Lodging Manager

• Set room rates, establish budgets and monitor profits and losses
• Handle guest questions and concerns and offer compensation when necessary
• Interview and hire staff
• Train workers and monitor their performance
• Assign duties and set work schedules for employees
• Inspect rooms, common areas and hotel grounds for cleanliness and appearance
• Ensure guests and staff have functioning fixtures, equipment and appliances
• Show and rent accommodations to both business and holidaying customers
• Coordinate with staff and hotel chain leadership on marketing and promotions
• Assure building and its operation meet ownership's set standards and legal codes and regulations
• Collect payments and keep records of all transactions
• Negotiate with vendors for supplies and services such as laundry and lawn maintenance
• Communicate with patrons to help organise their special events, conventions and other functions
• Oversee hotel restaurant and room service
• Coordinate with other managers and staff to keep all operations running smoothly

Many lodging managers start out as assistant managers or in another role at the hotel. You can also work your way up from small independent establishments to larger and more well-known chains.

Gaining work experience in increasingly larger hotels can lead to a regional manager position. Advanced managerial positions sometimes require relocation due to limited openings.

With lodging manager education and experience, you might also consider investing in a hotel franchise. This gives you the opportunity for managing the property as well as benefitting directly from profits.