A hotel is a small company with many departments: reception, kitchen, service, housekeeping, maintenance, sales and administration. At the top are hotel managers and hotel directors, responsible for guest satisfaction, staff and financial success. In Germany both independent hotels and chains are looking for experienced leaders.
Duties of a hotel director
- Strategy: positioning, target groups, offers and investment
- Finance: budget, revenue planning, cost control and reporting to owners
- Revenue management: steering room rates and occupancy together with sales
- People: leading department heads, recruiting and retaining staff
- Quality: standards, guest reviews and complaint handling
- Representation: contact with corporate clients, partners, authorities and press
Hotel manager or hotel director?
The terms are often used similarly. In larger hotels the hotel manager is frequently responsible for day-to-day operations, while the hotel director (general manager) carries overall responsibility. In smaller hotels one person often holds both roles.
Requirements
- Many years of hotel experience, ideally across several departments
- Leadership experience as a head of department, such as front office, F&B or rooms division
- Business knowledge, for example from a degree or hotel management school
- Fluent German and English
- Entrepreneurial thinking, strong communication and genuine hospitality
The path to the top
Many hotel directors started at the very bottom – at reception, in service or in the kitchen. The typical path leads through department head roles to deputy director and finally general manager. Moving between hotels, cities and countries is common and welcomed.
Working conditions
Hotel directors carry high responsibility and are often available beyond regular hours. In return the roles offer attractive salaries, frequently bonuses, a company car or accommodation, and a lot of freedom to shape the business.
Leadership positions with AS-Gastro-Consult
AS-Gastro-Consult places hotel directors, hotel managers, F&B managers and department heads with hotels across Germany – discreetly and with personal advice.
See our current job offers or message us on WhatsApp: +49 163 501 95 12.
