Hotel manager
Hotel managers are responsible for running operations like guest services, housekeeping, bar and restaurant facilities, and conferencing and events.
Also known as: Guest house manager, hotel general manager
- Starter salary£30,000 a year
- Experienced£60,000 a year
- Typical hours40 to 45 a week
What you'll do
As a hotel manager, you could:
- provide leadership for hotel staff teams
- promote the hotel and its facilities to bring in new business
- plan rotas and organise cleaning and catering services
- manage budgets, set sales targets and forecast income
- make sure the hotel meets licensing and health and safety laws
- oversee fire safety, building security and site maintenance
- manage corporate bookings and events
- recruit, train and organise staff
- meet and greet customers and deal with complaints
In a small hotel you may manage all of its operations. In a larger hotel, you may have more specific responsibilities, for example reservations or revenues management.
Working environment
You could work in a hotel or at a conference centre.
You may need to wear smart business clothes.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- customer service skills
- the ability to motivate and manage staff
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- to be flexible and open to change
- the ability to use your initiative
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- excellent verbal communication skills
- business management skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a hotel manager
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You can complete a qualification like a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree and enter hotel management through a management trainee scheme.
This role is open to graduates of all subjects, though a related course may give you an advantage. These include:
- hotel management
- hospitality management
- hospitality business management
- international hotel management
- travel and tourism
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
Apprenticeship
You can apply to do a Hospitality Supervisor Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, or Hospitality Manager Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, to train to become a hotel manager.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
Work
You may be able to get into this career by getting experience as a deputy manager in front of house, guest services or catering operations. With further training on the job, you could be promoted to a more senior managerial position.
Career path and progression
Your career prospects will depend on the size of the business, your experience and whether you are willing to relocate.
In larger hotel chains, you could move into regional management or specialise in areas like corporate finance or training. You may also have the chance to work overseas with an international hotel group.
Career tips
Experience in any kind of customer facing role will be useful for this career.
Some hotels offer live-in accommodation as part of their salary and benefits package.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Institute of Hospitality for professional development and networking opportunities.
Guides for this industry
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