Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.

The Work

Reporting to the General Manager or a Deputy Manager, the Rooms Division Manager is responsible for day-to-day operations at the hotel and ensuring the comfort and safety of every guest that visits the hotel. Hiring competent staff and ensuring that they are trained to care for the guests in the way that is expected is also part of the role. 

This role requires a high degree of initiative on the part of the person holding it, as well as dedication to the company and efficiency in leading a staff team.

Duties would include working closely with executive housekeeping and the front office throughout the day to ensure that hotel guests are well cared for, as well as resolving any customer complaints that may arise.

The Rooms Division Manager also manages the 24/7 operations of the front desk, reservations, concierge, the phones and the night managers. It is the responsibility of Rooms Division Managers to spot check rooms to verify the hotels standards are being met, authorise the schedules for the entire staff, manage expenditure and budgets to ensure they are maintained, as well as assist with sales and marketing for the hotel. 

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Review financial statements, sales or activity reports, or other performance data to measure productivity or goal achievement or to identify areas needing cost reduction or program improvement.
• Direct and coordinate activities of businesses or departments concerned with the production, pricing, sales, or distribution of products.
• Direct administrative activities directly related to making products or providing services.
• Prepare staff work schedules and assign specific duties.
• Monitor suppliers to ensure that they efficiently and effectively provide needed goods or services within budgetary limits.
• Direct or coordinate financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximise investments, or increase efficiency.
• Establish or implement departmental policies, goals, objectives, or procedures in conjunction with board members, organisation officials, or staff members.
• Perform personnel functions, such as selection, training, or evaluation.
• Plan or direct activities, such as sales promotions, that require coordination with other department managers.
• Set prices or credit terms for goods or services, based on forecasts of customer demand.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

As a receptionist or front office manager you can work in hotels and guesthouses across Ireland and around the world. The front desk is also a great step on the ladder to senior management roles such as Rooms Division Manager.

There are hundreds of courses available across Ireland to help you get started in the Tourism and Hospitality Sector. If full-time education doesn’t suit, you can also avail of some great apprenticeship programmes in the industry.

Courses in hotel front office management and hospitality management can help you get started at the front desk. Level 4, 5 & 6 courses in Hospitality Operations for example, can be found at the Further Education Institutes and ETB centres nationally.  

Level 7 & level 8 Degree Programmes in Hospitality Management e.g.DT408 are available at Institutes of Technology countrywide. 

See also: list of hospitality courses from getalifeintourism.

Last Updated: November, 2015

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €40k - €55k

Data Source(s):
Excel Recruitment Hotel and Catering Salary Survey 2019

Last Updated: May, 2019

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Despite a lower than average employment growth rate for this occupation over the five-year period, employment grew strongly between 2021 and 2022 with an additional 5,700 persons employed, surpassing 2019 levels. Approximately a third working in these roles were non-Irish citizens, above the national average, and employment permits issued related to roles for restaurant managers, hotel, duty and accommodation managers.

Advertised vacancies in the OVATE data grew strongly (by nearly a third), albeit from a low base. Vacancies advertised through DSP Jobs Ireland were primarily for restaurant managers but also for managers in catering, food and beverage and hotel. The future demand for hospitality managers will depend on the performance of the different segments of the hospitality sector, with a greater requirement for restaurant managers likely compared to accommodation-related managers.