Do you know what these roles entail?
In the multifaceted world of the hotel industry, you'll find a wide range of roles, each with unique titles that can vary from Dutch and English to French, depending on the location and the hotel's policy. Traditional job titles such as 'houseman' and 'bellboy' are less common than in the past, sometimes leading to confusion about the true nature of these roles. Misconceptions are not uncommon; for example, some believe that a bellboy primarily answers phones, while others assume that a chef de partie is responsible for organizing all parties and events in the hotel. To clarify this confusion, hotel professionals are committed to clearly defining the specific tasks and responsibilities of each role within the hotel.
Chief Engineer
The chief engineer ensures that all hotel operations run smoothly through the management of the technical service. This includes leading a team responsible for maintenance, repairs, and ensuring safety and comfort for guests and staff.
Runner
This dynamic role is essential for efficiency in the kitchen and the restaurant. Runners ensure that dishes and drinks are quickly brought from the kitchen to the guests, a task that requires exceptional organizational skills and a quick response time. In the hospitality industry, this role refers to a service worker.
Houseman
The cleanliness and presentation of the hotel are fundamental to guest satisfaction. Housemen and housekeepers play a key role in maintaining the highest standards in both guest rooms and public areas, thus creating an inviting and comfortable environment.
Income Auditor
This role is vital for the financial health of the hotel. The income auditor ensures accuracy in financial reporting, checks daily revenues, and plays a key role in budget management and financial planning.
Bellboy
Often the first point of contact for guests, bellboys and porters represent the hospitality and service quality of the hotel. They are not only responsible for helping with luggage but also act as concierges, assisting guests with recommendations and reservations, thus contributing to a memorable stay experience.
Duty Manager
As an operational leader, the duty manager coordinates daily activities and ensures cohesion among different departments. This role requires excellent leadership skills and the ability to make quick decisions in often hectic environments.
Chef de Partie
Specialized in specific culinary areas, each chef de partie contributes to the creation of exceptional dishes and menus. These chefs manage their section efficiently, ensuring quality and contributing to the culinary reputation of the hotel.
Commis Chef
As the cornerstone of the kitchen, the commis chef supports the chef de partie and learns essential skills and techniques. This role is crucial for culinary development and provides a strong foundation for future chefs.
Front of House
In the hotel industry, the term 'front of house' refers to all roles and areas that deal directly with guests. This includes roles such as reception, concierges, and sometimes restaurant staff. Front of house staff are the face of the hotel and are responsible for providing excellent customer service. They handle guest check-ins and check-outs, answer queries, provide information about local attractions, and ensure guests have a pleasant stay. An effective front of house staff member is welcoming, helpful, and has excellent communication skills.
Understanding the complexity and importance of each role clarifies how every member of the hotel team contributes to the overall success and guest satisfaction. A well-informed and versatile team is key to delivering exceptional service and creating a memorable experience for every guest.