Front Desk Manager

Front desk managers work in the hospitality industry to coordinate customer reservations and supervise the front desk staff of a hotel, resort or lodge. While duties are dependent on the size of the establishment, they usually include treating guests courteously and overseeing that customer service runs smoothly.

The job requirements and education necessary for a career as a front desk manager vary depending on the type and location of the lodging. It’s possible to become front desk manager for a small hotel with an associate degree and a few years of experience in the industry.

Front Desk Manager Degrees

Larger hotels and resorts typically require at least a bachelor’s degree in business or hospitality management, and sometimes even a master’s degree in business, hospitality or hotel management. Most degree programs have a work-study unit so candidates can get job training as they continue their education.

Front Desk Manager Job Description

Front desk managers are responsible for organizing the customer-facing aspects of the hotel. They must keep the guests happy and train front desk staff at the same time. Depending on the size of the hotel, they may even supervise the housekeeping and foodservice staff apart from monitoring reception and guest services.

The daily job duties of a hotel front desk manager may include:

• Training staff in a hotel setting
• Reserving rooms and booking accommodations for customers
• Booking events such as weddings and conferences
• Marketing and promoting the hotel to travelers
• Setting room rates within guidelines set by the owners
• Overseeing cash flow at the establishment including expense approval and budget allocation
• Resolving any bill adjustment questions or conflicts between customer and the service department

Front Desk Manager Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), front desk managers or lodging managers earn a median annual salary of $46,300 with the top 10 percent earning up to $85,600. There will be much competition as jobs are highly sought after.