OPERATIONS MANAGER

PRESENTATION

With an occupancy rate of 62.4% in 2019, the French hotel sector still dominates its European competitors. To perform and continue to survive year after year, hotel franchises need to establish several innovative strategies. At the origin of these crucial decisions is the operations director, a confirmed professional who is responsible for several important missions.

WHAT IS AN OPERATIONS MANAGER? 

Called Chief Operating Officer (COO) in the language of Shakespeare, and Director of Operations in that of Molière, the job of Director of Operations (DOP) is recognized internationally. Present in other fields than the hotel industry (industrial, sports, politics, electronics, etc.), this administrator occupies a central position within his organization.

Sometimes confused with the position of General Manager or Deputy General Manager, the DOP mainly ensures the commercial development of his structure. A true conductor, he uses a myriad of productive resources (software, hardware, human, etc.) on a daily basis and leads a group of qualified professionals.

WHAT ARE THE OPERATIONS MANAGER‘S TASKS? 

Present in a key position in the company’s organization chart, the operations director defines, executes and monitors the smooth running of strategies (commercial, economic, administrative). In contact with the various managers and heads of departments, the operations director ensures the smooth running of the establishment.

Here is a list of some of the missions that drive the job of operations manager in the hotel industry:

• Establish and decline one or more strategies for the hotel institute
• Analyze and manage the productivity of its structure
• Animate, supervise and motivate its team
• Define a multitude of strategic axes (marketing, communication, commercial policy)
• Monitor the maintenance and upkeep of the hotel
• Welcome and retain customers
• Develop the sectors of the company (sales, entertainment, services, etc.)
• Manage the economic activity of the establishment
• Preserve and protect the financial interests of the company
• Collaborate with the financial management
• Exchange with the different poles and actors of the company
• Take into account contractual commitments (quality, price, deadline, hygiene, etc.)
• Respect QSE factors (quality, safety, environment) in its strategic choices.
• Accustomed to fixed hours, an operations manager can sometimes work evenings, weekends and holidays. Depending on the size of the company, the tasks and missions evolve. For example: if it is a renowned hotel establishment, the director will have varied and more important functions.

WHAT QUALITIES AND SKILLS DO YOU NEED TO BECOME AN OPERATIONS MANAGER? 

To make a difference in his profession, the operations director must have exceptional qualities and skills.

A bold and visionary leader: able to take a step back and look at the long term, the DOP demonstrates a rare sense of innovation, but also an uncommon gift for anticipation. With good interpersonal skills, he communicates effectively with his colleagues. On the commercial side, this operations guarantor has a perfect knowledge of the hotel sector and the tricks of the trade.

A multilingual veteran: able to speak several languages, this experienced professional has solid management and management skills. Responsible for a high-stakes position, the manager is able to keep his cool in crucial moments. To continue to move forward on a daily basis, ambition, perseverance and rigor are three essential qualities to have.

A pragmatic protagonist: at the center of attention, this major player in the hotel franchise must constantly adapt to effectively meet the expectations of society. Gifted with remarkable organizational skills, the COO knows how to come up with unusual but viable strategic plans to gain an edge over the competition.

WHAT ARE THE SALARY AND PROSPECTS FOR AN OPERATIONS MANAGER?

In terms of advancement, after a few years, employees can benefit from an internal promotion to become general manager. Other important positions are also accessible, and are distinguished by a real rise in the hierarchy of the organization. If desired, employees can also change hotels to face new challenges and supervise a new team.

Monthly, an operations manager earns around 5,000 euros gross (€60,000 per year). Like most important positions that subject professionals to a lot of pressure, the salary is attractive. Important clarification: this remuneration is variable and many parameters must be taken into account.

HOW DO YOU BECOME AN OPERATIONS MANAGER?

Having recently graduated from a baccalaureate (general, technological or professional baccalaureate), students who wish to become operations directors must enter a leading school (business, management, engineering) in order to hope to become operations directors. This triad of leading schools will train young adults in important professions, giving them the personal and professional tools to achieve them. Respected and recognized, these establishments are important entry points.

Of course, a course in a business, management or engineering school is not the only option. Graduates can choose a hotel school such as the CMH Academy.

With internships and missions abroad, students will be able to glimpse the world of work and be operational when they enter the job market. Proud to have placed 100% of its students in alternating rhythms, CMH Academy offers bilingual training to allow students to easily and quickly become familiar with English. For the diploma, the school awards an RNCP title recognized by the State.

Having several backgrounds in the hotel industry will be a significant asset to access the position of operations manager. Regardless of the nature of your experiences (fixed-term contract, work-study program, internship, permanent contract, etc.) or your positions (bartender, receptionist, baggage handler, reservations manager, restaurant manager, etc.), your experiences will be beneficial during your job search.

WHERE ARE THEY TODAY?