Assistant General Manager (AGM)

A hotel’s assistant general manager serves as the right hand to the general manager. However, the specific duties of an assistant general manager will vary from hotel to hotel, depending on the needs of the general manager and the size of the property.

Day-to-day and administrative duties

Typically he or she will works hand-in-glove with the general manager to execute all of his decisions, including hiring, business agendas and hotel finances. In some cases, the assistant general manager’s primary function is to aid the general manager with paperwork and similar administrative duties. This can include accounting-related functions like approving vendor invoices, completing bank deposits and cash bank audits.

The hotel’s second-in-command may also be required to analyze and evaluate the hotel’s performance through data compilation of occupancy and labor reports as well as the guest satisfaction index. Additionally, if the property flies a brand flag, the assistant general manager could be in charge of ensuring that the hotel adheres to all brand policies, practices, procedures and guidelines. It is also likely that the assistant general manager will personally respond to guest comments, whether on travel review websites or via comment cards.

Working with people

The assistant general manager may also be tasked with resolving all hotel issues and problems in order to ensure that day-to-day operations run smoothly and continuously. There are also hotels such as smaller properties with 50 or fewer rooms that do not employ an assistant general manager because the size of the property allows the general manager to fulfill all necessary duties.

But assistant general managers are typically responsible for any combination of administrative duties, problem solving and management tasks, interfacing between the hotel’s top executive and guests as well as the property’s various department heads.

Working with other departments

The assistant general manager also supports hotel operations from the front desk and sales and marketing to housekeeping. Working in conjunction with each department manager, the assistant general manager directs and coordinates resources and requirements in addition the systems and processes associated with the property’s day-to-day operations. He or she also plays a role in human resources, hiring, training and retaining staff while also ensuring guest service delivery. This staff member may also be involved in completing meeting group RFPs and in offering area businesses locally negotiated rates.

Moreover, if the general manager is off site or in a meeting, it’s the assistant general manager who acts in his or her place. That’s also to say that this role also requires schedule flexibility and the ability to work extended or irregular hours, including nights, weekends and holidays.

What experience do you need?

The assistant general manager is also likely to come to the position following a plethora of experience working in hotels. So like all hotel employees, they may be called upon at a moment’s notice to help the front-desk with check-in or answer phones on a particularly busy day or simply get involved in fulfilling a guest request.

To be considered for an assistant manager job, an extensive background in the hotel business is essential; this is not a post for career changers. Candidates should already have a few years of hotel operations experience as well as leadership experience, including managing staff directly. They should also have demonstrated success in meeting or exceeding financial goals while executing against operating budgets.

In terms of educations, large hotels will usually ask for a bachelor’s degree in hospitality manager or related field such as business or finance. However, those with liberal arts degrees and extensive experience working in hotels have also successfully been named assistant general managers. Smaller, limited service hotels that hire assistant general managers have less stringent education requirements and so may seek candidates with associates degrees or even a certificate in hospitality, hotel or restaurant management with several years of either full-time or part-time experience working in hotels. It is also common practice to require assistant general managers come to the job with current certifications in food management, particularly in full service hotels.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to $42,140.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee discount

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus pay

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Hotel Experience: 3 years (Preferred)
• Hospitality Experience: 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location: One location