A hotel supervisor’s responsibilities vary depending on the size of the establishment and the number of other employees or departments. In general, this job title refers to a hotel’s front desk supervisor, who is in charge of departments like the front desk, reservations, and anything else on the hotel’s front end. Housekeeping, maintenance, and security are some of the other departments where an individual could work in a supervisory capacity. A hotel supervisor is in charge of making sure the front desk runs smoothly, that guests are checked in and out, and that appropriate rooms are assigned. The supervisor also assists in the resolution of any issues, the making of reservations, and the monitoring of the front desk’s cash flow.
Many people who work as hotel supervisors have a mix of education and industry experience. In larger, more upscale hotels, an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in resort or hospitality management may be required, whereas smaller establishments may make someone a supervisor with only a few years of experience. The supervisor is responsible for ensuring that other employees are performing their daily job duties correctly, and will typically report to the hotel manager on a daily or weekly basis to share information about the hotel’s operations and goals.
The hotel supervisor will, in most cases, not be seated at a desk in an office all day, but will be visible in the hotel lobby and front desk. He or she could help guests with their check-in and answer any questions they might have. Another common job task might be answering phones to make, confirm, or change reservations. A hotel supervisor’s responsibilities also include resolving any issues that guests may have and consistently providing excellent customer service in order to ensure that they return to the hotel. Basic accounting and bookkeeping tasks, such as counting cash drawers and keeping records, may also be part of the job description.
Aside from working directly with and assisting guests, the hotel supervisor must also collaborate effectively with other employees. This could entail creating schedules, training new hires, and resolving any issues that arise between coworkers. It could also include things like enforcing the dress code or reprimanding employees who aren’t doing their jobs properly. Because the supervisor serves as a link between employees and upper management, it’s critical that he or she cultivates positive relationships with them while remaining professional at all times to maintain the hotel’s image.