Accommodation Manager
Accommodation managers are responsible for the day-to-day management of establishments that provide accommodation.
Generally, these guys are employed to oversee everything. They make sure that the accommodation under their control is managed effectively and that all operations are run in an efficient manner.
Effective management involves maintaining health and safety standards, supervising and training staff and dealing with budgetary matters.
Accommodation managers are employed by both private and public sector organisations, including hotels, B&Bs etc. These guys are almost like specialist facilities managers who focus their efforts on establishments where people sleep.
If you enter this profession, you’ll be responsible for planning work schedules and staff rotas, facilitating training and development sessions and overseeing performance management and employee welfare initiatives.
Furthermore, you’ll ensure that high standards of cleanliness and hygiene are maintained while ensuring that all operations comply with health and safety regulations. In order to keep your establishment in tip-top condition, you’ll also be responsible for scheduling periodic maintenance, repairs and renovation work.
Accommodation managers also play an integral role in ensuring the financial success of the establishment they are managing, so you may be responsible for budgeting, accounting and financial reporting too. All in all, your primary objectives will be to provide quality customer service and achieve revenue, cost-saving and profit targets.
Working hours
Accommodation managers usually work in planned shift patterns, making sure services are provided round-the-clock. Most employers put in more than 40 hours on a weekly basis. Work is mainly office-based, with little or no travel across locations being required.
Entry
Candidates with undergraduate degrees or HNDs are generally preferred. However, you can also enter this profession via an apprenticeship or by working up the career ladder from an entry-level customer service position.
If you do choose to do a degree, you may be fast-tracked into a managerial position. Studying subjects such as hospitality management, catering, business studies, human resources or tourism management may give you an edge over candidates with unrelated degrees.
Candidates with relevant work experience are highly desirable, so getting holiday work or an internship in a hotel (or a similar establishment) would definitely be worth doing if you’re serious about a career in accommodation management.
Training & progression
Large hotel chains, resorts and other tourist companies offer structured graduate development schemes, conducted over a period of 12-24 months, while small and medium-sized companies, independent operators and academic institutions tend to provide a combination of formal in-house learning sessions and supervised on-the-job training.
Professional credentials can be obtained by personnel employed in community housing, student accommodation and other long-term residency facilities.
Similarly, the Institute of Hospitality provides advanced qualifications aimed at graduate and management trainees in the hotel, leisure and hospitality sectors.
Career progression is primarily driven by performance, experience, academic background and professional qualifications. Graduate trainees in the commercial sector tend to start as assistant managers and progress into general manager roles after a few years of hard work.
Alternative career options include moving into other areas of hospitality or conventional management roles outside of the hospitality industry. Some experienced managers may even start their own hotel chain or focus their efforts on running an independent establishment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Customer Experience: Hospitality managers prioritise guest satisfaction by ensuring their needs are met and resolving any issues promptly and effectively.
- Team Management: They recruit, train, and supervise staff members, fostering a positive work environment and encouraging professional growth.
- Operational Efficiency: These managers oversee daily operations, ensuring smooth functioning, efficient resource allocation, and adherence to standards.
- Financial Management: They monitor budgets, control costs, and optimise revenue generation through effective pricing strategies and marketing initiatives.
- Quality Assurance: Hospitality managers maintain high service standards, conduct regular inspections, and implement improvement plans to enhance the guest experience.
- Relationship Building: They establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, vendors, and other industry partners to ensure a seamless supply chain.
- Crisis Management: These professionals are adept at handling unexpected situations, resolving conflicts, and implementing contingency plans when needed.
Required Skills and Qualifications
To excel as a hospitality manager, certain skills and qualifications are crucial:
- Exceptional Communication: Effective verbal and written communication skills are vital for interacting with guests, staff, and stakeholders.
- Leadership Abilities: Hospitality managers must inspire and motivate their teams, leading by example and creating a positive work culture.
- Organisational Skills: The ability to multitask, prioritise, and manage time effectively is essential to handle various responsibilities efficiently.
- Problem-Solving: Quick thinking and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure are critical for resolving issues swiftly and effectively.
- Business Acumen: Understanding financial management, marketing strategies, and industry trends is important for success in this role.
- Attention to Detail: Meticulousness ensures that no aspect of the guest experience is overlooked, contributing to overall satisfaction.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: The hospitality industry is dynamic, and managers must be open to change, adapting to evolving trends and guest preferences.