What Does a Hotel Supervisor Do?

The job duties of a hotel supervisor can vary depending on the size of the hotel and the number of other employees or departments. In general, this position refers to the front desk supervisor at a hotel, who oversees departments such as the front desk, reservations, and anything else on the front end of the hotel. Other departments in which an individual might work in a supervisory role include housekeeping, maintenance, or security. A hotel supervisor is generally responsible for ensuring the operations at the front desk are running smoothly, that guests are checked in and out, and assigned appropriate rooms. The supervisor also helps to resolve any problems, make reservations, and monitor the cash flow of the front desk.

Many people who become a hotel supervisor have a combination of education and experience in the field. An associate's or bachelor's degree in resort or hospitality management might be necessary in larger, more upscale hotels, while smaller establishments might make someone a supervisor with just a few years of experience. The supervisor is in charge of ensuring that other employees are performing their daily job duties as required, and will typically report to the hotel manager on a daily or weekly basis to share information regarding operations and goals.

In most cases, the hotel supervisor will not be sitting behind a desk in an office all day, but will be a frequent presence in the lobby and front desk of the hotel. He or she may assist guests as they check in and answer any questions they may have. Answering phones to make, confirm, or change reservations might also be another common job task. Another large part of the duties of a hotel supervisor is resolving any problems that guests may have, and consistently providing excellent customer service to ensure that they will return to the hotel. Basic accounting and bookkeeping, such as counting out cash drawers and maintaining records, might also be a regular job duty.

Aside from directly working with and assisting guests, the hotel supervisor needs to work successfully with other employees as well. This may involve creating schedules, training new hires, and resolving any problems between employees. It may also involve tasks like enforcing the dress code or reprimanding employees for not performing their job duties adequately. Since the supervisor acts as a liaison between employees and upper management, it is important that he or she fosters positive relationships with employees, yet remains professional at all times to ensure the image of the hotel stays positive.