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Hospitality & Catering

Hotel Manager

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A hotel manager is responsible for the day-to-day running of a hotel, ensuring guests are satisfied and that the business operates efficiently and profitably. Duties include managing staff, overseeing budgets, handling customer complaints, organising events, and ensuring health and safety regulations are met. The role requires strong leadership, excellent communication skills, and the ability to multitask. Hotel managers may work in various settings, from small boutique hotels to large international chains, and must be adaptable to different challenges and guest needs.

Hotel Manager

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Hotel managers in the UK typically earn between £25,000 and £60,000 per year, depending on location, size of hotel, and level of experience.

Job Availability

There are over 9,000 hotels in the UK, providing thousands of management opportunities across the country.

Working Hours

Hotel managers often work 40 to 48 hours per week and may need to work evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Front Office Manager

Oversees the reception and reservations team, ensuring excellent customer service and smooth check-in and check-out processes.

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Events and Conference Manager

Plans and coordinates events, meetings, and conferences held within the hotel, working closely with clients and hotel staff.

Food and Beverage Manager

Manages the restaurants, bars, and catering services within the hotel, ensuring high-quality food service and guest satisfaction.

Gain Relevant Qualifications

Complete Secondary Education

Finish your GCSEs, focusing on subjects such as English and Maths.

Most hotels look for candidates with at least five GCSEs at grades 4 or above, including English and Maths. These subjects are important for communication and numeracy skills required in hospitality management.

Pursue Hospitality Courses

Study hospitality or business-related subjects at college or sixth form.

You can choose to take A-levels or a Level 3 Diploma in Hospitality. Alternatively, a BTEC National in Hospitality or Business is also valuable. These courses will provide an understanding of the hospitality industry, customer service, and business management.

Consider Higher Education

Apply to university for a degree in hospitality management or a related field.

Many hotel managers hold a degree in Hospitality Management, Business Management, or Travel and Tourism. Some universities offer sandwich courses with a year in industry, which can give you practical experience.

Gain Practical Experience

Start in Entry-Level Roles

Work in customer-facing positions such as receptionist, waiter, or housekeeping.

Experience in various departments will help you understand the different aspects of hotel operations. Entry-level jobs also develop your communication, problem-solving, and team-working skills, which are essential for management roles.

Progress to Supervisory Positions

Move up to team leader or supervisor roles within the hotel.

Supervisory positions give you the chance to demonstrate leadership, handle small teams, and make day-to-day decisions. This stage is important for learning how to manage staff and resolve guest issues.

Participate in Training Programmes

Join hotel management trainee schemes or apprenticeships.

Many large hotel chains offer structured management training programmes for promising staff. These schemes combine on-the-job training with classroom learning, preparing you for management responsibilities.

Develop Management Skills

Learn About Hotel Operations

Understand key areas such as front office, housekeeping, food and beverage, and maintenance.

A successful hotel manager needs a solid knowledge of how each department operates. You may spend time shadowing different teams or taking short courses to deepen your understanding.

Build Leadership and Communication Skills

Take on responsibilities that develop your ability to lead teams and interact with guests.

Strong leadership and communication skills are vital for motivating staff, handling complaints, and ensuring guests have a positive experience. You can enhance these skills through practice, feedback, and formal training.

Apply for Hotel Manager Roles

Seek opportunities to become an assistant manager or hotel manager.

With relevant experience and skills, you can apply for management positions. Be prepared to demonstrate your knowledge of hotel operations, financial management, and customer service during interviews.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Hotel Manager. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

A Hotel manager is most similar to a Hotel manager because both roles involve overseeing the daily operations of a hotel, managing staff, ensuring guest satisfaction, and maintaining the overall standards of the establishment. The responsibilities and qualifications required align closely with those of managing a hotel’s services and staff.

How to become

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

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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

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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.

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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.

Further information

You can find out more about how to become a hotel manager from Caterer.com.

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