Hotel managers oversee all aspects of the running of their hotel. They usually have overall responsibility for the housekeeping, budgeting, marketing and general hotel maintenance, ensuring everything runs smoothly and that guests enjoy their stay.
Specific duties are likely to include:
- customer (guest) relations
- setting budgets and targets
- putting together a business plan
- purchasing and stock control
- deciding on marketing and publicity strategies
- recruiting, training and, when necessary, dismissing staff
- ensuring the health and safety of guests and staff
- meeting food safety and licensing law requirements
- making sure security systems are effective
- analysing information and making improvements.
In a large hotel, the hotel manager may lead a team of managers, each responsible for an area, eg housekeeping, maintenance or food and drink. In this kind of management role, there is less direct contact with guests. A lot of time is spent in meetings with members of the management team, in working out and analysing finances and in writing reports.
In a small hotel, the manager is more involved in the day-to-day running of the business, coping with whatever arises, from greeting guests, to pouring drinks or dealing with minor repairs.
Hours and environment
Hotel managers often work long hours, including evenings, sometimes through the night, at weekends and during public holidays. They may work shifts.
Some managers live in the hotel. They could resolve problems or make decisions even when not on duty.
There are many different types of hotels. Some are large resorts with indoor and outdoor leisure facilities; others are smaller, sometimes in historic buildings. Budget hotels also tend to be small and usually have fewer facilities. Hotel managers usually have their own office, but will spend time in each different area of the hotel, including reception, the kitchens, storerooms and leisure areas.
They may also need to travel to meetings or to meet suppliers. This could involve being away from home for a few days.
Part-time work or job sharing may be possible. However, this is a demanding job and is more likely to require working overtime. Smaller hotels may close out of season.
Salary and other benefits
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.
- Trainee and assistant hotel managers may earn around €25,000 a year.
- A deputy manager may earn from €30,000 to €40,000 a year.
- A general manager’s pay could be in a range from €45,000 to €160,000 or more, depending on the type and size of hotel.
Hotel managers in Dublin tend to earn more than elsewhere in Ireland. Larger hotels and groups might offer a package of benefits, including pension, healthcare, discounts or shares. Some posts may include accommodation and meals.
Skills and personal qualities
Hotel managers need:
- business skills
- excellent organisational skills and an aptitude for problem-solving
- the ability to motivate and lead staff
- tact and diplomacy
- good negotiation skills
- initiative, energy and enthusiasm
- good written and spoken communication skills
- marketing ability
- to be able to think on their feet and stay calm in a crisis
- foreign language skills when working in some of the larger hotel chains.
Interests
It is important to have an interest in:
- running a business successfully
- providing a good level of customer service.
Entry routes
There are a number of third level Hospitality Management degree courses in Ireland that offer a route to Hotel Management.