(Temporary) Housekeeping Manager

Channing House•Palo Alto, CA

1h•$65,948 - $94,075•Onsite

About The Position

Channing House, a not-for-profit Life Plan Community in Palo Alto, is seeking a dependable, detail-oriented Housekeeping Manager for a temporary assignment of approximately 1–3 months. The manager plans, organizes, and oversees housekeeping, room setup, and laundry functions, ensuring consistent service quality. The role also contributes to planning housekeeping and laundry services for renovated, expanded, and future buildings. The position supports a healthy, vibrant home for residents and is expected to exemplify the organization’s values: do the right thing, be a team player, focus on quality, and adapt to change. The manager oversees housekeeping and laundry operations, including standards, inspections, staffing, schedules, supplies, equipment, vendors, budgets, resident service requests, and operational improvements. The role participates in planning and preparing renovated or new spaces, including their cleaning standards, operational readiness, and transition into regular service. It also supervises and develops staff, oversees performance and workplace concerns, and completes required administrative work. The work is generally indoors, with some supervision of outdoor activities and possible exposure to heat or cold. The role requires active, mobile oversight across multiple floors, including extended standing and walking. The employee may occasionally encounter wet or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, heights, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals. Nights, weekends, and some holidays may be required based on community and housekeeping needs. Physical duties include desk and computer work, phone use, standing, walking, coordination, reaching, bending, stooping, pushing or pulling, and frequently lifting or moving up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodation may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

Five years of related work experience.
Three years of supervisory experience.
An equivalent combination of education and experience is accepted.
High school diploma, GED, or equivalent experience.
Ability to use a computer and Microsoft suite.
Ability to speak and comprehend English, the primary language used in the workplace.
Willingness to obtain specialized infection-control training within 90 days of employment, unless training or expertise can be demonstrated.
Ability to travel less than 10%.
Ability to perform the listed essential duties and demonstrate relevant communication, listening, reading comprehension, critical thinking, writing, service orientation, customer service, social perceptiveness, time management, professionalism, quality management, safety, active learning, cultural awareness, judgment, problem solving, monitoring, people management, and organizational support skills.
Ability to meet the listed abilities, including oral and written communication, reasoning, problem recognition, learning, ethical conduct, positivity, presentability, quality, attendance, dependability, negotiation, empathy, discretion, judgment, innovation, initiative, adaptability, attention to detail, multitasking, composure under pressure, and independent work.
Ability to supervise staff and maintain effective service levels, including through nights, weekends, and some holidays as required.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, traverse multiple floors, and frequently lift or move up to 25 pounds; ability to reach, bend, stoop, push, and pull.

Nice To Haves

AA, BA, or BS degree; a specialty in Hospitality is preferred.
Ability to speak and/or comprehend other languages used by clients is a plus.
Fluency in Spanish is preferred.

Responsibilities

Establish and implement operational standards and procedures for housekeeping, laundry, room setup, and related services.
Ensure resident apartments are cleaned thoroughly and on schedule.
Ensure common spaces and event areas are set up, maintained, cleaned, and returned to standard configuration.
Develop quality measures and inspect work to ensure services meet established standards.
Select appropriate cleaning materials and methods for linens, furniture, flooring, and other surfaces.
Coordinate with other departments to provide timely, efficient services.
Respond tactfully and promptly to resident commendations, concerns, and complaints; investigate service or equipment concerns and take corrective action.
Evaluate operations, staffing, equipment, supplies, workflows, and service levels to identify improvements.
Recommend and implement changes that improve service quality, resident satisfaction, consistency, safety, and efficiency.
Evaluate and implement computer tools and software for managing housekeeping and laundry services.
Participate in planning renovations, expansions, and future buildings, providing input on finishes, furnishings, equipment, storage, supply areas, laundry facilities, and operational requirements.
Develop service plans, staffing models, equipment needs, cleaning schedules, and budgets for renovated, expanded, and future spaces.
Establish consistent housekeeping and laundry standards across existing and future buildings.
Oversee housekeeping aspects of renovations, expansions, and temporary arrangements, ensuring compliance with health, safety, environmental, regulatory, and infection-control standards.
Plan and coordinate final cleaning, operational readiness, and transition of new or renovated spaces into regular housekeeping service.
Oversee distribution and inventory of supplies and equipment, and maintain organized, stocked storage areas for Housekeeping and Central Supply.
Ensure housekeeping and laundry equipment is maintained and coordinate repairs or replacements.
Manage supply and equipment vendor relationships and contracts; select and order equipment, supplies, and furnishings.
Estimate costs, prepare and manage operating and capital budgets, and monitor expenditures.
Manage monthly resident charges for laundry and housekeeping services.
Participate in applicable QAPI, safety, infection-control, and emergency-preparedness committees.
Recruit, interview, hire, onboard, train, develop, and retain employees; assign, delegate, and direct work; evaluate performance; recognize employees; coach and take corrective action; address complaints and workplace concerns; and discipline or terminate employees when necessary.
Train staff on cleaning standards, procedures, infection control, safety, inventory management, and proper use of housekeeping and laundry equipment.
Forecast staffing needs and adjust schedules for routine operations, events, emergencies, renovations, and building openings.
Complete required forms, reports, evaluations, and studies.
Maintain effective team relationships and communicate and listen effectively.
Demonstrate professionalism in interactions with residents, colleagues, clients, vendors, and the public.
Provide a supportive and caring environment responsive to residents as individuals and members of a community.
Follow company policies, procedures, safety and compliance practices, and business ethics codes.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.