Are you a hotel manager contemplating your next career move? You're in the right place. The hospitality industry offers diverse career progression opportunities for individuals with strong management skills and a passion for service excellence. This article explores potential career pathways following a tenure as a hotel manager, whether you aim to climb within hotel management or transition into senior corporate roles.

According to data from jobs site Jobtrees.com, Hotel Managers typically serve in the General Manager position for about 5.9 years before advancing.

While a few may transition to new roles with the same title, most of these ambitious professionals seek to further develop their careers and ascend the corporate ladder, often becoming business owners and CEOs.

So, what are the progression opportunities for a Hotel Manager?

Progression Opportunities within Hotel Management

The natural next step for many hotel managers is to look for opportunities to further their career within the hotel industry.

In some cases this involves searching for a new role with a different company, but in many cases it's possible to progress with their same employer as well.

Managing Larger Hotels or Resorts

For those who thrive in hotel management, progressing to manage a larger hotel or a resort could be an exciting next step.

This role involves overseeing more extensive operations, which can help you hone your leadership skills further. If you're looking for a change of scenery this option could take you abroad to bigger properties with a larger range of facilities.

Joining Hotel Chains or Brands

Taking on a managerial role within a well-known hotel brand is another viable option. However, they provide valuable exposure to brand standards, allowing managers to learn the intricacies of maintaining a consistent brand image.

Additionally, working with a global operation offers the opportunity to understand international business practices and adapt to diverse market needs, thereby significantly enhancing your professional portfolio and broadening your career prospects.

Enter the Luxury Segment

If you have a penchant for opulence, consider transitioning to the luxury hotel segment. Managing upscale hotels involves catering to a high-end clientele, demanding an elevated level of service proficiency and attention to detail.

This sector provides a platform to refine your skillset further, as it involves personalized service, the ability to anticipate customer desires, and proficiency in handling diverse, high-pressure situations.

Moreover, working in luxury hospitality can offer exposure to a global clientele and the chance to collaborate with top-tier professionals in the industry, enhancing your career prospects and broadening your professional network.

Senior Supervisory Roles

Senior Supervisor or Department Head

Taking up a senior supervisor or departmental head role enables a specialization in a particular area of hotel management. Consider positions such as:

  • Operations Director: Oversee the efficiency and effectiveness of all hotel operations.
  • Sales Director: Focus on driving revenue through strategic sales initiatives.
  • Food & Beverage Director: Lead culinary teams and innovate dining experiences.

These positions not only cater to your strengths but also prepare you for more comprehensive leadership roles in the future.

Regional or Area Manager

For those looking to broaden their impact, becoming a regional manager allows for oversight of multiple properties within a geographic area.

This role involves strategic planning, regional sales growth, and operational consistency across hotels.

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Transitioning to Senior Corporate Roles

Corporate Executive Roles

Aspiring to climb the corporate ladder can lead to executive roles such as Vice President of Operations, Chief Operating Officer, or even Chief Executive Officer. Achieving these positions involves dedication and a strategic career path, often requiring years of experience in various functions within an organization.

These roles demand a robust understanding of business strategy, effective leadership skills, and the ability to foster innovation in a competitive market. Additionally, executives need to be adept at managing teams, driving company growth, and making pivotal decisions that align with the organization's long-term goals.

Developing a strong professional network and continuously updating one's knowledge about industry trends can also be instrumental in reaching these prestigious positions.

Lateral Moves and Specializations

Consulting

Leveraging your experience in hotel management to become a consultant can be a fulfilling and rewarding career shift.

As a consultant, you'll have the opportunity to work with a diverse range of properties, from boutique hotels to large international chains, helping them improve their operations and enhance customer service. You'll be tasked with analyzing current practices, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing strategic changes that can lead to increased guest satisfaction and profitability.

This role allows you to apply your expertise in a new way, offering fresh perspectives and tailored solutions to the unique challenges faced by each client.

Training and Development

Contributing to the next generation of hospitality leaders can be a deeply rewarding pathway, offering both personal and professional fulfillment.

Consider roles in academia, where you can engage with students through lectures and hands-on workshops, or corporate training, where you can design programs that share valuable industry insights and foster new talent. This not only enhances your own knowledge but leaves a lasting impact on the field.

Operations Manager in Other Industries

The operational skills acquired as a hotel manager are highly transferable across multiple industries. These skills encompass a wide range of competencies, including strategic planning, customer service excellence, staff management, and logistical coordination.

Professionals with such experience can seamlessly transition into roles in operations management within various sectors. For instance, in healthcare, they can manage hospital logistics and patient services; in retail, they can optimize supply chain and store operations; and in facilities management, they can oversee building maintenance and service efficiency.

Hotel Technology Solutions

Technology is transforming hospitality. Transitioning into a role focused on hotel technology solutions allows you to leverage tech advancements to improve guest experiences and operational efficiency.

Managers can leverage their industry experience to drive innovations by integrating advanced technologies like AI and IoT.

Embracing these changes allows for a more dynamic approach to hospitality, where technology and human touch work in harmony.

The hotel management career path is rich with opportunities for those ready to advance beyond the hotel manager role iteself.

The GM title doesn't need to be your career peak, this article proves there are many career options after hotel management to explore.

Whether you aim to manage larger properties, climb the corporate ladder, or explore new domains, the right educational foundation can be pivotal.

The EHL Hotel General Management Program is designed to equip hotel managers with the skills required to achieve their career aspirations and pursue their next professional goals.

By continuing your education with EHL, you can ensure that you remain at the forefront of industry trends and innovations, paving the way for a successful career progression.

About EHL Group

EHL Group is the global reference in education, innovation and consulting for the hospitality and service sector.
With expertise dating back to 1893, EHL Group now offers a wide range of leading educational programs from apprenticeships to master's degrees, as well as professional and executive education, on three campuses in Switzerland and Singapore. EHL Group also offers consulting and certification services to companies and learning centers around the world. True to its values and committed to building a sustainable world, EHL Group's purpose is to provide education, services and working environments that are people-centered and open to the world. www.ehlgroup.com

EHL Hospitality Business School
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