Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Spa Manager- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Assisting and Caring for Others Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
- 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.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Working Life
As a Spa Manager, you will likely oversee all aspects of the spa, including managing staff, overseeing facility maintenance, developing budgets and creating marketing and promotions campaigns. Spa Managers work in hotels or spa resorts. Some spas may have a fitness focus whereas others may be more dedicated to relaxation or beauty treatments.
As the manager, your staff-related duties include supervising, recruiting, training and scheduling staff. You make sure that facilities are properly cleaned and that all equipment is in working order, and you do regular inventories of supplies.
From time to time, you may interact directly with customers, particularly if there is an issue or complaint to address.
You will likely be the person in charge of setting financial goals, reviewing costs and establishing budgets. But as is the case for all management roles, the breadth of your responsibilities depend on the sise of the overall business. For example, larger hotels may have a marketing manager, whereas the spa manager may be responsible for all marketing and promotions in smaller independent spas. You would then be responsible for generating sales and increasing memberships.
Every member of staff who deals with customers’ 'personal data', such as names and addresses, or who process payment card transactions, need to have some knowledge of the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). It is the responsibility of the employer to give job-specific information on GDPR in their organisation. You can read more about data protection in the workplace here.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Respond to customer inquiries or complaints.
- Schedule guest appointments.
- Maintain client databases.
- Coordinate facility schedules to maximise usage and efficiency.
- Perform accounting duties, such as recording daily cash flow, preparing bank deposits, or generating financial statements.
- Monitor operations to ensure compliance with applicable health, safety, or hygiene standards.
- Plan or direct spa services and programmes.
- Develop or implement marketing strategies.
- Sell products, services, or memberships.
- Recruit, interview, or hire employees.
Qualities - Spa Manager
As a spa manager, you need very strong organisational and communication skills. With so many responsibilities, you need to be able to work under pressure and have excellent time-management skills.
You need to be able to reason with people and keep calm while dealing with challenging situations or difficult customers. You also need good mathematical skills and a good business sense, as well as the ability to motivate staff.
Interests - Spa Manager
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.
Entry / Progression - Spa Manager
You will generally need quite a lot of relevant work experience to be considered for a spa manager position. An academic qualification can boost your chances of getting the job, skills & experience can also be built up while working in the industry.
A background in treatments & massage therapy or health and wellness can be helpful. Working your way up from an entry level job to a management job may take a few years but can be helped by studying business and hospitality courses.
Courses in business, management and tourism are the most common.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: sports, leisure, exercise, recreation, beauty therapy, supervisory management.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: sports, leisure, exercise, recreation, spa and beauty therapy, supervisory and leisure management.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Sales, Recruitment.
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: sports, leisure, exercise, recreation, supervisory and leisure management, business with spa management, customer care.
Search for CAO Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
As a Spa Manager, you need to keep yourself up-to-date on staff management and health and safety regulations.
Professional organisations may offer training or promote training & Networking providers:
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Spa Manager
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €45k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, role, experience, and duties.
Data Source(s):
Excel / Indeed.ie/ Payscale/ Glassdoor
Last Updated: July, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Spa Manager
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Leisure and sports managers; Sports players Sports coaches; instructors and officials; Fitness instructors.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Employment levels fell in this occupation between 2021 and 2022, with 6,000 fewer people employed compared to pre-COVID-19 levels. The CSO Census data shows that employment numbers were small across the individual roles included in this occupation; although the Census shows that there was some growth over the period 2016 to 2022, this was primarily related to fitness instructors.
A half of all persons employed in this occupation worked part-time, far exceeding the national average of 22%. Employment permits issued for this group related to professional sports players sports coaches/instructors. The rising cost of living is likely to have an impact on the demand for the services provided by many people working in these occupations.
An increased use of digital fitness, particularly during COVID-19, may also have an impact on future demand for these roles, along with a shift in the skills profile required (e.g. digital skills). As such, the outlook for this occupation is uncertain, with any potential employment growth dependent on the levels of consumer discretionary spending.
Useful Contacts - Spa Manager
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Irish Hospitality Institute
- 12 Priory Office Park, Stillorgan Rd, Co. Dublin
- (01) 662 4790
- Click Here
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Irish Hotels Federation
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Confederation of International Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology
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Ireland Active
- Ireland Active, Irish Sport HQ, National Sports Campus, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, Ireland
- 01-6251192
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Sport Ireland
- Sport Ireland National Sports Campus, Snugborough Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15
- (01) 8608800
- [email protected]
- Click Here
