A hotel general manager has a job full of responsibilities


A General Manager has overall control of the day-to-day operation of a hotel, resort, motel, cruise ship, or other lodging. Depending on the size of the facility, the manager may be responsible for budget planning, payroll, room rates, nightly audits, personnel, advertising, marketing, food and beverage, catering, meetings, maintenance, housekeeping, and all the other duties that are involved in running the property. Larger facilities will have department heads for each of these areas, all of whom answer to the General Manager. Although most General Managers work in hotels and resorts, some may work in boarding houses, camps, dude ranches, and inns.

Some managers (resident managers) live on the property, while others reside elsewhere. Although assistant managers may act as the manager-on-duty or manager of the day (MOD), the General Manager can still be on call 24 hours a day in case of an emergency, illness, vacation relief, or other unexpected event. Night and weekend shifts are commonplace, and the workweek generally runs more than 40 hours.

Usually, there is a day manager and a night manager, except in small motels where either the front office is closed for the night or the night auditor works as the manager. As most people check in during the day, the day manager is usually the more prestigious of the two positions, generally garnering a slightly higher salary. Assistant Managers help run the property, usually taking charge of specific functions, delegating responsibility to department heads, and otherwise taking over the duties of the hotel manager when the manager is not available.

Because of the nature of the business, there can be a large amount of travel for corporate meetings, conventions and trade shows, and other functions. Although there has been some change in the market, hotel chains often move managers to new properties or to those having problems, or managers are given the option of requesting relocation.

Major hotels, whether independent or part of a chain, usually offer medical and life insurance, retirement plan, vacation (at no or low cost at other hotels within the chain), and sick leave. Many provide lodging and meals, laundry, and other services as part of the manager’s salary package. Within chains, there is often a chance to participate in a profit-sharing plan and continuing education at the chain’s expense.

Employment options vary with the economy as individuals open a hotel and as chains open and close properties. The hotel industry has changed drastically in the past few years, adding numerous segments, including economy, long-stay, all-suites, midrange, family, full-service, upscale, resorts, and residential spas, and each has its own method of operation. Someone who wants to specialize in one of these categories can create a niche specialty and be highly valuable as an employee, particularly during good economic times when many hotels are being constructed. During downturns in the hospitality industry, a generalist might fare better.

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This article was sent to us by: Daniel Thersen at 09292010

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