What does a cleaning supervisor do?
Cleaning supervisors organize, schedule, and supervisor a variety of activities and tasks and delegate them to many different cleaning workers such as janitors and maids. They assess the cleaning needs, assign tasks, and inspect cleaned areas to ensure the tasks have been completed properly. They also provide equipment and supplies to workers and regularly inventory stocks to make sure supplies are adequate. Some cleaning supervisors screen and hire workers and provide the necessary training. They often recommend transfers, promotions, and terminations. Many cleaning supervisors create reports regarding cleaning needs, expenses, and other related issues.
What kind of training does a cleaning supervisor need?
Cleaning supervisors typically need at least a high school diploma and related work experience. Some cleaning supervisors have completed some college and others have obtained an associate or bachelor degree. Many cleaning supervisors begin their careers in entry-level positions and move into supervising positions as they gain the necessary skills and experience. Most employers provide on the job training to enable new cleaning supervisors to learn the necessary policies and procedures. Some employers provide informal training sessions for new supervisors. Many employers require cleaning supervisors to complete regular in-service training to enhance their housekeeping methods and procedures and improve their supervisory abilities. Some cleaning supervisors become members of the International Executive Housekeepers Association and obtain either the Registered Executive Housekeeper (REH) or Certified Executive Housekeeper (CEH) certifications.
What are the prospects for a career as a cleaning supervisor?
Employment of cleaning supervisors is expected to grow more slowly than average for all professions, increasing 5% from 2008 to 2018 (1). Some growth will result from the need for more managers to manage an increasing amount of many different cleaning workers.
Job prospects should be good especially for cleaning supervisors with extensive experience. Most job openings will arise from the need to replace cleaning supervisors that retire, transfer, or leave the field for other reasons.
How much do cleaning supervisors make?
As of February 2010, the average annual salary for cleaning supervisors is $28,000; average annual cleaning supervisor salaries vary greatly on location, employer, education, experience, and benefits 2).
A career as a cleaning supervisor is a great choice for individuals with a strong interest in housekeeping tasks and managing a variety of cleaning workers. Cleaning supervisors must have a solid understanding of the required cleaning policies, procedures, and expectations of their employer. Patience, self-confidence, detail orientation, good problem solving skills, and excellent leadership skills are necessary characteristics. Cleaning supervisors must have great communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to motivate and encourage a variety of workers.
