Hotel services managers are a vital part of the hospital team, ensuring the smooth running of the range of hotel services so that our patients' stay is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
You could enter hotel services management by working your way up through a relevant apprenticeship (eg business administration), or with a level 3 qualification or relevant experience from another sector. Qualifications in hospitality and related topics are available from organisations including City and Guilds, Institute of Hospitality, Edexcel and BTEC. Foundation degrees, higher awards and degree programmes are offered by several universities.
Most jobs in the NHS are covered by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scales. This pay system covers all staff except doctors, dentists and the most senior managers. Staff in the NHS will usually work a standard 37.5 hours per week. They may work a shift pattern. Your career in NHS hotel services management could start at AfC band 3 working in a supervisory role. Managerial positions could range from AfC band 5 upwards and the most senior roles rising to Band 7 for example, as a hotel services manager. Terms and conditions of service can vary for employers outside the NHS.
To work in hotel services management, you’ll typically need effective business acumen, attention to detail, good communication skills, leadership skills , organisational skills, a willingness to work with others and respect their views, a good level of numeracy and computer literacy, negotiating skills, the ability to challenge the way things are and find better alternatives, honesty and fairness in dealing with other people and a commitment to the ideals of quality and fairness in delivering healthcare.
With further training and/or experience, you may be able to develop your career further into more senior managerial roles – in particular within operational and estates management.