A front desk manager is employed in the hospitality industry, working in a hotel, resort, or inn. The day-to-day responsibilities of someone in this position may vary depending on the size of the establishment and the number of other employees, but it is a demanding job that requires excellent customer service skills as well as the ability to work well with others. There are a few different ways to break into the hospitality industry’s management ranks.
A person in charge of the front desk will almost always require at least a high school diploma. In order to gain valuable knowledge, many people who want to work in the industry pursue college degrees in hospitality management or business. However, a college diploma is not required, and many managers have years of experience rather than a formal education. Before becoming a manager, it takes at least three to five years of front-desk experience, and promotions into supervisory roles are common before becoming a manager.
Many front desk managers started their careers as front desk clerks or guest service representatives. In order to accurately answer customers’ questions, the manager must know virtually everything there is to know about the hotel, which can typically only come from experience. When a person rises through the ranks of management, he or she may find themselves spending less time at the desk and more time behind the scenes.
This person may be in charge of scheduling other employees to work the front desk, as well as ensuring that company policies are followed at all times. The manager is in charge of enforcing policies regarding time off, required work hours, dress codes, and other workplace practices. He or she will most likely need to meet with other hotel managers on a regular basis to discuss things like sales goals, productivity, and business improvement ideas.
If a customer has a problem and requires additional assistance, the front desk manager may be contacted. Anyone in a management position should be able to deal with difficult customers while remaining polite and respectful. He or she might also be in charge of keeping track of cash flow at the front desk or making new reservations.