Director of Housekeeping

Sonesta International Hotels is recognized as the 8th largest hotel company in the United States and is experiencing rapid expansion. With a diverse portfolio that includes full-service and focused hotels located in major cities, Sonesta proudly owns, manages, and franchises over 1,000 properties across eight countries and counting. This extensive reach makes Sonesta a familiar name wherever exceptional hospitality is sought. Sonesta’s brand is deeply rooted in the human side of hospitality, emphasizing passionate service, purposeful loyalty, and meaningful guest experiences that create lasting connections. The company culture thrives on collaboration under the motto "Together We Thrive," ensuring that quality, value, and outstanding hospitality shine through in every guest interaction and every stay.

The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco, an iconic lifestyle hotel nestled in the heart of Union Square, is seeking a talented, experienced, and service-driven Director of Housekeeping to lead its housekeeping operations. This leadership position demands a hands-on approach and a dedication to maintaining the highest levels of cleanliness and operational excellence across all areas, including guest rooms, public spaces, and laundry operations where applicable. The role requires an individual capable of supporting labor management and budgetary goals while fostering a positive, engaged team culture in a unionized environment.

This Director of Housekeeping will be pivotal in ensuring that Sonesta’s prestigious brand standards and Forbes-level service expectations are met consistently while complying with OSHA and California-specific labor regulations. As the leader of the housekeeping team, this person will supervise diverse staff groups such as Room Attendants, Housepersons, Public Area Attendants, and the housekeeping leadership team. Additionally, this role involves close collaboration with cross-functional departments including Front Office, Engineering, Security, and Food & Beverage to deliver seamless and memorable guest experiences.

Key responsibilities of this leadership role include managing labor productivity, scheduling, payroll, staffing, and departmental expenses to align with budget targets. Regular room inspections and quality assurance audits will ensure continuous improvement in cleanliness and presentation, reinforcing Sonesta’s commitment to excellence. This role also requires managing inventory and purchasing of necessary supplies such as linens, uniforms, and cleaning equipment while ensuring site safety through compliance with injury prevention, chemical handling, and workers’ compensation protocols.

The ideal candidate is a strong, empathetic people leader possessing at least 3 to 5 years of progressive housekeeping management experience in full-service or luxury hotels, preferably with unionized operations. Proficiency in labor management, budgeting, coaching, and conflict resolution are critical for success. A flexible approach to work schedules, including weekends and holidays, is essential to meet operational demands. Familiarity with hotel systems and Microsoft Office is preferred, and bilingual skills are considered an advantage.

Sonesta offers competitive compensation for this role, with a base salary range between $110,000 and $115,000 annually plus bonus opportunities. Employees benefit from comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with company match, paid time off, holiday pay, and exclusive Sonesta hotel discounts. Sonesta promotes career growth within its extensive hospitality network, making this a rewarding opportunity for dedicated professionals seeking to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment. The company values diversity and inclusion, ensuring fair employment practices regardless of race, religion, gender identity, or other protected characteristics. Applicants are encouraged to submit complete applications inclusive of resumes to be considered for this role.