Hospitality and Hotel Management Career Options by Josh Stone

When you are away from home what is that you always need, accommodations? Whether you are on vacation or a business trip the answer is the same, a comfy room, decent food, and a great staff. The various managers and assistant managers of a hotel help you to have a pleasant stay by giving you the amenities that you are used to having at home such as cable, a fitness room and voice messaging service. Also some establishments have spas and other services that managers and assistant managers must keep running properly. Special attention is often given to business travelers by setting up times in meeting rooms and providing equipment such as fax machines and projectors.

It is the duty of hotel managers to make sure their hotel is running efficiently and is making money. In smaller hotels with little staff, the manager is responsible for all areas if operation. On the other hand in bigger establishments that can employ hundreds of staff members, the general manager will have the help of many assistant managers. The assistant managers are given specific departments to manage. Regardless of size, managerial duties are going to change from hotel to hotel.

The general manager over sees all operations at the hotel. They can be responsible for setting room rates, budgeting for the various departments and setting up the guidelines for services that guest received, decorating, housekeeping, banquet functions and food quality. They can also be responsible for the hiring and recruitment of staff.

Resident managers reside in the hotels they manage and are on call at all times to take care of issues and emergencies. They usually keep to an 8 hour daily schedule and over see the daily running of the hotel. In most cases the resident manager is also the general manager.

Executive housekeepers manage the housekeeping staff to make sure that not only the guest rooms but also the meeting, banquet and public areas are properly cleaned and taken care of. They are responsible for training and scheduling the housekeeping staff as well as inspecting rooms and order supplies involved in housekeeping.

Front office managers are the most visible managers. They are at the front desk organizing reservations and the assignment of rooms. Also they have to train and supervise the front desk employees. It is a front desk manager who will first act on a complaint and make sure any special services get taken care of. To correct issues they can discount a customer’s bill or offer them future services for free.

Food and beverage managers are the head of the food services department. They are in charge of the restaurant, lounges and banquet areas. They also supervise the preparations of food and the workers who do it. They may be involved in menu planning, scheduling, cost estimating and handling of food suppliers.