Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Domestic Services Manager- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
- Training and Teaching Others Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Coaching and Developing Others Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
- Assisting and Caring for Others Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Developing and Building Teams Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Working Life
Domestic services/ Facilities managers make sure that places like hospitals, universities and colleges, residential homes, schools and hotels are clean and well maintained. The title of the job varies depending on where it takes place. They are known as 'housekeepers' in the hotel industry and 'domestic bursars' in places like university halls of residence. The duties are very similar, despite the variations in title.
Domestic services managers must have a good understanding of the equipment and techniques that are used to do the cleaning, even though they don't do it themselves. They are responsible for the materials and equipment used, and must keep up-to-date with new technology.
Many domestic services managers work in hospitals and organise teams of workers who keep the inside of the building clean and in good condition. For obvious reasons, hygiene and the control of pests are important factors in hospitals. Other duties may include:
- organising laundry services
- arranging repairs
- organising and maintaining furnishings and interior decorations
- allocating living accommodation in hospitals to medical and nursing staff
- high risk cleaning, for example, operating theatres
Domestic services managers organise work rotas, and train, supervise and check the work of the domestic staff. They are usually responsible for taking on new staff, so need to be confident in personnel and industrial relations matters. They are required to provide a socially acceptable environment for the public. They are involved in preserving fabric, fittings and furnishings.
Domestic services managers often work within a tight budget, and have to find the most cost-effective way of organising staff and providing an efficient service.
Managers sometimes live in their place of work, so they can be on call at all times. Their main aim is to provide an appropriate standard of service in the most efficient and cost effective way.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Supervise in-house services, such as laundries, maintenance and repair, dry cleaning, or valet services.
- Select the most suitable cleaning materials for different types of linens, furniture, flooring, and surfaces.
- Advise managers, desk clerks, or admitting personnel of rooms ready for occupancy.
- Inspect work performed to ensure that it meets specifications and established standards.
- Perform or assist with cleaning duties as necessary.
- Plan and prepare employee work schedules.
- Establish and implement operational standards and procedures for the departments supervised.
- Inspect and evaluate the physical condition of facilities to determine the type of work required.
- Inventory stock to ensure that supplies and equipment are available in adequate amounts.
- Issue supplies and equipment to workers.
Qualities - Domestic Services Manager
You must be up to the physically demanding aspects of the job. Much of the day is spent monitoring work and training staff. You need to have good organisation skills. And you must be capable of dealing with sudden crises calmly and efficiently. You must also have good delegation skills.
It is also important to be a good team builder. You need to win the confidence of the staff many of whom are low paid. You must keep the staff motivated and make sure that they understand the need for high standards.
Interests - Domestic Services Manager
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Entry / Progression - Domestic Services Manager
There are several routes into this type of work. In the hotel industry, it is possible to start as a housekeeper and study for a Failte Ireland qualification.
Some domestic services manager posts require a Level 6 or Higher Level qualification.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: facilities, supervisory, management.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: hospitality, supervisory management.
Search for PLC Courses
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: tourism, hospitality, management, building, services.
Search for CAO Courses
Pay & Salary - Domestic Services Manager
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €43k - €100k
Salaries vary by employer, duties, role, experience, and location.
Data Source(s):
HSE.ie/ Morgan McKinley/ Indeed/ Excel
Last Updated: March, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Domestic Services Manager
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Hotel and accommodation managers; Hotel and accommodation proprietors; Restaurant and catering establishment managers and proprietors; Publicans; managers of licensed premises.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Despite a lower than average employment growth rate for this occupation over the five-year period, employment grew strongly between 2021 and 2022 with an additional 5,700 persons employed, surpassing 2019 levels. Approximately a third working in these roles were non-Irish citizens, above the national average, and employment permits issued related to roles for restaurant managers, hotel, duty and accommodation managers.
Advertised vacancies in the OVATE data grew strongly (by nearly a third), albeit from a low base. Vacancies advertised through DSP Jobs Ireland were primarily for restaurant managers but also for managers in catering, food and beverage and hotel. The future demand for hospitality managers will depend on the performance of the different segments of the hospitality sector, with a greater requirement for restaurant managers likely compared to accommodation-related managers.
Useful Contacts - Domestic Services Manager
-
Fáilte Ireland
-
Irish Hotels Federation
