The front office is ‘the face’ of the hospitality establishment and it plays an important role in ensuring guest satisfaction. The front office, or reception, is the first and the last part of the hotel guests see, and the staff in it may be the only staff some guests interact with during their stay. 

Last week we spoke to Philip Lambert who works as a Front Office Supervisor in the five-star hotel, The Connaught in London. Philip told us the path he took to get to Front Office Supervisor - Read all about his journey to this coveted role here.

Also, meet Claire Hyde, Front Office Manager at Hayfield Manor Hotel:

What is a Front Office Supervisor?

A Front Office Supervisor is a role that manages many areas of the business and is someone colleagues look to for guidance.

They typically do the following, but each role is subject to requirement of the individual business:

• Answer enquiries pertaining to hotel policies and services and resolve occupants' complaints.
• Participate in financial activities, such as the setting of room rates, the establishment of budgets, and the allocation of funds to departments.
• Confer and cooperate with other managers to ensure coordination of hotel activities.
• Greet and register guests.
• Monitor the revenue activity of the hotel or facility.
• Be the point of contact for any queries or requests a guest has throughout their stay.
• Train staff members.
• Observe and monitor staff performance to ensure efficient operations and adherence to facility's policies and procedures.
• Coordinate front-office activities of hotels or other accommodation services and resolve problems.
• Inspect guest rooms, public areas, and grounds for cleanliness and appearance.

Courses to help you become a Front Office Supervisor

CAO

GY261 - Business Studies - International Hotel Management – Shannon College of Hotel Management 

The Bachelor of Business Studies in International Hotel Management at Shannon College of Hotel Management gives students the unique opportunity to combine professional practical training, language development, extensive business studies theory and hands on work experience in the international hotel industry.

DK851 - Hospitality Management with Business – Dundalk Institute of Technology

This course helps students develop business management skills and the specialist knowledge of the hospitality industry that they will need to succeed. The modern hospitality industry requires agile critical business thinkers to find solutions in this fast-paced industry.

Students will focus on creating exceptional guest experiences while ensuring the smooth operations and profitability of the business. They will learn to skillfully manage customer service, staff training, financial analysis, marketing strategies, and overall business development.

You can find these, and many more options here.

PLC

5M5011 - Business and Tourism – Clifden Community School

Students are equipped with invaluable practical and transferable skills that will remain with them for life. These skills significantly enhance the employment prospects of participants. Over the years, most of the graduates of these courses have progressed directly into employment. A significant number have also progressed to further education.

5M2083 - Hotel & Hospitality Operations – Carlow Institute of Further Education and Training

If you aspire to a career in the Hotel and Hospitality sector, this programme will provide you with a fantastic introduction to the wide range of careers on offer. You will learn practical skills such as food preparation, accommodation techniques and hospitality, and a range of business skills to support your career ambitions. You can progress to careers in many hospitality contexts, including hotels, resorts, restaurants, events venues, cruise-liners and destination venues.

Hotel & Hospitality Operations is a PLC Work-Based programme, and part of your study will include work placements with our Hotel and Hospitality partners, where you will work with experienced colleagues, and learn practical skills in the business context. This programme leads to a qualification that will be your passport to exciting careers in the world of hospitality operations and management, including options to travel and to progress to Higher Education, and to progress to Level 6 Supervisory Management at Carlow Institute.

For more PLC’s in Business and Tourism, click here.

Traineeships

T-100 - Tourism and Hospitality – Colaiste Dhulaigh College of Further Education

This exciting new traineeship will provide you with the skills necessary to work in the Tourism and Hospitality sector. The traineeship offers real work placement with our Industry partners, gaining you invaluable experience, alongside college-based learning, equipping you to work in this vibrant and dynamic sector.

Work experience will include Frontline Reception, Food &Beverage, Guest Relations, Reservations, Hotel Management, hospitality, Leisure, Customer Service, Accommodation and Sales & Marketing.

For more Traineeships in Tourism & Hospitality, click here.

Find Out More

Check out more on the career of Front Office Supervisor or Manager here. Explore career options in tourism here and the courses available here.

Find your new job here.