUIRED:

• College education or skills equivalent to same as relates to the hospitality industry.
• Degree in Hospitality or Rooms Division Management preferred.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Prior experience in hotel housekeeping positions with 3 or more years’ experience as Assistant Housekeeper or Director of Housekeeping in property of similar rating and size.

LICENSES OR CERTIFICATES:

No special licenses required.

EOE, Including Disability/Veterans