Most people think of hotel General Managers (GMs) as the top leader within the organization, other than the owner. This is often the case with independently owned hotels. However, with over 60% of hotels being part of a chain or a larger organizational structure – there’s often another leader in place. Organizations with multiple locations within a geographic region often employ a regional or district manager responsible for the overall success and effective management of the properties in that region.
Responsibilities of a District Manager
District managers cover a specific geographic territory, generally with at least two GMs leading individual sites reporting directly up to them. Much of what a GM does in developing their staff, District Managers do in developing their GMs. This involves coaching, counseling, performance evaluations, and other efforts to support GMs in achieving success within their locations. That support begins during the recruitment process, with District Managers often recruiting and onboarding GMs themselves.
While GMs generally manage hotel budgeting procedures for one location, District Managers look at the bigger picture of financial performance and stability, ensuring budget guidelines are met through accurate forecasting, labor control, and overall profit and loss performance.
What Qualifications Does a Prospective District Manager Need?
Most often, the best candidates for District Manager positions within the hotel industry come from existing roles as a hotel GM or other hotel management positions. However, those with restaurant or retail management experience are also sought after by employers. Generally, District Managers report directly to hotel owners. With many owners possessing multiple hotels (or territories), that means that day-to-day, District Managers work autonomously – without direct supervision or direction. So, candidates looking to secure this role must possess self-motivation and the ability to ensure their productivity without the help of a supervisor.
Some basic business acumen is also extremely valuable for potential District Managers. Understanding accounting principles and reporting (P&L statements, Balance Sheets, etc.). These leaders drive sustainability for the organization, including ensuring budget compliance, inventory management, and human capital. Location GMs often also manage things like labor reporting and payroll, just on a smaller (geographic) scale.
In the case of serious issues (incidents, complaints, etc.), a District Manager might step in if a resolution has yet to occur at both the functional team and hotel levels. At times, these leaders might respond to guest reviews – both positive and negative – to ensure ongoing high levels of guest satisfaction. Responsiveness to complaints or concerns has a huge impact on the guest experience, even after a stay has concluded.
How to Become a Hotel District Manager
It’s not likely someone can go from having never worked within the hotel or hospitality industry to becoming a District Manager for a lodging organization with multiple locations. More often than not, these leaders grow within an organization during their careers. This means that current or former GMs often make excellent candidates for open District Manager roles. For those without that management experience already, starting within the industry in an entry-level position is a great way to gain exposure to how a hotel operates and what it takes to function successfully.
District Managers need to thoroughly understand each role within their assigned locations, including responsibilities as well as how a role interacts with other team members or departments. Gaining experience working in housekeeping, at a hotel front desk, or even on the maintenance team all make for greater operational knowledge of how a lodging establishment functions and what it takes to be successful. In leading a team of GMs, District Managers need that expertise to be able to advise and support as needed.
For those with that relevant operational knowledge and experience, a role as District Manager might just be a great next career move. There are a few ways to stand out in the application and interview process within the hotel industry. As previously mentioned, District Managers need strong communication skills to perform their role effectively. For those applying for this type of position, ensure all application materials are grammatically correct and free from errors. Prepare for any interviews thoroughly, including some basic research about the role and organization and a few questions to pose if given the chance. For those who tend to struggle during interviews, practice the basic conversation in advance with a friend or relative.
Be sure to include any technical skills or training on a resume that applies to this type of management position. This includes experience or expertise with software (payroll, accounting), process mastery (budget creation, scheduling), and any relevant certifications (project management, hotel management). While these will likely come up in an interview setting, being explicit about the most relevant qualifications you possess for the role is the best way to ensure you make it to that interview stage.
Hotels across the country are ramping up their hiring frequency as we inch closer to the busy summer season. They are looking for strong regional and single-location management personnel to effectively guide teams through the busy season, prioritizing guest and employee satisfaction the entire way. Management positions aren’t the only open positions either. Our locations nationwide are seeking enthusiastic and dedicated staff to join their housekeeping, front desk, maintenance, and administrative teams. Many positions are suitable for those just beginning a career in hospitality. To see what opportunities await near you, we encourage you to view our hotel job database today!