Accommodation Manager

Job Summary

Accommodation service managers’ plan, organizes, direct, control and evaluate the operations of an accommodation establishment or of a department within such an establishment. They are employed by hotels, motels, resorts and other accommodation establishments, or they may be self-employed.

Qualifications

Accommodation managers should be familiar with all areas of their establishment's operations. In particular, they need sound financial management skills, and a working knowledge of hospitality law and safety standards for example WHIMS.. Other required qualifications vary depending upon the type of accommodation. Managers of smaller commercial establishments such as motels may be entrepreneurs who have some hospitality-related work experience. The best background for hotel and motel managers is a combination of experience and education in hospitality management. It is still possible to work up from the bottom in hotel management, if on-the-job training is supplemented with further education. Some large hotels sponsor their own on-the-job management training programs. However, most employers look for job applicants who already have related post-secondary education such as a business degree or a two-year diploma in hospitality management.

Responsibilities

Accommodation managers are responsible for operating their establishments efficiently and economically, satisfying guests and handling any problems that may arise.

In smaller establishments, accommodation managers may have a limited staff and personally direct all aspects of the operation. Managers of small motels or hostels, for example, may perform the duties of a front desk clerk, as well as manage the operation.

In larger establishments such as luxury hotels, general managers may have several assistant managers or department heads. The general manager's responsibilities might include:

Develop, implement and evaluate policies and procedures for the operation of the department or establishment

Establish and control budgets, monitor revenues, expenses and approve contracts

Participate in the development strategic planning, setting room rates and promotional strategies

Negotiate with suppliers for the provision of materials and supplies

Negotiate with clients for the use of facilities for conventions, banquets, receptions and other functions

Recruit and supervise staff, oversee and or train staff and set work schedules

Resolve customer complaints.

Establish standards of quality service

Public relations.

Department heads under the general manager would be responsible for day-to-day operations such as:

Accounting

Marketing and sales

Human resources

Front desk services

Food and beverage services

Housekeeping and maintenance

Security

Convention services and/or hotel entertainment services.

Personal Qualities

Excellent communication skills, in writing and in person

Good general health, stamina and mental alertness to cope with the long, irregular hours of work

The ability to get along with all kinds of people

Leadership and decision-making skills

The ability to adapt to changing customer needs and the unexpected

The ability to remain calm while under pressure.

They should enjoy being in charge, taking a methodical approach to their work, and negotiating with people

Advancement Opportunities?

Unless they already have considerable work experience in the field, new graduates of hospitality education programs usually start in junior positions such as hotel desk clerk.

Years of experience and in-house training are generally required to advance to hotel manager. A typical advancement path in a large hotel might be desk clerk, front office manager, rooms division manager, executive assistant manager and, finally, general manager. However, someone promoted to general manager from the rooms division would require food and beverage experience or they would require a knowledgeable food and beverage manager to assist them. Managers employed by chain hotels or motels may be transferred from one location to another as they are promoted.

Pay Range

Salaries per year depending on the experience of the manager and the type and or size of the particular operation