Deputy hotel manager Review

As deputy hotel manager I oversee the day to day running of a 99 bed hotel. I'm in charge of rotas, ordering linen and consumables, finance, health & safety and payroll. I am also responsible for the front of house, housekeeping and maintenance team, this includes recruitment, development and training.

I am currently developing my skills in all areas of finance and recruitment. As a new dhm the apprenticeship has given a much wider knowledge in both. My recent skills day was based around recruitment and this has helped me greatly as I'm in the process if recruiting new team members.

As someone who has already gained a level 3 qualification in hospitality supervision, I couldn't wait to get started on level 4. It is much more in depth but I am enjoying the challenge and also enjoying learning more about the hospitality sector as a whole. I am looking forward to the next few months

I find the organisation and structure incredibly good. You are provide with all the tools necessary to guide you. I was sent a handy 'timetable', so I always know where I should be in the programme. Email invites and communication about upcoming skills days are sent out well ahead of time.

I have a very helpful hotel manager who is always willing to answer my questions and is available for support whenever I need it. I also have close relationships with other hotels in our region, our regional manager and other hotel managers. Whitbread are very supportive of all their apprentices

I have always found Lifetime to be very supportive. I have regular contact with my regional trainer and I know I can contact him with any questions, worries or concerns. He checks in on my progress inbetween visits and is incredibly easy to get hold of. All this also applies for my level 3 trainers.

Studying for level 4 as a new deputy hotel manager has been hugely insightful. It has helped me think outside the box and see hospitality on a wider scale, not just Whitbread. I have gained confidence in many aspects including leadership skills, recruitment and selection. I think it is definitely helping me become a better manager.

During the current pandemic any social events have been cancelled. As a hotel we like to, under normal circumstances, have team breakfasts, bowling evenings, meals out and drinks. We also enjoy fundraising for GOSH. In the past we've had bake sales, sponsored bike rides, sponsored walks and also a few of the team entered a muddy run.

Yes

Working for Whitbread gives you the opportunity to progress within the industry, to become part of great teams, to make great friends and the company offer a lot of great benefits, discounts on rooms and meals being just 2. As a company, they genuinely care about those that work for them and that was definitely shown in the 2020 lockdown.

What advice would I give? Be yourself. Whitbread is a very inclusive employer. No 2 days are ever the same so be prepared for a wide range of challenges, a huge amount of laughs and get ready to meet some amazing people. Premier Inn will turn you true purple within a few weeks of working!