Housekeeping Manager

Housekeeping Manager – Centro HotelsLocation: Pune, IndiaDepartment: Operations – HousekeepingReports to: General ManagerAbout CentroCentro Hotels, founded by siblings Chaitanya and Aishwarya Adgaonkar, is a fast-growing hospitality startup redefining affordable luxury in India’s tier 2 cities. Known for its human-centered design, tech-forward operations, and ever-evolving guest experiences, Centro includes flagship spaces like Chirp (a plant-forward café and co-working space) and Bloom (a rooftop community event venue). Centro is the flagship hotel brand under SARC Hospitality.Job SummaryAs the Housekeeping Manager at Centro, you will be responsible for overseeing the cleanliness, presentation, and functionality of all guest rooms and public spaces, ensuring the delivery of an impeccable guest experience. You’ll lead a team that’s central to Centro’s operational excellence, balancing innovation, sustainability, and high-touch service. This role is key to building systems and teams that can scale with Centro’s pan-India expansion goals.Key Responsibilities1. Leadership & Team Culture- Manage and mentor the housekeeping team with empathy, discipline, and a strong focus on professional growth. - - Foster a culture of dignity and empowerment, especially for blue-collar staff, aligned with Centro’s values of inclusive growth. - - Conduct daily huddles and routine check-ins to ensure communication, motivation, and accountability.-2. Operational Execution- Oversee daily cleaning operations for rooms, corridors, public areas, and back-of-house spaces with an obsession for detail. - - Create and optimize SOPs for cleanliness, laundry, linen management, room preparation, and turndown service. - - Implement a rotational deep cleaning schedule and preventive maintenance with the engineering team.-3. Guest Experience- Ensure spotless, beautifully staged rooms in line with Centro's high aesthetic and functional standards. - - Respond to escalated guest complaints swiftly and empathetically, using each as a learning opportunity for the team. - - Identify ways to surprise and delight guests through small but thoughtful touches (e.g., scented towels, handwritten notes, etc.).-4. Technology & Innovation- Use Centro’s cloud-based housekeeping systems for real-time room updates, checklists, and guest requests. - - Collaborate with the front office team for smooth turnarounds, late check-outs, and early check-ins using shared dashboards.-5. Training & SOP Development- Conduct regular training programs on safety, hygiene, behavior, and guest service tailored to Centro’s brand standards. - - Onboard new hires with structured checklists and buddy systems. - - Implement upskilling initiatives that help junior staff transition into supervisory roles.-6. Inventory & Vendor Management- Monitor and manage inventory for linen, guest amenities, and cleaning supplies with a cost-conscious approach. - - Build vendor relationships to ensure quality products, timely deliveries, and negotiate favorable rates.-7. Sustainability & Compliance- Champion sustainable housekeeping practices—linen reuse programs, chemical-free alternatives, and waste reduction. - - Ensure compliance with safety standards including fire safety, chemical storage, and equipment use. - - Lead audits, both internal and external, for cleanliness, safety, and SOP adherence.-8. Reporting & Feedback- Maintain MIS reports on room status, linen usage, guest feedback, and housekeeping staff performance. - - Analyze patterns in complaints or maintenance issues to identify systemic improvements.-Requirements- Diploma or Degree in Hospitality Management preferred. - - 5–7 years of housekeeping experience, including 2+ years in a leadership role in boutique or mid-market hotels. - - Deep respect for blue-collar workers and belief in their growth and dignity. - - Proficiency in digital housekeeping tools and Microsoft Office. - - Detail-oriented with a strong aesthetic sensibility and appreciation for design. - - Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. - - Ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and uphold guest satisfaction at all times.-What You’ll Get at Centro- Competitive Pay & Performance Bonus - - Career Growth: Be a key player in a rapidly growing hotel chain, with future multi-city leadership roles possible. - - Creative Culture: Work in an entrepreneurial environment where ideas are encouraged and systems are built from scratch. - - Staff Benefits: Discounts on Chirp Café, Bloom events, and stays at partner properties as Centro expands. - - Respect & Empowerment: Be part of a company that treats housekeeping with the same respect as any other department.