Housekeeping Manager

Position: Housekeeping Manager
Department: Housekeeping
Location: Chicago, IL
Employment Type: Full-Time, Salaried Position

This hands-on leadership role oversees daily guest room, in-house laundry, and public area operations. Working closely with the Director of Rooms, the Housekeeping Manager maintains Study Hotels brand standards, develops team members, and coordinates staffing, inspections, supplies, and departmental expenses.

The ideal candidate takes pride in the details, leads with care and accountability, and understands how a well-prepared room and thoughtfully maintained surroundings contribute to genuine hospitality.

Operations Snapshot

• 167-room hotel located on the Midway Plaisance in Hyde Park.
• Oversight of guest room cleaning, in-house laundry, public areas, and assigned back-of-house spaces.
• Daily coordination with Guest Services, Building Maintenance, Food & Beverage, and other hotel departments.
• Hands-on leadership in a seven-day hotel operation.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily housekeeping operations, including room assignments, Room Attendant boards, laundry production, public area coverage, and guest requests.
• Inspect guest rooms and assigned public and back-of-house areas daily, address deficiencies promptly, and verify that rooms are ready for guest arrival.
• Coordinate room priorities and room status updates with Guest Services to support arrivals, departures, stayover service, and special requests.
• Manage, coach, and develop team members through clear expectations, practical training, regular feedback, and consistent accountability.
• Prepare departmental schedules based on occupancy, anticipated business, and operational needs; adjust assignments and assist the team as needed.
• Review timecards, attendance, and departmental labor reports; complete required timekeeping approvals and coordinate with Human Resources for weekly payroll processing.
• Monitor labor, supplies, and other departmental expenses against approved budgets and forecasts while maintaining cleanliness and service standards.
• Maintain appropriate inventories of linens, towels, uniforms, amenities, cleaning supplies, and equipment; coordinate ordering and vendor service needs.
• Oversee in-house laundry operations, including linen quality, proper handling, equipment care, and timely distribution.
• Maintain an ongoing deep-cleaning program and coordinate preventive maintenance and repairs with Building Maintenance.
• Train team members in safe cleaning practices, proper chemical use, labeling, storage, and equipment operation.
• Maintain departmental procedures for key control, lost and found, guest privacy, and the secure handling of guest belongings.
• Respond thoughtfully to guest concerns, arrange timely solutions, and follow up to confirm satisfaction.
• Partner with Human Resources to recruit, interview, onboard, and retain team members; complete performance reviews and address performance concerns consistently.
• Build positive working relationships across departments and communicate priorities, maintenance needs, and service issues clearly.
• Participate in the Lead Guest Ambassador program and hotel operational meetings as assigned.

Fundamentals

• At least two years of hotel housekeeping management experience, preferably within a lifestyle, boutique, or full-service hotel.
• A degree in hospitality management, business administration, or a related field is preferred; equivalent relevant experience will be considered.
• Working knowledge of guest room cleaning, public area care, in-house laundry, linen management, and housekeeping inspection standards.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, train, motivate, and develop a diverse team.
• Experience with scheduling, labor management, inventory control, and departmental budgets.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a busy hotel environment.
• Clear, professional verbal and written communication skills and a thoughtful approach to guest service.
• Proficiency with hotel property management and timekeeping systems, along with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Ability to perform hands-on inspections and assist with housekeeping tasks as needed, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Flexibility to work mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs.

About Us

The Study at University of Chicago is a 167-room hotel located on the Midway Plaisance in Chicago’s historic Hyde Park neighborhood. Designed as a place of discovery and connection, the hotel reflects the character and energy of the University of Chicago while providing thoughtful, contemporary accommodations for university visitors, families, faculty, business travelers, and the surrounding community.

The hotel features Truth Be Told, a British-inspired tavern offering a welcoming gathering place for hotel guests, the University of Chicago community, and Hyde Park neighbors. The property also features 4,700 square feet of meeting and event space, including a 2,500-square-foot Winter Garden.

Eligible full-time team members are offered a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, paid time off, and paid holidays. Team members may also participate in our 401(k) retirement savings plan and Employee Assistance Program.

Study Hotels is a drug-free workplace. Pre-employment screening includes a background check and drug testing, consistent with applicable law.

Study Hotels is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on age, race, religion, disability, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

Keywords: Housekeeping Manager, Hotel Housekeeping, Rooms Operations, Laundry Operations, Hospitality Management, Chicago, Hyde Park