What Does a Hotel General Manager Do?

General managers are the highest-level managers in a hotel. They’re responsible for overseeing all aspects of their property, from staffing to guest satisfaction to financial performance. In this role, they must ensure that everything is running smoothly and that guests are happy with their experience at the hotel.

Hotel General Manager Job Duties

Hotel general managers typically have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Training new employees on company policies and procedures, including safety measures and legal requirements
• Monitoring the performance of staff members to ensure they are meeting company standards and updating job descriptions as needed
• Managing all aspects of the hotel’s operations, including hiring staff members, scheduling shifts, and ensuring that standards are met
• Ensuring that all aspects of the hotel operation are meeting customer satisfaction standards, including cleanliness, maintenance, security, staff professionalism, and customer service
• Overseeing marketing efforts to increase awareness of the hotel brand among potential guests
• Developing marketing campaigns to attract new guests and increase repeat visits
• Ensuring that all legal requirements are met regarding discrimination laws and other regulations regarding race, gender, disability, marital status, or age
• Hiring, training, and scheduling all non-managerial staff members
• Reviewing employee performance regularly to ensure effective job performance

Hotel General Manager Salary & Outlook

Hotel general managers’ salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the size and location of the hotel. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of bonuses and commissions.

• Median Annual Salary: $66,500 ($31.97/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $97,000 ($46.63/hour)

The employment of hotel general managers is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade.

Employment growth will be driven by the increasing popularity of hotels as a venue for social events and meetings. In addition, the increasing popularity of nontraditional hotels, such as those that offer unique experiences or are located in unusual places, may lead to greater demand for hotel general managers.

Related: Hotel General Manager Interview Questions and Answers

Hotel General Manager Job Requirements

Hotel general managers typically need to have the following qualifications:

Education: Hotel general managers are typically required to have a bachelor’s degree in hospitality, hotel management or a related field. Some of the coursework that these degrees offer includes topics such as accounting, human resources, marketing, management, sales and statistics.

Training & Experience: Hotel general managers typically get their training through a combination of formal education and on-the-job experience. Many hotel general managers begin as front desk clerks or housekeepers and work their way up to management positions. Some hotel general managers also work in other management positions before becoming hotel general managers.

Hotel general managers can also receive training through conferences and seminars. These professionals can attend conferences to learn more about the hospitality industry and how to manage a hotel. They can also learn about the latest trends in the industry and how to keep their hotel competitive.

Certifications & Licenses: While certifications are not required to become a hotel general manager, they can be valuable in your career since they can demonstrate your abilities and commitment to your industry.

Hotel General Manager Skills

Hotel general managers need the following skills in order to be successful:

Leadership: Leadership is the ability to guide and motivate others. As a general manager, you may be responsible for managing a team of employees, including assistant managers, front desk staff and housekeeping staff. Leadership is an important skill for a general manager to have, as it can help you to motivate and inspire your team to work hard and achieve company goals.

Communication: Communication is the act of conveying information to others. As a hotel general manager, you may need to communicate with employees, customers, suppliers and other stakeholders. Effective communication can help you build trust with others, which can help you lead your team and hotel more effectively.

Problem-solving: A general manager oversees the operations of a hotel, which means they may be responsible for resolving any issues that arise. Hotel managers may be responsible for handling customer complaints, resolving employee disputes and resolving maintenance issues. A general manager should be able to identify the source of a problem and develop a solution that satisfies all parties.

Organization: Organization is the ability to plan and execute tasks in a logical order. As a hotel general manager, you may be responsible for managing multiple departments and employees. Organization can help you delegate tasks and ensure that each employee has the resources they need to complete their work.

Customer service: Customer service is the ability to interact with customers in a friendly and helpful manner. As a general manager, you may be responsible for overseeing the customer service of the entire hotel. This can include ensuring that all employees are friendly and helpful to guests and resolving any issues that arise.

Hotel General Manager Work Environment

The hotel general manager is responsible for the overall operation of the hotel. He or she supervises the work of all the hotel’s employees and ensures that the hotel is providing the best possible service to its guests. The hotel general manager also develops and implements marketing and sales strategies to increase the hotel’s business. He or she works closely with the hotel’s owners and other managers to develop and implement policies and procedures. The hotel general manager typically works long hours, including evenings and weekends.

Hotel General Manager Trends

Here are three trends influencing how hotel general managers work. Hotel general managers will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Growth of the Hospitality Industry

The hospitality industry is growing rapidly, as more and more people are traveling for both business and pleasure. This means that there is a high demand for hotel general managers who can manage all aspects of a hotel’s operations.

Hotel general managers will need to be able to adapt to the changing needs of guests in order to keep them happy and coming back for more. They will also need to be able to manage staff effectively and ensure that the hotel is running smoothly.

A Focus on Customer Experience

As customers become more demanding, hotels are focusing on providing a better customer experience. This means that hotel general managers will need to focus on improving the way that their guests feel about their stay.

This trend requires hotel general managers to be familiar with customer service techniques and how to create a positive atmosphere for guests. In addition, hotels need to provide amenities that make guests feel special, such as free breakfast or late checkout.

More Attention to Employee Engagement

Employee engagement is becoming an increasingly important topic in the workplace, as employers are realizing the impact it has on productivity and overall company culture.

Hotel general managers can utilize this trend by creating a work environment that encourages employee engagement. This can be done by offering benefits and perks that appeal to employees, as well as by fostering a sense of community within the workplace.

How to Become a Hotel General Manager

A career as a hotel general manager can be rewarding in many ways. It offers the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, from luxury hotels to budget accommodations; to manage staff members at all levels; and to interact with guests from around the world.

To become a successful hotel general manager, you need to have strong leadership skills, be able to handle stress well, and be able to work long hours when necessary. You also need to be able to think strategically and have a good understanding of the hospitality industry.

Advancement Prospects

The most common path to becoming a hotel general manager is to first work your way up through the ranks of the hotel, starting as a front desk clerk or a bellhop and eventually working your way into management. Alternatively, you could also get a degree in hotel management from a hospitality school. Once you have the necessary experience and/or education, you can apply for a position as a hotel general manager.

As a hotel general manager, you will be responsible for the overall operation of the hotel. This includes supervising the staff, managing the budget, and ensuring that the hotel meets all of its guests’ needs. You will also be responsible for marketing the hotel and ensuring that it is profitable.

Hotel General Manager Job Description Example

The [HotelX] is a AAA Four-Diamond, full-service hotel located in the heart of downtown [CityX]. We are currently seeking an experienced hotel general manager to lead our team of dedicated hospitality professionals. The ideal candidate will have at least five years of experience managing a hotel, preferably a luxury property. They will have a proven track record in achieving high levels of guest satisfaction, as well as experience in overseeing all aspects of hotel operations, including guest services, sales and marketing, finance, human resources, and housekeeping. They will be a strong leader with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

The hotel general manager is responsible for the overall operation of the hotel, including guest satisfaction, financial performance, employee relations, and compliance with all company policies and procedures. They will work closely with the hotel ownership to develop and implement strategies to improve hotel performance. They will also be responsible for developing and maintaining strong relationships with the hotel’s key stakeholders, including the local community, business leaders, and government officials.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Achieve hotel profitability goals by developing and implementing strategic plans that maximize revenues and control costs
• Create a positive work environment that attracts, retains, and motivates a high-performing team of employees
• Oversee all aspects of hotel operations, including guest relations, front desk, housekeeping, food and beverage, engineering, sales and marketing, and accounting
• Monitor compliance with quality standards, safety regulations, and local laws
• Inspect guest rooms, public areas, and back-of-the-house areas regularly to ensure they meet or exceed standards
• Respond to guest complaints and resolve problems quickly and efficiently
• Negotiate contracts with vendors for supplies, services, and equipment
• Prepare annual operating budgets and track monthly performance against budget targets
• Analyze financial statements and other data to identify trends, opportunities, and risks
• Develop and implement strategies to increase market share and revenue
• Stay abreast of industry trends and developments to ensure the hotel remains competitive
• Attend trade shows, conventions, and other events to represent the hotel and build relationships with key stakeholders

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, hotel administration, or related field
• 5+ years experience as a hotel general manager or assistant general manager
• Proven track record of successful hotel operations, including financial management
• Strong leadership and team-building skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Highly organized with excellent attention to detail

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• MBA or other advanced degree
• 10+ years experience as a hotel general manager or assistant general manager
• Certification from the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) or similar organization
• Experience managing multiple properties simultaneously