Position Overview
The Night Manager oversees the hotel's operations during the late-night and early-morning hours, ensuring smooth and efficient functioning across all departments. Working closely with the night porter, the Night Manager is responsible for addressing guest concerns, providing concierge services, and managing operational tasks. This role requires versatility, autonomy, and the ability to adapt to diverse situations with limited resources.
The Night Manager also handles night accounting, including closing the books and preparing the financial handover for the accounts department in the morning. Additional responsibilities include supporting room service requests, such as reheating meals left by the kitchen, and ensuring that all guest needs are met during overnight hours. With just two pairs of hands running the hotel, this role offers a unique opportunity to gain comprehensive managerial experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Supervise the overall operations of the hotel during the night shift.
- Address guest concerns, provide concierge services, and ensure a welcoming environment.
- Manage night accounting, close the books, and prepare financial reports for the accounts team.
- Support room service operations, including reheating and delivering meals when necessary.
- Collaborate with the night porter to handle guest requests and operational tasks.
- Monitor safety and security throughout the property, ensuring the well-being of guests and staff.
- Provide operational handovers to the morning shift team to maintain continuity.
- Act as the decision-maker for all hotel functions during the shift, taking full responsibility for operations.
Work Schedule
The Night Manager works on a rotational schedule:
- Weekday Shift: Four nights per week, starting Monday night and ending Thursday night, with shifts running from 11:30 PM to 7:00 AM.
- Weekend Shift: Friday night to Sunday night, with shifts running from 9:00 PM to 9:00 AM. Weekend shifts total 34 hours.
Career Development
The Night Manager role is widely recognized as a fast-track training ground for future managerial positions. The autonomy, breadth of responsibilities, and problem-solving required during overnight operations provide invaluable experience for those seeking to advance to senior roles. While demanding, this role is typically held for a year, during which time individuals gain a comprehensive understanding of hotel operations and leadership.
Required Skills and Experience
- Previous experience in hospitality or a related field, ideally in front office or operations.
- Strong problem-solving abilities and the capacity to work independently under pressure.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Basic accounting knowledge and familiarity with night audit procedures.
- Flexibility to manage diverse responsibilities, including guest services, accounting, and room service.
Expectations
The Night Manager is the face of the hotel during the night, ensuring guests feel safe, supported, and valued.
This role demands initiative, resourcefulness, and a commitment to upholding the hotel's standards of excellence. It is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience managing an entire hotel and preparing for future leadership roles.
