Front Office Manager

A front office manager has an active leadership position where the manager is responsible for various employees' performances, making sure that they interact with customers in a professional manner and in accordance with the company's policy. The manager of the front office should also be able to efficiently deal with issues such as customer complaints or disagreements between subordinates. Alongside the day-to-day supervision the manager must also develop strategies to boost the morale of employees and improve customer satisfaction. They must also be able to communicate with employees effectively as well as report directly to supervisors.

A bachelor's degree in a area like finance or management is usually required for front office managers However, certain companies might accept the equivalent of a graduation certificate from a high school or GED. Experience in the area of specialization (such as hotels or themed parks) is required, to ensure that the manager is familiar with general procedures and methods in the field.

Within the context of the Front Office Manager, employees are expected to fulfill the following roles and responsibilities in order to make meaningful contributions towards organizational success.

• Ensure smooth and efficient guest check-in and check-out procedures, including managing room keys, billing, and resolving guest inquiries.
• Ensure all guests receive excellent service and their complaints and requests are promptly resolved.
• Oversee front office staff, providing training, coaching, and guidance on guest service and hotel procedures.
• Keep accurate and up-to-date records of guest information, room availability, financial transactions, and staff schedules, and prepare reports and statements for management as needed.

Major educational qualifications required for Front Office Manager are:

• A high school degree or an associate's degree.
• Management or client services experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities.
• Great problem-solving abilities.
• Basic accounting abilities.
• Ability to stay focused and positive in a hectic environment.
• Good time management skills.

If you're a Front Office Manager with 0-3 years of work experience in India, here are some alternative roles you might want to explore:

• Guest Services Coordinator: This role focuses on providing excellent service to guests, from check-in to check-out. You'll manage guest inquiries and complaints, coordinate with other departments, and ensure guest satisfaction.
• Receptionist: As a Receptionist, you'll be responsible for greeting guests, answering phone calls, scheduling appointments, and performing other administrative duties. This role requires strong communication and organizational skills.
• Front Desk Agent: This role involves providing assistance to guests at the front desk or lobby. You'll need to handle check-ins and check-outs, answer questions, and resolve issues. Strong customer service skills are a must.
• Reservations Agent: As a Reservations Agent, you'll be responsible for booking rooms and handling reservations for guests. You'll need to be organized, detail-oriented, and have excellent communication skills.

The role of Front Office Manager in India is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. With the increasing demand for hospitality services and the rise of the tourism industry, job opportunities for Front Office Managers are expected to increase by around 8-10% annually. The projected growth for the job role over the next 10 years looks promising, with a consistent increase in demand. The role of Front Office Manager is vital in the hospitality sector, and with more hotels and resorts being established, the need for skilled professionals in this area will only continue to grow. Overall, the future of this job role looks promising with ample employment opportunities for aspirants.