Hotel manager

You can complete a qualification like a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree and enter hotel management through a management trainee scheme.

This role is open to graduates of all subjects, though a related course may give you an advantage. These include:

• hotel management
• hospitality management
• hospitality business management
• international hotel management
• travel and tourism

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You can apply to do a Hospitality Supervisor Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, or Hospitality Manager Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, to train to become a hotel manager.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You may be able to get into this career by getting experience as a deputy manager in front of house, guest services or catering operations. With further training on the job, you could be promoted to a more senior managerial position.

Career Tips

Experience in any kind of customer facing role will be useful for this career.

Some hotels offer live-in accommodation as part of their salary and benefits package.

Professional and Industry Bodies

You could join the Institute of Hospitality for professional development and networking opportunities.

Further Information

You can find out about how to become a hotel manager from Caterer.com .

You can also learn more about careers in the wider tourism industry from Take Off in Travel .

As a hotel manager, you could:

• provide leadership for hotel staff teams
• promote the hotel and its facilities to bring in new business
• plan rotas and organise cleaning and catering services
• manage budgets, set sales targets and forecast income
• make sure the hotel meets licensing and health and safety laws
• oversee fire safety, building security and site maintenance
• manage corporate bookings and events
• recruit, train and organise staff
• meet and greet customers and deal with complaints

In a small hotel you may manage all of its operations. In a larger hotel, you may have more specific responsibilities, for example reservations or revenues management.

You could work in a hotel or at a conference centre.

You may need to wear smart business clothes.