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Hotel Manager
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Hotel managers keep everything in a hotel running smoothly, from ensuring that staff are working well to keeping control of supplies and budgets, looking after the accommodation, food and drink and perhaps the entertainment and conference facilities.

Managers have to ensure that guests are comfortable and enjoy their stay. In a large hotel, the hotel manager may lead a team of managers, each responsible for a section such as housekeeping, maintenance, or food and beverages. In a small hotel, the manager is more involved in the day-to-day running of the business, coping with whatever arises, from carrying guests' luggage to pouring drinks or dealing with minor repairs.

Entry level

To join a management trainee scheme with a large hotel or hotel group, you would normally need at least an HNC/HND in a relevant subject or even a degree or postgraduate qualification. Relevant degrees include hospitality management and international hospitality management, hotel and catering management, and hotel, tourism and licensed retail management. Business degrees - perhaps including hospitality, tourism or marketing - are another option.

The minimum qualifications for a degree are usually two A levels/Advanced Highers/three H grades and five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), or equivalent. For BTEC/SQA HNCs/HNDs, one A level/Advanced Higher/two H grades and four GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) or equivalent qualifications would normally get you in.

If you already have a degree in another subject, you can take a one-year conversion course in hotel and catering management or a graduate apprenticeship.

Some people start work lower down the career ladder, working towards NVQs/SVQs or studying part time for a Hotel and Catering International Management Association (HCIMA) Advanced Certificate in Hospitality Studies. For this, you would need at least two years' relevant experience and should already be working at supervisory level in the industry.

Making the grade

Much of the training is on the job, and involves gaining experience in different areas of the business. You may be encouraged to take specialised courses in areas such as finance, marketing, human resources, food safety and training.

Some hotel managers take postgraduate courses, which can help with career progress. If you want to develop your business skills to a very high level, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a popular option in the hospitality industry.

Personal qualities

As a hotel manager, you would need a good head for business, the ability to motivate and lead staff, an aptitude for figures and excellent organisational skills. You must be able to work well in a team, to think on your feet and to be friendly, helpful and tactful with guests.

A smart appearance and an outgoing personality would be essential, and some foreign language skills would certainly be an asset.