Management in Hotel & Gastro - tasks, salary & opportunities
Does being a boss sound like a classic suit, boring meetings and lots of work in front of a screen? Not necessarily. If you want to reach the top in the hotel and catering industry, you can look forward to a varied working day.
But what exactly does a managing director actually do? Which paths lead there? And is it worth it financially?
From guesthouses to award-winning restaurants: where you are in demand as a manager
Management is always required when a company needs clear leadership in order to function smoothly. Depending on the size of the business, this task is divided between different people. In a small guesthouse, the owner family usually takes on the role of management at the same time. In a large restaurant with several employees, it may make sense to hire someone specifically for this role.
If the hotel or restaurant is run as a limited company, a managing director is even required by law.
The tasks of the management - in the middle instead of just the boss
At management level, you hold the reins - strategically, operationally and personally. You are the driving force behind the success of the business, providing structure in day-to-day operations and visions that have a long-term impact. In the hotel and catering industry, this means less boss's chair and more proximity to the team and guests.
Your tasks include
- Operational management & Economic planning
- Budget responsibility & Sales increase
- Team management & Personnel development
- Quality management & Guest service
- Communication with owners, suppliers & Partners
What makes it special: In hardly any other industry are you as a manager so close to the real action. You're not just a manager - you're a host, problem solver, motivator and visionary all rolled into one.
Salary with responsibility: what is possible in management
If you hold the position of company manager, then you have reached employment group 0. The "Salary Regulations for the Catering and Hotel Industry, Salaried Employees" of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO) sets out clear starting salaries. In Burgenland, Carinthia, Lower Austria, Upper Austria and Styria, this is 2.560 euros gross per month. In the other federal states, your salary in the first year is 2.854 euros gross per month. However, this is the minimum wage.
In practice, much more is possible: if you manage a larger company, have staff responsibility or even contribute to sales, you can expect to earn between 5.690 and 7.380 euros gross or more.
How much you earn as a manager in the Austrian restaurant or hotel industry depends on a number of factors:
- Size of the business: You earn differently in a family-run guesthouse in Tyrol than in an international hotel in Vienna.
- Location: In a larger city such as Salzburg, as well as in tourism hot spots, the salary prospects largely look better than in rural areas.
- Experience and qualifications: If you already have experience in management and are fit for business, your market value will increase.
- Area of responsibility: The more employees or locations you manage, the higher your salary will usually be.
- Contractual extras: In some companies, you will receive certain benefits that are reserved exclusively for management. Bonus payments, company cars, etc. influence your salary.
What really sets you apart as a managing director
Training, experience and positions with responsibility: these are all things that pave the way for you to become a general manager. But to make it to the top, your soft skills are also required.
- Strong communication skills: Whether with your team, guests, suppliers or the owners - good communication is essential. It creates trust, clarifies expectations and resolves conflicts before they escalate.
- Determination : As a manager, you should make decisions clearly and responsibly without hesitating for too long.
- Stress resistance: Gastronomy is not a nine-to-five job. When the business is buzzing, there is no time to panic. You need to be confident, set priorities and manage calmly under pressure.
- Hands-on mentality: A good manager lends a hand when necessary and shows that the team can rely on their boss even in practical matters.
HOGASTJOB tip: What do you want from your superiors? What could they do better? Make a note of these things and remind yourself of them when you are in this position yourself one day.
Conclusion: a career pays off
Do you want to take on more responsibility and advance your career? Then the position of managing director is definitely worth striving for - also financially. With experience, dedication and the right training, you can climb the career ladder in the hotel and catering industry.
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