Lead Custodian

Pay: $17.50 to $17.50 per hour

Description
*Expected hiring date is 9/1 for Bal Harbour Shops expansion.
About Us
 Whitman Family Development is a family-owned real estate company specializing in high-end retail, management, and leasing. The company owns and operates Bal Harbour Shops, a historic luxury shopping destination. Bal Harbour Shops is a global leader in the industry and is best known for its curated retail, as well as the emotional connection to its tenants and customers. For more information on Bal Harbour Shops, please visit https://www.balharbourshops.com/.
Position Summary
The Janitorial Lead Custodian is responsible for maintaining immaculate cleanliness and presentation standards across Bal Harbour Shops while providing day-to-day leadership, guidance, and oversight to the custodial team. This role combines hands-on cleaning responsibilities with supervisory duties to ensure all common areas, restrooms, and support spaces consistently meet the world-class standards expected at a luxury retail destination. The Lead Custodian serves as the primary point of contact for the team during assigned shifts and reports directly to the Facilities Manager.
Responsibilities
Team Leadership & Supervision
Serve as the lead custodian on assigned shifts, directing the work of custodial staff and ensuring all duties are completed on schedule
Distribute daily cleaning assignments, zone coverage, and special projects to team members at the start of each shift
Train new custodial employees on cleaning procedures, safety protocols, chemical handling, and luxury presentation standards
Conduct regular walk-throughs of all assigned areas to inspect completed work and ensure Class A cleanliness standards are met
Provide real-time feedback, guidance, and correction to team members to maintain consistent quality
Monitor shift attendance and coordinate coverage for call-outs; escalate staffing issues to the Facilities Manager
Monitor inventory of cleaning supplies and equipment; submit supply requisitions and report equipment needs or malfunctions
Ensure all team members complete required daily, weekly, and monthly checklists accurately and on time
Document and report accidents, injuries, safety hazards, property damage, and maintenance issues to management promptly
Act as the primary communication link between the custodial team and the Facilities Manager during assigned shifts
Daily Cleaning & Appearance
Clean and maintain common areas including walkways, plazas, restrooms, lounges, elevators, stairwells, and service corridors
Perform sweeping, mopping, dusting, vacuuming, and trash removal
Maintain outdoor areas including sidewalks, courtyards, and entryways
Ensure restrooms are stocked, sanitized, and presentable
Lead by example by actively participating in cleaning tasks alongside the team
Luxury Environment Standards
Uphold and enforce luxury-level cleanliness and presentation standards
Work discreetly and professionally around guests and tenants
Respond quickly to spills and cleanliness issues; deploy team members as needed
Ensure team members present a professional appearance in all public areas
Sanitation & Safety
Follow and enforce health and safety cleaning procedures
Ensure safe handling, storage, and disposal of cleaning chemicals and supplies by all team members
Identify, address, and report safety hazards or damages
 Ensure compliance with OSHA standards and property safety policies
Conduct safety briefings and reinforce proper procedures at the start of each shift
Event & Seasonal Support
Coordinate and lead pre- and post-cleaning for events and seasonal décor installations
Plan staffing and zone assignments for high-traffic periods and holidays
Communicate event schedules and special requirements to the team in advance
Team Collaboration & Reporting
Work with facilities, landscaping, security, and management teams
Complete and verify cleaning checklists and work orders for the team
Prepare and submit shift reports summarizing work completed, issues identified, and follow-up items
Report supply and equipment needs
Requirements
Required Qualifications
 Minimum 2–3 years of janitorial or custodial experience
 Prior supervisory or lead experience preferred
 Dependable and detail-oriented
 Ability to follow and enforce procedures and schedules
 Strong verbal communication skills; ability to direct and motivate a team
Preferred
 Experience in luxury retail, hospitality, or mall environments
 Familiarity with cleaning equipment
 Basic knowledge of OSHA standards and chemical handling regulations
 Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus
Skills & Competencies
 Strong attention to detail
 Leadership, team coordination, and conflict resolution skills
 Professional appearance
 Good time management
 Accountability and initiative
Physical Requirements
 Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
 Ability to lift up to 40–50 lbs
 Ability to bend, kneel, and perform repetitive motions
 Ability to work outdoors in varying weather
 Ability to work early morning, evening, weekend, or holiday shifts as required
Whitman Family Development and its subsidiaries is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.