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Hospitality & Catering

Hotel Manager

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A hotel manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a hotel, ensuring guests have a pleasant experience and that the business runs smoothly. Duties include managing staff, handling budgets, supervising housekeeping, overseeing reservations, and addressing guest concerns. Hotel managers often work long or irregular hours, especially during busy periods. They must have strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Many hotel managers have a background in hospitality or business management, often with a degree or relevant experience. This role offers the chance to work in a dynamic environment and can lead to senior management positions within the hospitality sector.

Hotel Manager

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for a hotel manager in the UK ranges from £25,000 to £60,000 per year, depending on experience and size of the hotel.

Job Openings

There were over 7,000 job postings for hotel managers and related roles in the UK in 2023.

Industry Growth

The UK hospitality industry is expected to grow by 3 percent annually, increasing demand for management professionals.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Front Office Manager

Supervises reception staff, manages guest check-ins and check-outs, and ensures a smooth experience for visitors at the front desk.

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Events and Conference Manager

Organises and oversees events, conferences, and banquets held at the hotel, ensuring all arrangements meet client expectations.

Housekeeping Manager

Leads the housekeeping team to maintain high standards of cleanliness and presentation in guest rooms and public areas of the hotel.

Gain Relevant Qualifications

Complete Secondary Education

Finish your GCSEs, ideally including subjects like English and Maths, as these are often required for further study.

Most colleges and employers will expect a good level of general education, so achieving at least five GCSEs at grades 4 to 9 (A to C) is recommended. English and Maths are essential for communication and basic administration in the hospitality industry.

Study Hospitality or Related Courses

Pursue a college course or apprenticeship in hospitality, travel and tourism, or business management.

Relevant qualifications include BTEC National Diploma in Hospitality, Level 3 Diploma in Hospitality Supervision and Leadership, or an apprenticeship such as Hospitality Team Member. Some courses offer work placements, which provide valuable practical experience.

Consider Higher Education

Study for a degree in hospitality management or a related field if you want to accelerate your career and access higher level management roles.

While not always essential, a foundation degree, HND, or a full degree in hospitality management, hotel management, or business can improve your prospects. Universities often include work placements as part of the course, which helps develop practical skills.

Develop Practical Experience

Start in Entry Level Hospitality Roles

Gain experience working in hotels or related businesses in roles such as receptionist, bar staff, or housekeeping.

Practical experience is crucial in hospitality. Working in different departments helps you understand how hotels operate and what guests expect. Employers value staff who have worked their way up and know the business inside out.

Progress to Supervisory Roles

Move up to positions such as shift supervisor, team leader, or front office supervisor to develop management skills.

These roles allow you to take on more responsibility, such as managing small teams, dealing with customer complaints, and supporting senior managers. This experience is essential before moving into management.

Advance to Management

Apply for Assistant or Deputy Manager Roles

Seek roles where you can support the hotel manager and learn about the business at a higher level.

Assistant and deputy managers play a key role in running the hotel and often stand in for the manager. This stage provides experience in decision making, budgeting, marketing, and staff training.

Become a Hotel Manager

Apply for hotel manager positions once you have sufficient experience in both operational and supervisory roles.

As a hotel manager, you will be responsible for all aspects of the business. This includes managing budgets, staff, guest experience, marketing, and compliance with health and safety laws. Larger hotels may require more experience or additional qualifications.

🎯 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

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

The role of a hotel manager is most closely aligned with that of a hotel manager because both involve overseeing the daily operations of a hospitality establishment, managing staff, ensuring customer satisfaction, and handling administrative responsibilities. Their qualifications and skills are primarily focused on hospitality management, making these roles essentially equivalent.

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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