You are in charge of the cleanliness of all the guest rooms, and most (if not all) of the public areas.
Much of your time will be spent supervising and training your staff, planning staff rotas, and dealing with stock-takes, budgets, and other paperwork (maintenance reports, room check sheets, safety audits, etc.). You will also deal with the suppliers of linen, cleaning materials and guest supplies (sachets of tea and coffee, soap, shampoo, etc.), and control the costs of cleaning materials, linen, laundry, maintenance and wages. Another regular part of your routine will be checking that high standards of cleanliness are maintained, rooms correctly serviced, and equipment in a safe conditions (for guests and staff). Lost property will also be handed to you for safe keeping until it can be returned to the owner.
In a large operation, you will have Assistant Housekeepers and supervisors to control the work of room attendants, and probably linen room staff and someone to issue the cleaning supplies. You will liaise closely with the general manager and other heads of department, and attend regular meetings. Your staff will also meet with you, possibly on a weekly basis. Good relations with reception staff are crucial – you will need to let them know when rooms are ready to re-let, and they will let you know when rooms can be serviced, and which are departures & arrivals.
Maintenance is another key area - repairs will need to be carried out promptly, and rooms should be kept in good order. It is important that the equipment your staff use (vacuum cleaners, shampooers, polishers, trolleys, etc.) is in sound working order, and is used safely. Some cleaning materials are hazardous, and it is your responsibility to ensure that staff are trained to use them safely. Health, safety (including fire safety) and security will be on going concerns.