What does a Front Desk Manager do?
Front desk managers act as the face of an establishment and ensure visitors feel welcomed. Front desk managers are primarily employed in the hospitality industry and should not be confused with front office managers who are employed in any number of industries. The position of front desk manager entails managing the reception area, coordinating all front desk activities, and supervising the support staff. Front desk managers also compile reports for management, including occupancy reports and financial information.
Though no specific degree is needed for the position of front desk manager, experience handling cash, accounting procedures, and general administrative tasks are always a plus. Hospitality experience is also required, as well as some familiarity with hotel booking software and adequate computer skills in common programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel. A front desk manager may be expected to work varying shifts throughout the week.
- Responsible for the running of the front desk by hiring and training all front desk agents and leading by example
- Anticipate and handle any guest requests and satisfy their needs within acceptable guidelines
- Assist in the development and monitoring of the budget to provide top quality customer service
- Schedule the front office staff and supervise workload during shifts
- Act as liaison between the General Manager and staff
- Answer phone inquiries, direct calls, and provide basic information
- High School Diploma required, advanced degree in hospitality related field preferred
- 2 years of previous front desk manager or front desk supervisor experience is preferred
- Excellent leadership, management, and team building skills
- Must have strong verbal and written communication skills
- Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel)
- Ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage time
How much does a Front Desk Manager make near United States?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$50,348
/ yrFront Desk Manager Career Path
Learn how to become a Front Desk Manager, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Front Desk Manager Insights
Langdon Hall“It was the career path I wanted to be on and it was working out really well for me!”
Massage Envy“ive worked for 2 different owners and one of them was the best boss you could ask for.”
Park Inn Hotels“compensation is not the best and neither is the management team”
LINE Hotels“Health and dental insurance is not the best”
Royal Garden Hotel“Above average salary and good incentives”
Hampton Inn by Hilton“Schedule and pay was good”
Choice Hotels“I left the hotel Industry after leaving that job to pursue a different career path.”
Days Inn“Everyone I worked with was outgoing and enthusiastic.”
Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Front Desk Manager
- Front Desk Agent
- Receptionist
- Executive Assistant
- Office Manager
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Salary Negotiations
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Do jobs ever pay over the range advertised in the posting? For example, if I apply to a job with a range of 65k-96k and I really want $120k, is that bonkers? I feel like most of them. Don’t even want to pay the top of their advertised range. I’m just wondering how real these are.