Residence Cleaning Coordinator - 12-Month Contract

Introduction

Student Housing and Residence Life is looking to appoint a Temporary Residence Cleaning Coordinator to coordinate residence cleaning staff, chemicals, and equipment, ensuring hygiene standards are maintained across residences during both term and vacation periods.

SH&RL offers a living and learning experience to students in residence, which includes a comprehensive cleaning service across all student housing. During vacation periods, full building cleans take place, and identified vacation accommodation residences (catering and self-catering) are prepared for student and commercial guests.

This role carries significant people-management responsibility , overseeing supervisors and team leaders across a workforce of 170+ cleaning staff , and requires solid working knowledge of HR policy, procedure, and employee/industrial relations processes.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Ensure consistent delivery of cleaning services across all residences, year-round and during vacation periods

• Lead, guide, and manage Supervisors and Team Leaders — including rostering, performance monitoring, and staff development

• Coordinate deep-cleaning and vacation accommodation projects, including snagging, staff deployment, and quality assurance

• Oversee cleaning supplies, chemical stock management, storerooms, and equipment audits

• Liaise with service providers and monitor external contractors, reporting deviations and ensuring contract compliance

• Implement and monitor sustainability initiatives, hygiene standards, and health & safety protocols

• Process HR-related functions: leave, overtime, disciplinary actions, injury-on-duty (IOD) claims, and staff wellness referrals

• Facilitate training and induction for new staff; represent management in recruitment and disciplinary hearings

• Maintain strong stakeholder relationships with Residence Coordinators, Facilities, HR, Student Wellness, and unions

• Coordinate cleaning support for university events, including VC functions and memorial services

Desired Experience & Qualification

• NQF 5 (Higher Certificate) in Operations Management or a related field — required

• Valid Code 08 driver's licence — required

• 3–5 years' relevant experience coordinating cleaning operations

• 3 years' experience with HR policies, procedures, and Employee Relations (ER) processes, including working knowledge of the BCEA, LRA, and OHS Act

• Demonstrated experience managing and dealing with employees at scale (170+ staff complement)

• Computer literacy (MS Office Suite)

• Strong people management, problem-solving, decision-making, planning, and organising skills

• Ability to multi-task and prioritise under pressure

• Ability to work weekends, overtime, and public holidays when required

• Knowledge of buffing machines and carpet steam cleaners

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Disclaimer

EE Disclaimer

All positions will be filled in accordance with the company's  Employment Equity Plan . We encourage  people with disabilities  to apply.

Application Unsuccessful Disclaimer

If you do not receive feedback within  two weeks of your application , please consider your application unsuccessful. Keep an eye on our website and other career sites for future opportunities.

Only candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be considered.