Housekeeping Supervisor

Esalen Institute • Full-time • Big Sur, California • 1d ago

At Esalen, we believe in the power of our potential -- both in our staff and in our global community of students and faculty who turn to us for transformative learning experiences. More than 50 years ago, Esalen co-founders imagined a place inspired by Abraham Maslow’s psychology of peak experiences and Aldous Huxley’s belief in “human potentialities”, the unrealized capacities of our mind and body. Today we build on this legacy by creating deep connections in a world challenged by disconnection and isolation; reigniting awe and wonder to spark greater curiosity about ourselves and others; and asking the questions that can lead to transformative change both for an individual and society.

Esalen isn’t just a place to work, it’s an invitation to help change the world.

OVERVIEW

We are seeking a Housekeeping Supervisor with strong leadership skills & experience who is motivated by high quality guest service and is dedicated to personal growth.
Reporting directly to the Director of Guest Services this full time, residential, and hourly position is responsible for delivering all facets of the Housekeeping function while guiding Esalen into the future with the Leadership Team.
We are interested in someone that loves to work with people, has a passion for service, and is an effective team leader and motivator. This person should be innovative, a self-starter, and highly organized with exceptional communication skills; all while being able to demonstrate solution based thinking and behaviors under high stress scenarios. Be open and willing to try new things, inspire creativity and participation, and articulate recommendations that would improve daily operations.
We are also interested in someone that understands and embraces Esalen’s Vision & Mission, that recognizes the work we do is critical in the world.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervise the Housekeeping Department delivering a high quality, effective and efficient service, ensuring a smooth operation, cleanliness, comfort and functionality of all Accommodations, Meeting Rooms, the Baths, and Offices.
Review all processes, procedures, tools, products and services, ensuring efficient and effective systems and best quality safe practices. Collaboratively review improvement ideas, and manage through to implementation.
Create and support a harmonious and safe work environment, with strong leadership and support for our housekeeping stewards.
Safety Focus. Ensuring all stewards follow the PPE standards. Good safety practices that are embraced and practiced by all. Ensure a safe work environment, and training programs.
Motivating and empowering staff with training, guidance and support, encouraging individual expansion, job enjoyment and team play. Providing our team with kind and responsible feedforward that supports this process
Vendor & Purchasing Management, mission aligned vendor selection, good purchasing practices, quality and safe products. Streamline this process and create solid systems
All actions are driven by sustainability for our planet; product usage, discard, behaviors and practices
Inventory Management, furniture replacements; create a system and improve storage organization
Participate in the Manager Team, build strong relations working closely with all departments
To promote, lead and direct improvement projects; maintain and manage a project list of activities and required actions.
Attend weekly team meetings, operational and management meetings, representation at specific project meetings, and Esalen all staff meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS

Management experience, leading teams for at least 5 years, preferable Housekeeping crews
Previous housekeeping experience is required in a multi-roomed organization
Ability to make effective decisions, take responsibility and accountability. Deal compassionately with difficult situations and people, being able to set healthy and assertive boundaries in kindness and with respect
Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, and be willing to find better ways
Detailed orientated and highly organized, with good problem solving skills and the ability to navigate a complex environment
Excellent ability to manage multiple competing demands and priorities
Good skills and experience in collaboration and fostering teamwork
High level of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency and results-orientation
Strong computer skills with an eye for detail accuracy
Self motivated and responsible, with a willingness to learn a wide variety of job skills
Be able to receive guidance and feedback, and be able to provide feedback with care and respect
A strong desire to participate in our Esalen Community
This role does involve physical labor, involving lifting, bending and carrying

FLEXIBILITY

Esalen functions best when all staff work toward the common mission of encouraging everyone to reach our highest human potential. With this goal in mind, this job description is not intended to cover or contain an all-encompassing listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice based on Esalen’s and your team’s needs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this job: the employee must be able to work in a physically demanding environment; maneuver on uneven ground; stand for long periods of time; regularly lift and carry bags and bundles up to 50 pounds; carry, push and pull vacuums; lift, bend, carry, load and unload laundry in and out of industrial washing equipment; move furniture. There is daily exposure to biodegradable chemicals.

COMPENSATION

This role offers a generous benefits package including competitive pay commensurate with experience, medical and dental insurance, and paid time off. In alignment with Esalen’s mission in advancing human potential, staff are encouraged to engage in a wide range of personal and professional development programs designed by Esalen faculty and staff.

$25.69 - $32.20 an hour

Esalen Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans.