Housekeeping Supervisor

Description

Who We Are

Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is “that the future may learn from the past” through preserving and restoring 18^th-century Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation.

Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 89 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, The Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute, and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library.

Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world class accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Griffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels and Suites and the unique Colonial Houses in the Historical Area. Visitors may also indulge in food and drink at our many on site restaurants and taverns that blend a historically inspired dining experience with today’s evolved tastes. Each year over 5 million people visit Williamsburg and another 20 million engage with us digitally.

About the Position

The Housekeeping Supervisor assists the Executive Housekeeper and GM in overseeing all daily operations of the Housekeeping Department. This role ensures exceptional cleanliness standards, guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and a safe working environment for all team members.

Main Duties:

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Leadership & Team Development

• Train, coach, and provide input on counseling, recognition, and discipline of department staff, temporary workers, and contract personnel in alignment with hotel standards.
• Evaluate employee performance regularly through direct observation and communication with team members and management.
• Hold team members accountable to established service, safety, and performance standards.
• Promote a culture focused on guest service excellence, comfort, and continuous improvement.

Guest Experience & Quality Assurance

• Ensure prompt and effective response to guest requests and service recovery situations.
• Inspect assigned guestrooms and public areas to confirm cleanliness, sanitation, and proper maintenance, correcting deficiencies to exceed guest expectations.
• Maintain world-class standards of presentation and cleanliness throughout all areas of responsibility.
• Ensure consistent and effective use of the hotel’s lost and found procedures.

Operational Oversight

• Prepare daily housekeeping assignments and coordinate special projects.
• Prioritize workflow to ensure timely room turnover and support seamless guest check-ins.
• Communicate consistently with Front Desk regarding room status, rush rooms, and availability.
• Coordinate with Conference Services regarding public space readiness and event needs.
• Turn guestrooms to the Front Desk in a timely and efficient manner to maximize resell opportunities.

Maintenance & Safety

• Report and follow up on maintenance needs within assigned areas.
• Coordinate physical repairs with the Maintenance Department.
• Ensure all team members follow safety procedures to minimize hazards and prevent accidents.

Inventory & Administrative Management

• Maintain appropriate par levels of cleaning supplies, chemicals, and equipment.
• Order supplies in accordance with departmental budget guidelines.
• Complete accurate monthly linen inventories and weekly guest supply inventories.
• Assist management in developing and monitoring standards, policies, procedures, and operational plans.
• Support administrative functions as needed.

Interdepartmental Collaboration

• Foster strong working relationships with Front Office, Maintenance, Banquets, Conference Services, and Culinary operations to ensure cohesive service delivery.
• This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This position may be subject to overtime during high peak times, etc. as directed and approved by the supervisor.

This job description reflects the general responsibilities of the position and is not intended to be an

exhaustive list. Duties and responsibilities may evolve over time based on operational needs.

Required Education and Experience:

• Associates Degree in Hotel Management or a closely related field.

Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record based on The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s criteria.

o Must be able to provide a 5-year Motor Vehicle Record prior to employment

o Must be at least 21 years of age

o May not have more than 1 moving violation or at fault accident within 12 months

o May not have more than 2 moving violations or at fault accidents within 36 months

o May not have any serious motor vehicle violations including but not limited to excessive speeding, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, suspended or revoked license, etc.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a luxury hotel, historic property, resort, or Forbes-rated environment
• Familiarity with property management or housekeeping systems (OPERA, WorkDay, TEAMS)
• Experience supporting high-profile events, VIP guests, or high-occupancy periods
• Knowledge of linen inventory systems and supply cost control practices
• Prior exposure to quality assurance audits or brand inspection processes

Key Skills / Competencies:

• Ability to lead, motivate, and hold team members accountable to established service and cleanliness standards
• Skilled in coaching, mentoring, and providing constructive feedback
• Demonstrates sound judgment in conflict resolution and employee relations
• Promotes teamwork, inclusivity, and a respectful work environment
• Strong verbal communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with guests and colleagues
• Effective service recovery and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to respond calmly and decisively to guest concerns
• Demonstrates attention to detail and a commitment to exceeding guest expectations
• Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize competing demands
• Ability to manage room turnover efficiently to meet check-in deadlines
• Skilled in coordinating workflow and adapting to fluctuating occupancy levels
• Demonstrates accountability for quality control and productivity
• Proficient in property management systems and housekeeping software
• Ability to interpret room status reports, occupancy forecasts, and inventory logs
• Knowledge of cleaning chemicals, equipment usage, and sanitation standards
• Basic computer proficiency (email, scheduling systems, inventory tracking, Microsoft Office)
• Strong inspection skills with the ability to identify cleanliness or maintenance deficiencies
• Ability to maintain high standards of sanitation, presentation, and safety
• Detail-oriented with a focus on consistency and brand standards
• Knowledge of workplace safety practices and hazard prevention
• Ability to train staff on safe equipment handling and chemical usage
• Commitment to maintaining OSHA and company safety standards
• Ability to work collaboratively with Front Desk, Maintenance, Conference Services, and other departments
• Demonstrates professionalism and adaptability in cross-functional environments
• Behavioral Competencies: Professional demeanor and positive attitude, high level of integrity and accountability, ability to work independently while supporting team goals, and resilience and flexibility in a fast-paced hospitality environment

Supervisory Responsibilities:

The Housekeeping Supervisor provides formal, direct supervision to the following positions: Room Attendants, House Attendants, Public Area Attendants

This supervision includes:

• Day-to-day operational oversight and work assignment distribution
• Performance coaching and documentation
• Issuing corrective action in alignment with department leadership
• Ensuring compliance with service, safety, and cleanliness standards

Physical and Environmental Demands:

Physical requirements include but are not limited to: (1) transporting up to 40 pounds; (2) doing a

great amount of walking; (3) reaching and bending

Typical Work Schedule:

This position requires a flexible schedule based on operational needs, including:

• AM and PM shifts
• Evenings as required
• Weekends and holidays
• Extended hours during peak seasons, high occupancy periods, or special events
• The Housekeeping Supervisor must be available to support business demands, ensure timely room turnover, and provide leadership presence during high-volume arrival and departure periods

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.