Hotel manager
Oversee all aspects of running a hotel so guests can enjoy their stay and the hotel makes a profit.
About the job
Three things you should know – Hotel manager
What it's like
You would oversee all aspects of running a hotel so guests can enjoy their stay and the hotel makes a profit.
You’d be responsible for making sure that the hotel runs smoothly. You’d oversee housekeeping services, such as cleaning the rooms, and general maintenance. You’d use your business skills to manage the budget and marketing.
Large hotels may have a manager for each department, reporting to the general manager. In smaller hotels, the manager is more involved in the day-to-day running of the hotel, often dealing directly with guests. You will need to be tactful and quickly sort out any problems that guests may have.
You would:
Set annual budgets
Analyse financial information and statistics
Set business targets and marketing strategies
Manage the staff
Organise the maintenance of the building
Make sure security is effective
Deal with customer complaints and comments
Make sure the hotel follows regulations such as licensing laws
Persuade companies to book the facilities for entertainment and conferences
In larger hotels you will spend a lot of time in meetings with the heads of departments.
Hours
Environment
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From February 2024 to February 2025.
- housekeeping
- hotel management
- business results
- health and safety standards
- cost control
- hotel operations
- audit processes
- fire safety
- network switches
- hotel kitchen
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- taking responsibility
- motivating others
- making decisions
- delegating
- managing resources
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- verbal communication
- cooperating
- positive attitude
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Administration and Information Technology
Business in Practice
Business Management
Cantonese
French
German
Italian
Mandarin
Skills for Work: Hospitality
Spanish
Urdu
Foundation Apprenticeship: Business Skills
Modern Languages
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You would need a Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) or degree (SCQF level 9/10) in hospitality and tourism management, hospitality management or a business-related subject. Or a degree in an unrelated subject and then a postgraduate qualification (SCQF level 11) in hospitality management.
Relevant work-based experience and qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Hospitality Management Skill (SVQ level 4).
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
You can enter a degree course (SCQF level 9/10) with National 5 qualifications and three to five Highers.
Qualifications and experience that demonstrate an understanding of the industry, customer care and management skills such as Skills for Work Hospitality (SCQF level 4/5)
Relevant industry qualifications such as Scottish Vocational Qualifications in Hospitality (SVQ level 2/3/4) or Management (SVQ level 3/4/5).
Ability in a foreign languages.
A driving licence may be essential for some jobs.
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