Hotel general manager

What does this job involve?

• Taking responsibility for the overall running of the hotel. In a small hotel, you will probably have a more hands-on role and find yourself doing a variety of jobs. Larger hotels will have departmental heads to oversee the efficiency of specific areas such as personnel, kitchen, bar, restaurant, housekeeping and marketing.You will have regular meetings with departmental heads to ensure the operation is running smoothly.
• Recruiting and training heads of department and other key staff. You will need to make sure that all staff work together effectively as a team.
• Setting budgets and forecasts and controlling the finances to ensure the profitability of the business
• Planning and overseeing improvements
• Reporting to head office (if it is a group hotel)
• Developing a business plan
• Purchasing and stock control
• Making sure all guests are satisfied. This may involve meeting all guests, not just VIPs. You will inevitably handle complaints.
• As the person in charge, you are ultimately responsible for the health and safety of everyone on the premises, for food safety, for upholding the licensing laws, consumer protection and employment legislation.

What skills and attributes do I need?

• People-management skills
• Communication skills
• Organisation skills
• Finance skills
• Marketing skills
• Knowledge of the industry, including latest trends
• Organisation skills
• A calm and level head in a crisis and the ability to think quickly and make decisions

How can I get this job?

Often, the general manager will have worked in senior management positions in other hotels. Experience of all departments may be useful, but not required.

Hotel management courses are offered at colleges and provide a good grounding for this role.

Larger hotel companies will often provide relevant training schemes for prospective general managers.