Cleaning Team Lead

In 2024, a group of lifelong friends in Brisbane turned a handful of properties into a thriving short-term rental business. They had no playbook, just determination, grit, and a vision for redefining hospitality.

One year later, Smart Suites now manages over 100 listings across Rocklea, Sunnybank, Acacia Ridge, and Kuraby. We serve major clients, adopt AI-driven tools to streamline our systems, and build a culture that feels more like a sports team than a company: accountable, collaborative, and driven by results.

Now, we're looking for an experienced Cleaning Team Lead what will take charge of our remote cleaning operations management across our growing portfolio of short-term vacation rentals in Brisbane.

Important Notes Before You Apply

• Role Type: Full-time independent contractor. This is not a permanent employee role.
• Compensation: AU$8,000–2,200 per month (all-in).
• Schedule: While this engagement generally follows a 5-6 day workweek, the contractor must remain flexible and available during core cleaning hours, including weekends, as required by operations. Current schedules may include: 6 days a week (Thursday to Tuesday), 7 working hours/day (7:00 AM  2:00 PM PH time) or 5 days a week (Thursday to Monday), 8 working hours/day (6:00 AM 2:00 PM PH time). Please note that this schedule is subject to change depending on operational needs and the dynamic nature of the industry.
• Experience Required: Candidates should have substantial experience in cleaning operations, housekeeping leadership, or facilities management. If you feel ready to take on this responsibility, we would love to hear from you

Why Our Recruitment Process is Thorough

We believe the right match creates long-term success. Thats why our process is multi-staged, so both you and the client can be confident this role is the right fit. Expect:

• Initial Interview min): A conversation about your background, motivation, and fit.
• Technical Live Assessment min): Real-time guest service and operations scenarios.
• Behavioral Interview (60 min): Explore your communication style, adaptability, and cultural fit.
• Meet the Founder Session min): Final conversation about expectations, growth, and Smart Suites long-term vision.

Pre-Engagement Steps:

• IT Audit: To ensure compliance with systems and tools.
• Reference Check: To confirm your work history and professionalism.

This may feel meticulous, but it reflects our clients commitment to building lasting, reliable contractor partnerships.

What You'll Do

Operations Leadership

• Conduct interviews and support recruitment of cleaners.
• Oversee rostering of cleaners, ensuring operational coverage while minimizing overlap.
• Provide virtual coaching and performance reviews for cleaning contractors.

Quality Control

• Develop and update cleaning SOPs, checklists, and audit templates.
• Review photos, videos, and reports from on site teams to assess compliance with standards.
• Investigate guest complaints related to cleanliness and issue corrective action plans.

Process and Vendor Management

• Monitor performance data (cleaning times, defects, guest feedback) and recommend improvements.
• Evaluate cleaning supply vendors, considering cost, sustainability, and quality.
• Research and propose digital and AI tools to streamline audits and communication.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain organized digital records of audits, incident logs, and reports.
• Prepare and submit scheduled reports with insights and improvement initiatives.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

1. Quality and Standards

• 98 percent audit completion rate on submitted cleaning reports.
• Weekly defect logs maintained and corrective actions documented.

2. People and Process

• 2 remote coaching sessions delivered per month, with 90 percent positive feedback.
• Incident resolution within 48 hours of guest complaint or issue.
• 1 documented process improvement initiative per quarter.

3. Reporting and Compliance

• 100 percent on time submission of weekly or monthly reports.
• SOPs updated within 10 days of changes.
• Vendor review reports submitted every 6 months.
• 95 percent attendance in scheduled Facilities Management meetings.

Skills and Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years experience in cleaning management, housekeeping operations, or facilities management, preferably in hospitality, property management, or similar industries.
• Familiarity with Australian cleaning standards and hygiene requirements applicable to accommodation services is highly desirable.
• Experience managing remote processes and coordinating with on-site teams from an offshore location.
• Proficiency in digital tools for checklist management, audits, reporting, and communication (e.g. Trello, Asana, Google Sheets, M365, Ai or dedicated cleaning management software).
• Excellent communication skills for conducting virtual coaching, reporting, and issue resolution.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, capable of interpreting data and identifying operational improvements.
• Skilled in developing SOPs, training materials, and operational documentation.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, able to manage multiple processes and reporting requirements.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, technology-driven environment.

Our Core Values (COCHET)

• Customer Obsession: Guests come first.
• Ownership: Take initiative, follow through, and treat the business as your own.
• Curiosity: Look for better ways of working.
• Humility: Stay grounded and collaborative.
• Efficiency: Work smart with systems and tools.
• Teamwork: Win as a team, not as individuals.

About Smart Suites

Smart Suites is redefining hospitality in Australia. More than just clean and comfortable stays, we deliver personalized excellence powered by technology and innovation. With 100+ properties under management today and a goal of 400+ tomorrow, every contractor who joins us plays a role in shaping the next chapter of growth.

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