Why Cheekwood?
Working at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens offers you the opportunity to work for one of the most beautiful places in Nashville. Formerly the home of Mabel and Leslie Cheek, Cheekwood now serves the public as a botanical garden, arboretum, and museum with period rooms and art galleries. At Cheekwood, you will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of roles tailored to your skills and interests. Whether you are enthusiastic about horticulture, art curation, historical preservation, or one of our many other career opportunities, you would have the chance to thrive and make a meaningful impact here. Working in such a place that cherishes its rich history, vibrant art scene, and serene gardens offers a unique blend of fulfillment and inspiration. You will find yourself in a supportive environment where every day brings new opportunities for personal and professional growth, amidst the backdrop of picturesque setting.
What does the Housekeeping Team do and why join?
The housekeeping team at Cheekwood is essential for maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for visitors. Their duties involve routine cleaning and sanitizing of the different buildings on the premises, as well as public areas like restrooms, gift shops, and dining facilities, in addition to efficient waste management and recycling. They ensure that seating areas and walkways are tidy and inviting, assist with the setup and cleanup of events, and conduct routine inspections to identify and address any cleanliness or safety issues.
Joining our housekeeping team offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a beautiful environment that enhances the visitor experience. The role offers a chance to be part of a dedicated team, focused on a positive workplace culture. Additionally, being involved in special events and community engagement provides a rewarding experience as the housekeeping team plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall visitor experience and preserving the garden's charm.
What will you be doing?
The Housekeeping Manager at Cheekwood oversees the housekeeping team, handling tasks like trash removal, floor maintenance, and restroom cleaning, while recruiting and supervising staff. They ensure daily coverage and coordinate preparations for events, maintaining cleanliness standards throughout the facility. This role also manages waste removal and recycling programs, oversees janitorial supplies, and budgets, and fosters a motivated team culture. Additionally, the housekeeping manager prioritizes guest experience, ensures safety compliance, and represents Cheekwood in the community, all while aligning with the institutions mission and values.
Responsibilities
- Directly performs and supervises regular housekeeping duties such as trash removal, floor maintenance, and restroom cleaning, including all manner of janitorial tasks and activities.
- Recruits, hires, and directly supervise both permanent and temporary housekeeping staff including scheduling and managing daily workflows. Follows all company policies and procedures related to the supervision and performance of direct reports, including annual performance evaluations and coaching.
- Schedules and supervise the housekeeping team to meet business needs and establish complete coverage. Actively communicates with other operating teams to ensure daily housekeeping coverage is well-coordinated.
- Manages and oversee the preparation of spaces and setup for in-house meetings, rental events, and special events. Works closely with the maintenance manager to schedule the event custodian and ensure adequate coverage.
- Establishes and maintains standards for cleanliness and presentation and constantly monitors the logistics calendar to ensure public spaces are ready for programming.
- Schedules and maintain regular housekeeping services in office spaces, common areas, and back-of-house areas to promote a safe, clean, and comfortable work environment.
- Manages the complete waste removal program from receptacle distribution and management, organizing collection throughout campus and during events, and maintaining contract waste pickup. Clearly defines the stream of recyclable waste and manages separation and collection appropriately, including communication and staff training.
- Implements and manages periodic maintenance routines, especially floor and window cleaning.
- Manages reactive work requests for housekeeping through the automated work order management system.
- Organizes and maintains the inventory of janitorial supplies, including distribution and re-stocking throughout campus to maximize efficiencies. Orders new supplies to meet business needs.
- Develops, monitors, and assesses the annual budget for custodial supplies and services, including monthly reporting and annual planning.
- Develops a team culture where everyone is motivated to achieve high standards of excellence and take pride in their role as critical to the successful operation of the institution. Leads by example with direct contributions to the team effort, including regular evening and weekend coverage.
- Insures adherence to safe workplace practices and procedures.
- Attend weekly logistics meetings and other standing meetings as required.
- Functions as the primary on-call housekeeping contact and maintains sufficient availability to support onsite operations seven days per week.
- Serves as an external representative of Cheekwood and engages members of the community and industry to exchange information and ideas to support individual and institutional growth.
- Maintains a constant awareness of the guest experience and makes every reasonable effort to ensure the safety and comfort of all people moving through the establishment.
- Understands and upholds the Cheekwood Mission, Vision and Values and maintains great awareness and flexibility to accommodate and support organizational goals and operations.
- Performs other duties, as assigned.
Qualifications
- High School Diploma or equivalent.
- Associate or bachelors Degree: In hospitality management, business administration, or a related field can be advantageous.
- Previous Experience: 2-5 years of relevant experience in professional housekeeping or cleaning services, with 1-2 years of supervision of a team required.
- Knowledge of Cleaning Techniques and Products: Familiarity with various cleaning methods and safety regulations.
- Professional and Safety certifications welcomed.
- Must have a valid drivers license.
- Due to ongoing events, must be able to work a flexible Wednesday- Sunday schedule.
- The ability to lift up to 50 pounds as needed.
- Proven ability to take ownership and demonstrate pride in both team performance and the workplace environment.
- Strong capability to assign workloads and schedules effectively and efficiently to meet business needs.
Benefits
The well-being of Cheekwood employees is essential. So, when it comes to our benefits package, we offer one of the best. We offer the following benefits to all full-time employees:
- Health Insurance with an HRA
- Dental
- Vision
- Life Insurance (100% paid by Cheekwood)
- Long Term Disability Insurance (100% paid by Cheekwood)
- Voluntary Life Insurance
- Short Term Disability Insurance
- 403b and Roth 403b with a generous employer match
- Employee Assistance Program
- Paid Time Off and 11 Paid Holidays
- Aflac products are offered.
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (IDEA) Statement
Cheekwood is committed to embracing, pursuing, and celebrating inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility among our board, staff, leadership, partners, vendors, volunteers, members, supporters, and visitors. We will be steadfast in our efforts to welcome people of all races, nationalities, genders, sexual orientations, gender identities, religions, political affiliations, ages, and abilities. We recognize we have much work to do and pledge to pursue new and previously underrepresented ideas, artists, advisors, partners, instructors, innovators, and audiences so that all voices can be heard, respected, and supported.
**Cheekwood employees have an opportunity to participate in an active Diversity Committee promoting inclusivity and engagement.