Deputy Hotel Manager Review

The overall running of the hotel both on a ground floor level to a business level. This includes managing 2 teams across 2 hotels and working in all departments of the hotels, including housekeeping, reception days, reception nights etc. I also work with a larger team outside of my own hotels, across the region.

When I first joined Whitbread, I had no experience in hospitality. I first learned how to work as a reception team member before learning how to work as an acting DHM to cover a maternity position. At the end of this position, a permanent position became available which I applied for and was successful. Every skill required for the role, I have learnt since starting with Whitbread.

I thoroughly enjoy the program, the only difficulties I do find are with the time it takes to complete work and the time available through work. Most of the work has to be completed at home as there just is not enough time to complete anything at work. I find this with all of the team who do an apprenticeship. 3 hours per period is not enough time to be able to claim back for labour used.

Very well organised. I receive plenty of support from my trainer and the webinars and skills days are brilliant. My HM is very supportive and will happily dedicate time to supporting me when possible. Again, it is just the timings available while at work which I struggle with at the moment.

My HM provides plenty of support. She tries to allow additional time for work to be completed and calls to be attended where possible. She is also happy to mentor me and spend time to talk through activities and tasks. She provides regular feedback where necessary and is always available to talk.

My trainer is always available to ask for any help needed and provides regular meetings and support / guidance. I find the meetings very helpful and he makes me feel comfortable and at ease when completing any tasks or starting on something new which I may have felt concerned about initially.

My confidence has hugely increased within my role since starting this apprenticeship. I have since taken on an additional hotel as one of the only duel DHMs within the company. I was not expecting to have such a confidence boost throughout the program so I am very pleased about this.

Occasionally there are regional meetings to be attended. I organise fundraising activities as regularly as is possible with the next activity being the Yorkshire 3 peaks. There have not been many opportunities for extra activities throughout the pandemic but there are now quarterly reginal DHM meetings and other activities may begin to start again.

Yes

Whitbread have looked after their staff over the years I have been with the company. Although business critical decisions have at time been very difficult on the staff (redundancies etc.), the company looked after all of the staff incredibly well over the pandemic and have especially shown the hourly paid team members their appreciation.

Make the most out of the staff benefits. The achievers app is a great tool to use and the staff discounts available are great. Also, really get involved with the team you work with as they will become like one big work family, offering support and friendships in every hotel.