How To Become a Rooms Division Manager: Step-by-Step Guide

Rooms division managers are responsible for the overall operation of the rooms division in a hotel or resort. This includes managing the front desk, housekeeping, and engineering departments. Rooms division managers must have excellent customer service skills and be able to effectively manage a team. If you are interested in a career in hotel management, becoming a rooms division manager is a great option. In this article, we discuss the steps you need to take to become a rooms division manager.

What Does a Rooms Division Manager Do?

Rooms division managers are responsible for the overall operation of a hotel’s guest rooms, including housekeeping, laundry and maintenance. They also work closely with other departments in the hotel to ensure that guests have a positive experience during their stay.

The duties of a rooms division manager include:

• Supervising the staff who clean and maintain the guest rooms
• Ensuring that all rooms are clean and meet the standards set by the hotel
• Inspecting guest rooms on a regular basis
• Coordinating with other departments in the hotel, such as the front desk, to ensure that guests are satisfied with their stay
• Investigating complaints from guests and taking appropriate action
• Developing and implementing policies and procedures for the guest rooms department
• Training new staff members
• Monitoring inventory levels and ordering supplies as needed
• Preparing reports on the department’s performance

Rooms Division Manager Salary and Job Outlook

The average salary for a rooms division manager is $87,550. However, this figure can vary based on the size of the hotel, its location, and the manager’s experience.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that job prospects for rooms division managers will grow at an average rate over the next decade. This growth is attributed to the increasing demand for lodging as the economy continues to improve.

How to Become a Rooms Division Manager

Here are several steps you should take to become a rooms division manager.

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management or a related field

A rooms division manager needs a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management or a related field. A bachelor’s degree program will teach you the basics of running a hotel, including how to manage employees and finances, as well as guest services and sales.

Some schools offer specialized degrees for hotel management that focus on one aspect of the job, such as food service or lodging management. These programs may be more beneficial if you want to work in a specific area of the hotel industry.

2. Gain experience working in the hotel industry, preferably in guest services or housekeeping

While a degree is required to become a rooms division manager, experience in the hotel industry can help you stand out from other candidates. Consider working as a housekeeper or front desk agent at hotels to gain hands-on experience and build your professional network. You may also consider taking an internship at a hotel to learn more about the industry.

3. Develop strong leadership and interpersonal skills

As a rooms division manager, you will be responsible for supervising employees and managing daily operations. Strong leadership skills are necessary to motivate your staff and ensure that guests have an enjoyable experience at the hotel. Interpersonal skills are also important because you will interact with many different people on a regular basis, including other managers, housekeeping and front desk staff, vendors and customers.

You should be able to communicate clearly and listen attentively to others in order to understand their needs and make good decisions. You may also need to negotiate contracts or resolve disputes between staff members.

4. Understand the financial aspects of running a hotel

Rooms division managers must be able to understand and interpret financial reports. They need to know how much money the hotel is making, where it’s coming from and what expenses are being paid in order to make informed decisions about staffing levels or other aspects of running a profitable hotel.

Understanding basic accounting practices can help you better manage your budget and ensure that you’re spending wisely. You may also have to work with vendors to negotiate prices for items such as linens or cleaning supplies.

5. Be familiar with hotel software systems

Rooms division managers should be familiar with the software systems used by their hotels. Many large hotels use proprietary software to manage reservations, payroll and other aspects of running a hotel. Familiarizing yourself with these programs can help you do your job more efficiently. You may also find that some hotels expect rooms division managers to have experience using specific software such as Sabre Hospitality Solutions or Amadeus Hotel Reservation System.

6. Stay up to date on trends in the hospitality industry

The hospitality industry is constantly changing, and rooms division managers need to stay informed about the latest trends. For example, hotels are increasingly offering experiences beyond just a place to sleep, such as unique dining options or entertainment.

Employees also expect more from their employers than they did in the past, so it’s important for hotel management to keep up with what employees want from their jobs.

7. Join professional organizations such as the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA)

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is a professional organization for people working in the hotel industry. Membership in AHLA can help you learn more about the industry and connect with other professionals, which can be helpful when looking for jobs or advancing your career.

The association offers many resources to its members, including training programs, networking opportunities and legislative updates on issues that affect the hotel industry. You can join AHLA as an individual member or through your school’s hospitality management program.