Lead Custodian

Janitorial Lead Custodian

Whitman Family Development is a family-owned real estate company specializing in high-end retail, management, and leasing. The company owns and operates Bal Harbour Shops, a historic luxury shopping destination. Bal Harbour Shops is a global leader in the industry and is best known for its curated retail, as well as the emotional connection to its tenants and customers.

The Janitorial Lead Custodian is responsible for maintaining immaculate cleanliness and presentation standards across Bal Harbour Shops while providing day-to-day leadership, guidance, and oversight to the custodial team. This role combines hands-on cleaning responsibilities with supervisory duties to ensure all common areas, restrooms, and support spaces consistently meet the world-class standards expected at a luxury retail destination. The Lead Custodian serves as the primary point of contact for the team during assigned shifts and reports directly to the Facilities Manager.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead custodian on assigned shifts, directing the work of custodial staff and ensuring all duties are completed on schedule
• Distribute daily cleaning assignments, zone coverage, and special projects to team members at the start of each shift
• Train new custodial employees on cleaning procedures, safety protocols, chemical handling, and luxury presentation standards
• Conduct regular walk-throughs of all assigned areas to inspect completed work and ensure Class A cleanliness standards are met
• Provide real-time feedback, guidance, and correction to team members to maintain consistent quality
• Monitor shift attendance and coordinate coverage for call-outs; escalate staffing issues to the Facilities Manager
• Monitor inventory of cleaning supplies and equipment; submit supply requisitions and report equipment needs or malfunctions
• Ensure all team members complete required daily, weekly, and monthly checklists accurately and on time
• Document and report accidents, injuries, safety hazards, property damage, and maintenance issues to management promptly
• Act as the primary communication link between the custodial team and the Facilities Manager during assigned shifts
• Clean and maintain common areas including walkways, plazas, restrooms, lounges, elevators, stairwells, and service corridors
• Perform sweeping, mopping, dusting, vacuuming, and trash removal
• Maintain outdoor areas including sidewalks, courtyards, and entryways
• Ensure restrooms are stocked, sanitized, and presentable
• Lead by example by actively participating in cleaning tasks alongside the team
• Uphold and enforce luxury-level cleanliness and presentation standards
• Work discreetly and professionally around guests and tenants
• Respond quickly to spills and cleanliness issues; deploy team members as needed
• Ensure team members present a professional appearance in all public areas
• Follow and enforce health and safety cleaning procedures
• Ensure safe handling, storage, and disposal of cleaning chemicals and supplies by all team members
• Identify, address, and report safety hazards or damages
• Ensure compliance with OSHA standards and property safety policies
• Conduct safety briefings and reinforce proper procedures at the start of each shift
• Coordinate and lead pre- and post-cleaning for events and seasonal décor installations
• Plan staffing and zone assignments for high-traffic periods and holidays
• Communicate event schedules and special requirements to the team in advance
• Work with facilities, landscaping, security, and management teams
• Complete and verify cleaning checklists and work orders for the team
• Prepare and submit shift reports summarizing work completed, issues identified, and follow-up items
• Report supply and equipment needs

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 2–3 years of janitorial or custodial experience
• Prior supervisory or lead experience preferred
• Dependable and detail-oriented
• Ability to follow and enforce procedures and schedules
• Strong verbal communication skills; ability to direct and motivate a team

Preferred

• Experience in luxury retail, hospitality, or mall environments
• Familiarity with cleaning equipment
• Basic knowledge of OSHA standards and chemical handling regulations
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus

Skills & Competencies

• Strong attention to detail
• Leadership, team coordination, and conflict resolution skills
• Professional appearance
• Good time management
• Accountability and initiative

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 40–50 lbs
• Ability to bend, kneel, and perform repetitive motions
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather
• Ability to work early morning, evening, weekend, or holiday shifts as required

Whitman Family Development and its subsidiaries is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, training, wages, and other forms of compensation and treatment.