Senior Custodial Services Project Manager

The Tatitlek Corporation

About The Position

The Senior Custodial Services Project Manager provides strategic leadership, operational direction, and daily oversight for a multi-site custodial services program supporting facilities across the DC and Northern Virginia region. This role leads a large, diverse workforce that includes supervisors, lead custodians, and custodial staff, indirectly overseeing approximately 200 personnel. The Project Manager ensures high-quality cleaning, sanitation, recycling, building appearance, and event-support services while driving operational excellence, compliance, and employee development. This position serves as a key member of the facilities Operations leadership team and works closely with facility administrators, contract officials, and internal stakeholders to deliver superior service and achieve organizational standards.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
10+ years of progressive supervisory or management experience in custodial, housekeeping, facilities operations, or related fields.
Experience overseeing large, multi-site teams and union/non-union workforces.
Ability to obtain or maintain an active Secret security clearance.
Strong leadership abilities with a proven record of staff development and team building.
Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to interact professionally with diverse stakeholders.
Demonstrated analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Experience with budgeting, resource planning, and financial stewardship.
Knowledge of HR practices related to performance management, discipline, and recruitment.
Familiarity with safety standards, chemical handling, hazardous materials, and biohazard protocols.

Nice To Haves

Experience working within federal facilities, secure environments, or contract-driven service operations.
Knowledge of CMMS/work order systems (e.g., Maximo, Archibus).
Certifications in custodial management, safety, or facilities (e.g., ISSA CIMS, OSHA 30, APPA, IFMA).
Experience delivering services under performance-based contracts or SLAs.

Responsibilities

Direct all daily custodial operations across multiple buildings, ensuring consistent, high-quality service delivery.
Develop, implement, and continuously improve operational plans, workloads, routes, and cleaning standards.
Conduct routine facility inspections to verify service quality, safety compliance, and completion of tasks.
Oversee special projects, deep cleaning programs, recycling initiatives, and support for events and emergencies.
Monitor building conditions and proactively identify service needs, deficiencies, or improvement opportunities.
Develop departmental goals, KPIs, and performance benchmarks aligned with organizational expectations.
Create and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency across all facilities.
Lead quality assurance programs, implement corrective actions, and follow up on customer/tenant concerns.
Recommend and execute innovative solutions to enhance efficiency, labor utilization, and service outcomes.
Supervise and mentor custodial supervisors, team leads, and staff across multiple shifts and locations.
Oversee full employee lifecycle: recruitment, onboarding, coaching, performance evaluations, and retention.
Promote a positive, inclusive, safety-focused culture with strong communication across all shifts.
Deliver ongoing training programs related to safety, sanitation, equipment operation, and customer service.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to sanitation, workplace safety, and custodial operations.
Oversee proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous and biohazardous materials.
Lead safety meetings, training, and incident investigations; maintain adherence to OSHA, Department of State and industry standards.
Support emergency response plans, including inclement weather operations, spill response, and facility contingencies.
Manage custodial supply and equipment budgets; ensure cost-effective purchasing and inventory control.
Maintain accurate inventory and ensure adequate supply distribution across all sites.
Prepare and manage staffing schedules to meet operational demands and contractual requirements.
Verify equipment functionality and coordinate repairs, replacements, and asset management.
Serve as the primary liaison between facility administrators, contract representatives, supervisors, and building occupants.
Participate in operational meetings, inspections, and performance reviews with client or agency leadership.
Communicate organizational directives clearly and ensure alignment across all custodial teams.
Provide regular reports, metrics, and updates on service quality, staffing, and operational performance.