For some professionals working in hotel management, it’s the diversity of roles and the fantastic people on their teams that make their job really satisfying. For others, it’s the challenge of coordinating the diverse business areas and finding new ways to enhance customer stays that they love the most.
Are you considering a career in management – or maybe dreaming about opening your own hotel one day? If you love working with people, and travel, and you want to lead a successful business, this dynamic industry offers a multitude of opportunities for professional growth and entrepreneurship.
Let’s take a closer look at the real benefits of becoming a hotel manager, and the roles, responsibilities, perks and benefits that come with this exciting career.
What does a hotel manager do?
A hotel manager is the cornerstone of a hotel’s operations, tasked with ensuring that every aspect of the property runs smoothly. It’s a creative and diverse field, offering lots of different career paths and opportunities to specialise in specific areas.
On the other hand, being a hotel manager is also a multifaceted ‘jack-of-all-trades’ role requiring a broad knowledge of all the different areas of operations and business, and it encompasses diverse roles and responsibilities, including:
- Leadership and oversight: Hotel managers lead and motivate a diverse team of staff, including front desk personnel, housekeeping, and food and beverage managers. They ensure that everyone is aligned with the hotel’s mission and standards, and ensure that all areas across front of house and back of house are communicating effectively, delegating and working together.
- Guest satisfaction: The manager sets the tone and atmosphere for the hotel. From handling complaints to ensuring staff are happy and enhancing the overall guest experience through service design, the manager’s approach to guest experience directly impacts customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Financial management: A crucial part of the job is overseeing the hotel’s financial performance. Alongside their hotel finance teams, managers develop budgets, monitor expenses, and implement strategies to maximise revenue while minimising costs.
- Compliance and Safety: Ensuring that the hotel complies with health, safety, legal, and other environmental regulations is a significant responsibility.
- Marketing and promotion: Working with their Marketing teams, hotel managers also play a role in marketing the property and developing strategies to attract new guests and retain existing ones.
- Driving innovation: Hotel company culture is always top-down: it’s the manager’s role to encourage and foster innovation within the hotel. The hotel manager can set the company’s agenda in adopting new technologies or business strategies and reducing environmental impact.
The impact of a hotel manager on the overall operation and success of a hotel is huge: effective leadership from the top sets the tone for the hotel’s culture, influencing employee morale and guest satisfaction, and steering the course of the overall business. A well-managed hotel thrives, attracting positive reviews and the best talent, as well as repeat business, which is essential in the competitive hospitality landscape of 2024.
How much do hotel managers earn?
In Australia, the average base annual salary for a Hotel Manager is $105,385, depending on factors such as the hotel’s size, location, and the manager’s level of experience.
Junior and graduate-level positions such as Assistant Hotel Manager offer salaries around $73,300, while senior roles in capital cities such as Sydney or Melbourne will come with salaries around $127,000. As you gain experience and take on greater responsibilities, your earning potential increases significantly.
10 benefits and perks of being a hotel manager
1. Fast career growth and advancement opportunities
The hotel industry is rapidly expanding and there’s a current talent shortage: meaning that dedicated individuals often rise quickly in the ranks, with opportunities to move into executive and regional management roles through generous leadership training programs such as the Marriott ‘Voyage’ program, or the ‘Inspire’ program from Accor Hotels Group.
2. Diverse career paths and interesting work
Whatever interests you, there’s a professional field in hotels to suit you. Hotel managers can specialise in areas such as marketing, sales, or food and beverage management. Plus, the industry also offers a range of hotel types, from tropical luxury resorts to urban boutique B&B’s, so you can choose a path and location that aligns with your desired lifestyle.
3. Flexibility to work and stay worldwide
Hotel Management provides a global mobility that is unmatched by most careers. Managers can apply to work in incredible locations worldwide, with frequent opportunities for international transfers even within one global hotel brand, and discounted accommodations for personal travel.
4. Competitive salaries and benefits
Because of the global competition for talent, many hotel chains offer attractive graduate salaries, bonuses, and full benefits packages, including healthcare, retirement packages and paid parental leave. Some even provide tuition reimbursement, allowing managers to further their education and skills while working.
5. Dynamic, people-focused work environment
Working in hospitality management means every day is different, and you’re always interacting with people from all walks of life. Managers often lead diverse teams of staff from many different cultures and backgrounds. If you’re a people person, you can have a really satisfying career and develop a strong community in hotels.
6. Creativity and innovation
Hotel managers must be up-to-date with the market and push for innovation to stay competitive: whether through eco-friendly initiatives, guest experience improvements, or marketing strategies. If you’re an ambitious, visionary leader, you can contribute unique ideas and solve problems creatively to drive the success of your hotel.
7. Job security and transferable skills
Post-pandemic recovery and renewed travel demand have increased job security in the hospitality industry, which continues to grow at a strong rate. The consistent need for skilled hotel managers means that job opportunities are stable, while the highly transferable soft skills you learn as a hospitality manager can also guarantee a career outside hotels if you ever need a change.
8. Discounts and travel perks
Who doesn’t love discounted holidays? Hotel staff often receive significant discounts or cheap accommodations within their hotel chain, extending to friends and family. Plus, large bonuses in good years are common. Additional perks for managers, like spa services or restaurant reservations, also add some icing to the cake.
9. Options to work in sustainable and ethical hotel management
With a growing focus on environmental responsibility and ethical travel now spreading across the industry, hotel managers can contribute to sustainable practices like reducing carbon footprints and promoting wellness. By driving change within your hotel or choosing to manage an eco-lodge or sustainable wellness retreat, you can bring your values and career together.
10. Creating memorable experiences and high job satisfaction
At the heart of hospitality is the satisfaction of working with a dedicated team to create the best possible experiences for guests. A lot of hotel managers simply find satisfaction in driving the success of their business, while making a great environment for guests and staff.
How to become a hotel manager?
Embarking on a career as a hotel manager is an exciting journey, but it’s good to be strategic about how you get there. Here’s a 6-step, quick, practical guide on how to reach the hotel manager position.
1. Get the right qualification
Start by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management or a related field. Make sure you look for programs that offer practical experience, good industry connections and training alongside theoretical education. If you already have a different undergraduate degree or some years of business experience, you can consider pursuing a master’s in Hotel Management instead.
2. Gain practical experience while studying
Building your experience in the hospitality industry while studying is essential if you want to get hired as soon as you graduate. You can start with part-time entry-level roles like front desk agent to practise some essential skills. Plus, make sure your university offers internships, industry-led learning, placements and training opportunities as part of your course.
3. Explore graduate fast-track management schemes
As mentioned above, landing a graduate scheme within a hotel can be an excellent stepping stone to a management career. These programs allow you to rotate through various departments, providing a comprehensive understanding of hotel operations.
4. Build leadership and soft skills
Develop strong leadership and soft skills such as communication by participating in team projects, training exercises and seeking feedback. These skills are critical for managing diverse teams, and they are among the most in-demand skills in 2024 across hospitality – and many other industries.
5. Stay informed about industry trends and use your networks
The hospitality industry is constantly evolving, so stay ahead of emerging trends by following industry news, attending workshops, and networking. Take advantage of your university Alumni networks, and any industry partnerships your institution can provide.
6. Pick a brand and work your way up
More than other industries, hotels often promote internally and reward long-time loyalty among staff. Even CEOs, such as Marriott CEO Anthony Capuano, often start out in junior roles. Pick a large hotel brand that you love, and take advantage of internal promotions by demonstrating dedication and versatility within your hotel. Start in entry-level positions, progress to department head roles, and aim for the hotel manager position.
A career as a hotel manager offers a lot of benefits, from competitive salaries to travel opportunities and diverse choices in roles and locations. If you’re passionate about hospitality, hotel management could be the perfect fit for you. With the right education and commitment, you can begin your journey toward becoming a successful hotel manager today.
