Housekeeping Assistant Supervisor

The University    
    
At Durham University, we are proud of our people, because they are at the heart of our globally outstanding institution, which is a key part of our local community.  We inspire our people to do extraordinary things and we invite you to join our fantastic team.    
   
Across the University, we have a huge variety of roles and responsibilities, which together make us one large and successful community. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.    
   
At the University we promote and actively champion equality, diversity and inclusion.  It is crucial that everyone can be themselves and can flourish in an environment where everyone respects each other and is treated fairly. We want our people and wider community to feel happy, secure and proud to be a part of Durham. We are looking for the same values in you.     
   
We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.  For more information on our EDI strategy and values, click here

The Role and Department     

The Colleges Operations Directorate forms part of the Colleges and Student Experience Division which is responsible for providing world class student experience to our diverse student community.  

The Colleges Operations Directorate plays an integral role in providing excellent services and facilities to support the personal development of students. The services provided by the Directorate include catering, housekeeping, reception, security, and maintenance as well as providing systems for the management of health and safety and food safety. 

Supported by a College Operations Team Leader, the Housekeeping Assistant Supervisor will provide supervisory assistance to a team of College Housekeeping Assistants with responsibility for supporting the delivery of a range of cleaning/housekeeping services including the cleaning and servicing of student shared spaces, guest accommodation, facilities, offices and common areas of the College used by students and commercial customers. Teams ensure agreed standards are maintained, with particular reference to student and customer comfort and satisfaction. Housekeeping Assistant Supervisors support the delivery of service standards that are effective, efficient and offer value for money. This role is front-facing, service focused and ensure the College is well maintained, welcoming and a pleasant environment for students, University employees and commercial customers.  

Roles available:

1 x 14 hours per week contract

2 x 24.5 hours per week contract   

Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.     

Working at Durham    
   
A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:     
  
•    27 Days annual leave per year (in additional to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year), a total of 39 days.
•    No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered.  We have a parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.   
•    Discounts via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.    
•    On site nursery is available and access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16 throughout the year. 
•    Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.    
•    The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities.   
•    Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers)    
•    If you are keen on advancing in your role or career, we have a genuine passion for developing our colleagues  from qualifications, to IT skills, courses and apprenticeships.   
•    Generous pension schemes.    

What you need to demonstrate when you apply

To be considered for this role, here are the skills/experience we’re looking for:

Qualifications/Experience
1.    Five GCSE’s at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or equivalent experience.
2.    Experience of working in a team in a housekeeping or cleaning role or having relevant qualifications for the role.
3.    Experience of managing time to meet deadlines.
4.    Experience of supervising a team.

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge
5.    Good spoken and written communication skills.
6.    Good digital skills including experience in using digital devices and apps including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and the internet.
7.    Committed to ongoing training/continuing professional development.
8.    Ability to solve problems as part of a team and resolve straightforward issues.
9.    Ability to provide advice and guidance to a range of colleagues and customers.
10.    Knowledge of health and safety issues such as COSHH and risk assessments.

How to Apply     
    
We prefer to receive applications online.  When you apply you need to submit a CV and/or a statement that tells us your experience and gives examples of how you meet the criteria above and/or submit the application form and include the information within the form.   
   
We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.    
   
Who to contact for more information   
    
If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role or if you are struggling to complete the application process, Chris Finnemore would be happy to speak to you: [email protected].    

Typical Role Requirements   

Here are the kind of activities that you’ll be asked to undertake and ways in which you’ll be expected to operate.

Service Delivery

• Provide an excellent and timely service to our students, your colleagues and anyone else you come across as part of your role.
• Log, record and pass on information for use by others.
• Follow established procedures when carrying out your role and vary or refer to more senior colleagues when necessary.
• Collect, organise and record data and information accurately for use by others.
• Administer the student accommodation housekeeping check-ins, including notifying students of check-in schedules, carrying out and recording the check-ins and providing feedback to students of any actions required from unsatisfactory check-ins. 
• Follow up any remedial action from the housekeeping check-ins. 
• When carrying out your role, apply relevant industry and regulatory standards for example including health and safety as part of standard check-ins (i.e. window restrictors and restricted electrical items) and monitoring the use and storage of cleaning equipment and materials in accordance with manufacturers’ specification and Health and Safety regulations.  
• Confiscate, record, and escalate any restricted items and store as per College procedures ready for collection or disposal.
• Operate everyday tools and domestic equipment and assist with the review of new products and equipment.
• Carry out stock and inventory checks, placing orders as required.
  
• Carry out stock and inventory checks, placing orders as required. 
• Monitor and receipt the storage of goods, ensuring all goods are stored securely and safely. 

Teamwork/Liaison and Supervision

• Provide direct supervision to the Housekeeping Assistants.
• Delegate tasks to other members of the team and make sure that they have been completed.
• Explain systems and procedures to new starters and provide advice and guidance when required so that they know how to carry out their role.
• Help to coach assigned team members and provide any ongoing training needs.
• Assist in the development of rotas, prior to confirming the rota by the College Operations Team Leader. 
• Monitor staff holiday requests and record according to departmental policy. 
• Ensure that the team complete all required learning and annual review of COSHH, Stay Safe and Risk Assessments, highlighting any areas of non-compliance to the College Operations Team Leader. 
• Ensure that staff have the correct uniform, PPE, and equipment to carry out their roles, liaising with College Operations Team Leader approval to purchase additional items. 
• Help to move, set-up and maintain any facilities, equipment, or tools. 
• Help your colleagues when required with other key activities undertaken within your service. 
• Liaise with staff in other areas to ensure that services are being delivered in an efficient and collaborative way. 
• Help carry out annual safety and maintenance checks. 
• Maintain a safe and secure working environment, including maintaining the college first aid boxes and helping team members to review and update risk assessments and safe methods of work, recording incidents on the IR1 form (Grace). 

Communication/Personal

• Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values.
• Follow established procedures to respond to queries and bring any complex issues to the attention of more experience team members.
• Learn the skills needed to deliver services in a customer service environment.
• Respond to routine queries from suppliers, contractors, contacts, utility and service providers where necessary.
• Attend the termly/monthly Housekeeping Assistant Supervisor meeting, to network with colleagues and share best practice.
• Any other reasonable duties and additional responsibilities for trading colleagues e.g., housekeeping resources. 

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices - Durham University  which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.     

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.