Hotel managers carry out a wide range of tasks to ensure their hotel runs smoothly. They monitor and control all aspects of the business, from administration to customer service. They manage hotel staff and deal with customers comfort and complaints.

Managers look after everything from food and refreshments, accommodation and amenities - like the swimming pool or health spa (if there is one) - to entertainment and conference facilities.

Managers ensure that guests are enjoying themselves, so that theyll be more likely to return and recommend the hotel to other people.

In a large hotel, individual managers, responsible for housekeeping, maintenance and food and beverage - report to the general manager who manages the business side. In a large hotel, the financial side may be taken care of by an accounts department, but if not, the managers job would include:

• setting annual budgets
• analysing financial data and statistics, such as looking at how many guests return to the hotel, or whether certain complaints crop up often
• setting business targets to be met
• working out marketing strategies
• managing staff - including hiring and firing people
• organising the upkeep of the buildings
• making sure security systems work well
• overseeing shift rotas and meal timings.
• In a large hotel managers spend a lot of time in meetings with the heads of other departments. This means less contact with guests than the manager of a smaller hotel. However, there may be more opportunity to look after VIP guests.

In a small hotel, managers are more involved in the day-to-day running, coping with whatever arises, from carrying guests' luggage to pouring drinks or dealing with minor repairs.

Hours and Environment

Hotel managers work long, unsocial hours, which may include evenings, nights, weekends, public holidays and shift work. Managers who live on the premises, might be called in when off duty.
Most time is spent indoors in pleasant surroundings. Managers in large hotels are normally based in an office.

Skills and Interests

Hotel managers should:

• have a good head for busines
• be able to manage and set a good example to staff
• have well-developed communication skills
• enjoy working with people - and be able to be tactful to guests
• keep calm in trying circumstances and be able to solve problems quickly
• have energy and enthusiasm
• be well-organised
• have a smart appearance when dealing with customers.

Entry

There is no maximum age limit to become a hotel manager, though over the age of 45, direct entry can be more difficult.
Whilst there are no set entry requirements, most new entrants to hotel management have a degree and postgraduate qualification. Many enter management training schemes.

Training

Training normally takes place on the job, where you will gain experience in a variety of work roles in different areas of the business.
Hotel chains often have their own structured management training schemes for graduates. These involve taking on high levels of responsibility from the start.

Opportunities

Hotel managers work in a range of establishments, from small privately owned hotels (as owner/manager) to hotel chains and luxury country house hotels. Competition for hotel management jobs is fierce.

Promotion depends on the size of the hotel and experience of management roles. In hotel chains, promotion may be into a strategic role such as corporate marketing or training. Additional qualifications, for example in business or marketing, may be needed. There are also openings for hotel managers to move into other non-hospitality business areas.

Self-employment is frequent as experienced managers can open their own hotels.

Annual Income

Further information

Springboard UK Ltd http://www.springboarduk.org.uk