Aramark

Custodial Director - Higher Education

Aramark$90K — $100K *
Salem, VA 24153In-Person
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Facilities Management, Hospitality Management, Operations Management, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
  • 5+ years of progressive custodial or facilities management experience.
  • 3+ years of leadership managing multiple supervisors and large staff.
  • Experience with budget management and operational performance metrics.
  • Strong customer service and client relationship skills.
  • Knowledge of cleaning methods, equipment, and sanitation standards.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and workforce management systems.

Responsibilities

  • Direct and oversee all custodial operations on campus.
  • Develop and implement cleaning standards and quality assurance programs.
  • Ensure service consistency across various campus facilities.
  • Establish performance metrics to improve operational efficiency.
  • Lead planning for deep cleaning projects and emergency responses.
  • Recruit, train, and develop custodial staff.
  • Serve as the main liaison for custodial services with university leadership.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
  • Retirement savings plans such as a 401(k).
  • Paid days off including parental leave and disability coverage.
  • Work/life resources to support employee well-being.
  • Benefits vary by location and eligibility.
Full Job Description
Compensation Data

COMPENSATION: The salary range for this position is $90,000.00 to $100,000.00. If both numbers are the same, that is the amount that Aramark expects to offer. This is Aramark's good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation for this position as of the time of posting.

BENEFITS: Aramark offers comprehensive benefit programs and services for eligible employees including medical, dental, vision, and work/life resources. Additional benefits may include retirement savings plans like 401(k) and paid days off such as parental leave and disability coverage. Benefits vary by location and are subject to any legal requirements or limitations, employee eligibility status, and where the employee lives and/or works. For more information about Aramark benefits, click here Aramark Careers - Benefits & Compensation.

There is no predetermined application window for this position, the position will close once a qualified candidate is selected. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable law, including, but not limited to, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the California Fair Chance Act, and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance to the extent that those laws apply to the opportunity.

Job Description

The Custodial Director is responsible for providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and client relationship management for custodial services across a higher education campus. This role oversees all aspects of cleaning operations, sanitation programs, staffing, budget management, regulatory compliance, sustainability initiatives, and customer satisfaction. The Custodial Director ensures that academic buildings, residence halls, student centers, athletic facilities, administrative offices, and other campus locations are maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, and appearance. The ideal candidate is a proven leader with experience managing large-scale custodial operations, developing high-performing teams, and building strong partnerships with university stakeholders.

Job Responsibilities

Operational Leadership
  • Direct and manage all custodial operations across the university campus.
  • Develop and implement cleaning standards, operational procedures, and quality assurance programs.
  • Ensure consistent service delivery across academic, administrative, residential, athletic, and special-use facilities.
  • Establish performance metrics and continuously improve operational efficiency and service outcomes.
  • Lead planning and execution of deep cleaning projects, campus events, move-in/move-out periods, and emergency response activities.


Team Management
  • Recruit, hire, train, coach, and develop custodial management and frontline staff.
  • Foster a culture of safety, accountability, engagement, and customer service.
  • Manage scheduling, labor allocation, productivity standards, and workforce planning.
  • Conduct performance evaluations and develop succession plans for key roles.
  • Support employee retention and recognition initiatives.


Client & Campus Relations
  • Serve as the primary custodial services liaison for university leadership, facilities management, housing, athletics, and other campus departments.
  • Conduct regular client meetings to review service levels, address concerns, and identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Respond promptly and professionally to escalated service requests and operational issues.
  • Build strong relationships that support campus-wide goals and initiatives.


Financial Management
  • Develop and manage annual operating budgets.
  • Monitor labor, supplies, equipment, and operational expenses.
  • Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining service quality.
  • Ensure accurate reporting, forecasting, and financial accountability.


Safety & Compliance
  • Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, environmental standards, university policies, and company procedures.
  • Lead safety training programs and enforce safe work practices.
  • Oversee infection prevention protocols, chemical handling procedures, and custodial equipment safety.
  • Investigate incidents and implement corrective actions as necessary.


Sustainability & Innovation
  • Promote sustainable cleaning practices and environmentally responsible solutions.
  • Support campus sustainability objectives through green cleaning programs and waste reduction initiatives.
  • Evaluate emerging technologies, equipment, and processes to improve efficiency and service delivery.


Quality Assurance
  • Conduct routine inspections and audits of custodial services.
  • Monitor key performance indicators and develop corrective action plans when needed.
  • Ensure facilities consistently meet cleanliness, appearance, and sanitation standards.


Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Facilities Management, Hospitality Management, Operations Management, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
  • 5+ years of progressive custodial, environmental services, facilities, or housekeeping management experience.
  • 3+ years of leadership experience managing multiple supervisors and large employee populations.
  • Experience managing budgets, labor planning, and operational performance metrics.
  • Strong customer service and client relationship management skills.
  • Working knowledge of cleaning methods, equipment, chemicals, and sanitation standards.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and workforce management systems.


Education

About Aramark

Aramark provides food services, facilities management, and uniform and career apparel to health care institutions, universities and school districts, stadiums and arenas, and businesses around the world. ARAMARK’s position as a world leader in facility services stems from decades of experience and superior service in the diversified outsourcing industry. From their humble beginnings in 1936 at the helm of Davre Davidson and his peanut vending machines to our place — for the sixth time in nine years — at the top of Fortune magazine’s list of the “World’s Most Admired Companies,” ARAMARK has maintained an unwavering focus on providing world-class experiences, environments, and outcomes for their clients. At ARAMARK, they take care of buildings and infrastructure so that their customers can take care of their core business. They are proud to provide exceptional facility management services for 1,600 companies in 16,000 facilities — about 1.8 billion square feet worldwide. ARAMARK provides comprehensive facility service solutions that enable its clients to maximize safety, productivity, and reliability. Their success is the result of their steadfast commitment to service excellence. They pride themselves on delivering customizable, sustainable solutions in a wide range of facilities by working closely with their clients to achieve mutual goals. Self-performed services, ongoing client communication, performance metrics, and an environment of team learning and development enable us to perform beyond expectations in virtually every client engagement. Whatever the company’s facility needs, ARAMARK is here to consistently exceed the expectations for service excellence with the best people, the most innovative processes, and the latest technologies.

Aramark Careers

Join Aramark's vibrant team today and be part of a company that values innovation, leadership, and diversity. As a global leader in food, facilities, and uniform services, Aramark offers unparalleled job opportunities designed to enhance your professional growth and development. Work You’ll Do At Aramark, we are committed to fostering a culture of growth and innovation. Our team members are at the heart of our operations, providing essential services across various industries. By joining our team, you will collaborate with skilled professionals dedicated to making a meaningful impact every day. Aramark offers a wide range of employment opportunities, from frontline positions to executive roles, each contributing to our mission of delivering experiences that enrich and nourish lives. Whether you are looking for a full-time position or an internship, Aramark provides a path that will advance your career and expand your skills. Leadership and Development Step into a role that challenges you to be your best. Aramark’s leadership is committed to nurturing talents through robust training programs and diversity initiatives that ensure all team members are valued and have the opportunity to succeed. Our leadership training equips you with the tools necessary to lead with confidence and integrity. Innovation at Work Innovation is at the core of Aramark, where we continuously seek cutting-edge solutions to improve our services and operations. Engage in work that pushes the boundaries and leads to transformative outcomes, not just for our company but for the industries we serve. Join Our Team Explore the multitude of job opportunities at Aramark, where your career aspirations can take flight. We are actively hiring creative, curious, and motivated individuals who are ready to contribute to a team that celebrates diversity and is driven by excellence. Internship Programs Kickstart your career with an Aramark internship, where you can apply your classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios. Our internships provide a foundation for learning and development, plus the opportunity to build professional networks that can be pivotal in your career journey. Benefits and Culture Aramark is dedicated to supporting our employees with a comprehensive benefits package that promotes a healthy, fulfilling life both inside and outside of work. Our culture thrives on teamwork, respect, and inclusivity, creating an environment where every employee can thrive. Stay Connected Search open positions that match your skills and interests on the Aramark Jobs portal. We look for passionate, solution-driven team players who are eager to make a difference. Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work at Aramark. Job Alert Emails Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at Aramark. Join Aramark today and be part of a team that is dedicated to excellence and innovation in everything we do. Your future starts here!
Learn more about Aramark
Size
248,300 employees
Market Cap
$10.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$688.5 million
Founded
1936
5 Year Trend
+2.3%
Revenue
$11.3 billion
NASDAQ

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