PM Lead Housekeeper in Chicago, Illinois at The Blackstone Hotel

About the Property & Employer

The Blackstone, Autograph Collection is proudly owned and operated by Vinayaka Hospitality (VH). As the managing company, VH serves as the employer and is responsible for all employment-related decisions, including hiring, compensation, benefits, and workplace policies.

Vinayaka Hospitality was founded in 2008 on a foundation of innovation, intelligence, and compassion. With a passion for hospitality and a practical, results-driven approach to hotel management, VH collaborates with leading global brands—including Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, and Wyndham—to successfully manage a growing portfolio of properties across diverse markets.

We are proud to welcome The Blackstone Hotel to our portfolio as part of our continued expansion. Located on Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago, The Blackstone is one of the city’s most iconic historic hotels. Originally opened in 1910, it has long been recognized as a landmark in Chicago hospitality, known for hosting presidents, dignitaries, and distinguished guests from around the world. Today, it offers a unique blend of timeless character and modern sophistication.

At VH, we are committed to growth—both for our properties and our people. We take a proactive and agile approach to sales, marketing, and revenue strategy, allowing us to adapt quickly to changing market conditions. Equally important, we invest in our associates by creating an environment where individuals can grow, succeed, and make a meaningful impact.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification, we still encourage you to apply—you may be a great fit for this or future opportunities within VH.

Benefits

· 8 Paid Holiday plus a 5 Sick day

· 40 hours of vacation on a first-year anniversary, and 80 hours of vacation until 10th anniversary

· Eligible to enroll in medical insurance under the terms specified in Local 1 Unite HERE Health & Welfare plan

· Eligible to enroll in dental insurance under the terms specified in Local 1 Unite HERE Health & Welfare plan

· Eligible to participate in the pension fund under the terms specified in Local 1 Unite HERE Retirement Fund plan

· Pre-paid legal benefits

· Short term and life insurance coverage as specified in the funds covered by collective bargaining agreement

· Employee Assistance Program

· Great discounts on Hotels, Restaurants, and much more

POSITION FOCUS

Provide exceptional customer service to guests of the hotel on the PM shift by upholding housekeeping standards of cleanliness in all areas of the hotel, by ensuring all available rooms are clean and ready to sell, by responding to all guest calls according to brand standards, distributing uniforms to associates, performing turndown for services upon request, and by following all safety rules and regulations.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain a clean and professional appearance according to hotel standards
• Demonstrate a cheerful and courteous demeanor at all times
• Remain alert and attentive to guests needs/inquiries at all times
• Respond to guest requests in a timely and professional manner according to brand standards
• Work well alone and as part of a team
• Respond to guest calls
• Distribute and attend to uniform needs of associates.
• Follow all safety guidelines to ensure safety and protection of self, associates and guests.
• Use proper chemicals, tools and equipment for cleaning
• Stocks cart according to hotel standards as well as safety protocol
• Turns in all Lost & Found Immediately to security according to hotel standards
• Immediately report maintenance deficiencies and items in need of repair through Empower or through proper reporting systems
• Complete daily, weekly and quarterly cleaning checklists in a timely and professional manner
• Inspect and maintain the cleanliness of the Guest Rooms according to hotel and brand standards (ensure that the following has been completed: clean windows, doors, walls, closets and fixtures, wash shower walls and tub, cleans toilet(s), wipes exposed pipes, cleans mirrors, sink(s) and walls, replaces towels, soaps and all room amenities and collateral that has been removed or soiled/torn, washes all hard floor areas (linoleum, tile, etc.) to remove dirt and soiled areas, dusts and polishes all furniture, fixtures and wall hangings by using appropriate tools to high dust, strips bed of all linen and remakes with fresh (must check all new linen, bedding, blankets and bed pads for cleanliness and/or tears/rips), checks closet for cleanliness, wiping closet door, handle and overhead shelves and restocking the guest room supplies such as hangers, extra blankets and pillows, vacuums carpets (operating vacuums weighing up to 25lbs), vacuum entire area of carpet including underneath furniture and hard to reach areas, inspects all door and window locks to ensure they are in working order and immediately alerts management to an unsecured or unsafe situation for the safety of guests and employees, inspects all room equipment (TV, lights/lamps, faucets, radios) to ensure proper working order and immediately reports all room status and room maintenance deficiencies through EMPOWER for prompt repair/resolution,
• Assist Housekeeping employees in maintaining the cleanliness of the Front of House/Public Space/Guest Corridors/Back of House according to brand standards.
• Make rollaway beds.
• Secures and maintains custody of equipment, keys, panic alarms and supplies at all times in order to protect and preserve hotel property
• Performs other duties as assigned, requested or deemed necessary by management.
• Obtain assignments, Radio/pager, and special guest requests from management at the beginning of each shift
• Complete all assignments within designated time frame, communicate any guest issues and/or items that need follow-up to management
• Deliver guest laundry and post applicable charges to the proper account in PMS
• Complete room inspections according to hotel and brand standards as assigned by management
• Assist management in closing duties for AM shift (updating PMS, key control, panic alarm collection, etc.)

Competencies

Strategic Skills

Proficient in position required job skills and knowledge. Intelligent in grasping and integrating new information. Is an active learner with a strong sense of curiosity. Has natural instincts and insight for finding the best solution to unclear situations, issues and problems. Considers multiples resources and methods for analyzing problems. Makes great decisions.

Operating Skills

Is effective in prioritizing work; consistently manages time and processes to create maximum efficiency with minimum disruption or redundancy. Is time sensitive, understands how work and processes fit in with other departmental or business priorities and objectives. Is able to adjust work to accommodate expected and unexpected changes. Is able to gauge progress with respect to overall impact and results.

Courage

Can think and act independently with confidence. Has personal fortitude and integrity when faced with challenges.

Energy & Drive

Energetic and takes initiative. Is pro-active and persistent in pursuing and completing tasks. Strives to exceed expectations and goals.

Personal & Interpersonal Skills

Welcoming and warm personality. Able to engage easily and actively connect with others. Is genuinely caring and compassionate; visibly demonstrates desire to understand others. Creates confidence and trust with others, is socially aware of self and others and is known for communicating the right message at the right time. Utilizes a variety of approaches and communication techniques tailored to each situation. Is comfortable in conversing with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and at all organizational levels. Is direct yet tactful and considerate of audience. Positively accepts and provides feedback.

Knowledge/Skills

Must have basic knowledge of general cleaning principles, use of cleaning products and operation of standard cleaning equipment. Must have vision ability to see minute debris and dirt in poorly lit areas, and to read written instructions and computer print-outs. Must be able to understand and follow verbal/written instructions and communicate both verbally and in writing.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Abilities

Must have upper body strength to lift up to 50lbs. continually throughout shift. Must have finger, hand and upper body dexterity to push, pull and move levers, equipment and furniture throughout shift. Must be able to work with arms raised above head throughout an shift. Must be able to maneuver fully loaded maid cart, weighing up to 50lbs., through hallways and into/out of closets during entire work day.

Education/Formal Training

No formal education or training

Experience

Proficiency in PMS or similar computer systems preferred