Director of Housekeeping - Austin Proper Hotel

Situated in Downtown's Second Street District, Austin Proper Hotel and Residences is an iconic luxury destination just steps from Lady Bird Lake, ACL Live, and the city's best shopping. With expressive interiors by Kelly Wearstler and culinary concepts by McGuire Moorman Lambert Hospitality, the hotel offers 238 design-forward rooms and suites, a rooftop pool, immersive wellness experiences, and menus built around local farms, vibrant produce, and nutrient-rich ingredients. Wellness, design, and culture, seamlessly woven into every stay.

Job Summary:

The Director of Housekeeping is responsible for overseeing the entire housekeeping department, ensuring that all guest rooms, public areas, and back-of-house spaces are maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and organization. This role involves leadership, training, and management of housekeeping staff, while also collaborating with other departments to ensure the overall guest experience is exceptional. The Director of Housekeeping will manage departmental budgets, maintain inventory, and ensure that the team adheres to company policies, procedures, and safety standards. A focus on guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and cost control is key in this role.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Guest Experience Strategy & Leadership:

• Lead, motivate, and manage the housekeeping team, including Housekeepers, Supervisors, and support staff, ensuring high levels of performance and job satisfaction.

• Develop and implement training programs to ensure all team members understand and adhere to cleanliness standards, safety protocols, and service expectations.

• Conduct regular performance evaluations, provide constructive feedback, and assist in the professional development of team members.

• Schedule and supervise shifts to ensure the department is adequately staffed during peak and off-peak periods, maintaining operational efficiency.

• Foster a positive work environment that promotes teamwork, respect, and professionalism.

• Operational Oversight:

• Oversee the daily operations of the housekeeping department, ensuring rooms and public areas meet cleanliness and service standards.

• Manage room cleaning schedules, ensuring that all rooms are cleaned in a timely manner and that guest requests (e.g., extra linens, special accommodations) are met promptly.

• Coordinate with Front Desk, Maintenance, and other departments to ensure room readiness and address any guest concerns or maintenance issues.

• Conduct regular inspections of rooms and public areas to ensure cleanliness standards are maintained.

• Ensure proper procedures are followed for the cleaning, sanitizing, and restocking of guest rooms, bathrooms, hallways, and other public spaces.

• Quality Control & Guest Satisfaction:

• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and organization, ensuring that all hotel areas are presentable, sanitary, and in top condition at all times.

• Respond to guest feedback regarding cleanliness and maintenance issues, addressing concerns promptly and ensuring resolution.

• Develop and implement systems for tracking guest feedback related to cleanliness, ensuring that improvements are made as necessary.

• Proactively address and resolve any cleanliness-related guest complaints or special requests, working closely with the Front Desk and Guest Services teams.

• Budgeting & Cost Control:

• Develop and manage the housekeeping department's budget, ensuring that expenses such as supplies, equipment, and labor are within budget.

• Track and control inventory levels for cleaning supplies, linens, and other necessary items, ensuring that the hotel operates efficiently without excess waste.

• Implement strategies for reducing costs and improving operational efficiency, while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and guest satisfaction.

• Negotiate contracts with suppliers and vendors, managing purchasing and ensuring cost-effective yet quality supplies.

• Health, Safety & Compliance:

• Ensure that all housekeeping staff adhere to safety protocols, including proper use of chemicals, equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Ensure the department complies with all hotel policies, procedures, and legal regulations related to health, safety, and cleanliness.

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized storage area for housekeeping supplies and equipment.

• Regularly review and update the department's safety and cleaning protocols to align with the latest industry standards and local regulations.

• Inventory Management:

• Oversee the inventory of linens, cleaning supplies, and equipment, ensuring that stocks are maintained at appropriate levels.

• Ensure that linen and equipment are inspected regularly and replaced or repaired as necessary.

• Coordinate the laundering of hotel linens, towels, and uniforms, ensuring proper inventory management and high-quality standards.

• Staffing & Scheduling:

• Create efficient staffing schedules to ensure adequate coverage for daily operations, taking into account guest occupancy levels, seasonal demand, and budget constraints.

• Ensure that staff is cross-trained in various areas of the department to provide flexibility in staffing and coverage.

• Conduct regular staff meetings to communicate expectations, updates, and departmental goals.

• Collaborative Cross-Departmental Communication:

• Work closely with the Front Desk and Maintenance teams to ensure seamless communication regarding room availability, guest preferences, and maintenance issues.

• Coordinate with the Food & Beverage team to ensure that all public spaces are cleaned and maintained during peak periods and events.

• Collaborate with the Human Resources department for recruitment, onboarding, and employee performance management.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor's degree in hospitality management, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a housekeeping or facilities management role, with at least 2-3 years in a leadership or managerial position.
• Previous experience in a hotel or large property is preferred, with a strong focus on cleanliness and guest service.
• Experience with hotel management software and property management systems (PMS) is a plus.

Skills/Specialized Knowledge

• Excellent leadership, coaching, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to lead and motivate a team of diverse staff.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and delegate effectively.
• In-depth knowledge of cleaning protocols, guest service standards, and safety regulations.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to interact effectively with guests, staff, and other departments.
• Ability to work well under pressure and handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Understanding of budgeting, cost control, and inventory management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other basic office software. Familiarity with property management and housekeeping management software is a plus.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to bend, kneel, and lift up to 50 pounds as needed (e.g., carrying linens, equipment, or supplies).
• Ability to work in various areas of the hotel, including guest rooms, public spaces, and back-of-house areas.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends, holidays, and evening shifts, depending on hotel needs.

Why Join Proper Hospitality

At Proper, we build experiences that move people - and that begins with the team behind them. As a best-in-class employer, we're committed to creating one of the Best Places to Work in hospitality by nurturing a culture where creativity, excellence, and humanity thrive together.

Everything we do is grounded in the belief that hospitality is more than a profession - it's an opportunity to care for others and make lives better. Guided by the Pillars of Proper, we show up with warmth and authenticity (Care Proper), strive for excellence in everything we do (Achieve Proper), think creatively and resourcefully (Imagine Proper), and take pride in the style and culture that make us who we are (Present Proper).

We believe our people are our greatest strength, and we invest deeply in their wellbeing, growth, and sense of belonging. From comprehensive benefits to meaningful development programs, Proper is designed to help you build a career, and a life, that feels as inspiring as the experiences we create for our guests.

Our Commitment: Building the Best Place to Work

Our Best Place to Work initiative is a living commitment - a continuous investment in our people, our culture, and our purpose. We listen, learn, and evolve together to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to imagine boldly, achieve confidently, care deeply, and present themselves authentically.

At Proper, joining the team means more than finding a job - it means joining a community that believes in building beautiful experiences together, for our guests and for one another.

Proper Hospitality is an equal-opportunity employer. We provide employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other federally or state-protected category.

We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with local Fair Chance Hiring Ordinances.