A laundry supervisor’s responsibilities vary widely depending on the position and location, but in general, he or she oversees the laundry operations at a business. Supervisors are frequently hired by hotels to ensure that other employees are properly cleaning, storing, and distributing towels and linens to guest rooms. The supervisor may also be in charge of ensuring that the business’s operational aspects run smoothly by dealing with scheduling and, if necessary, arbitrating employee disputes. Despite the fact that a supervisor is in a management position, he or she typically reports to other managers or business owners.
For someone with managerial experience, a laundry supervisor is often an entry level position. One of the most important responsibilities of a supervisor is to supervise the actions and performance of other employees. Receiving and washing dirty linens, folding cleaned items, and distributing linens and towels as needed are some of the tasks that such employees are responsible for. The supervisor is usually responsible for ensuring that employees complete these tasks correctly and on time.
This position’s responsibilities may also include supervising the work of other “housekeeping” employees. Although many companies have laundry and housekeeping employees working together, some businesses may have a sufficient need for laundry services to be separated from other responsibilities. As a result, a laundry supervisor may need to ensure that all housekeeping staff members are performing necessary tasks, such as cleaning hotel rooms and facilities.
A laundry supervisor is also responsible for the proper scheduling of employees. A supervisor must frequently ensure that work shifts are properly scheduled and that any issues that arise among employees are properly addressed in order for the business to remain adequately staffed. When employee conflicts arise, the supervisor may be called upon to handle the situation and ensure that a satisfactory resolution is reached. Supervisors may also be in charge of dealing with customer complaints and making sure that employees are properly trained.
Despite the fact that a laundry supervisor is a manager, he or she is usually at a lower level of management. Depending on the size of the facility where the supervisor works, another department manager may have direct authority over him or her. Otherwise, a supervisor is usually guided and instructed by business owners and managers. He or she is then in charge of ensuring that any managerial directives are followed to the letter.