"The hotel industry is absolutely superb with a lot of interaction with all different types of people. You get a great buzz when guests say they have enjoyed themselves, which when running a top restaurant happens all the time."

Restaurant Manager Hi I’m Chris Schofield assistant restaurant manager at a hotel in Leeds; I’ve only worked in the hotel industry for a few months. I spent a bit of time in it earlier in my career. I have mainly worked in the city centre bars and restaurant but felt it was now time to progress into hotels. It is a very sought after career and basically one that I am very comfortable in. My role in the restaurant is superb for me. I leave my team to run the restaurant and I am constantly checking up on customers, being the host and making sure staff doing what supposed to. The hotel industry is absolutely superb and varies and you get a great buzz when guests stay they have enjoyed themselves. You get lots of staff benefits like staying in the hotels, pay not too bad and bonus or incentive schemes. I have just been put forward for a sense of pride training course which is basically an all round management course they want to look at your whole management style. With regard to my own aspirations I would like to become restaurant manager.

A Day in the Life

When on an early shift I get up a 6am and arrive at work at 6.45. No I’m not really an early morning person but once behind the desk I really enjoy dealing with people and it makes it worth while. At 10.30am I also get Breakfast another perk of an early morning start!

After the morning rush I go through the reports and tidy up – it’s important to know our customers, who they are and when they are arriving so we can be fully prepared and welcome them to the hotel.

Lunch is served in the staff restaurant and meals are all free of charge – a great opportunity to catch up with friends in other departments.

After lunch it is time to close audits and count any takings before the next shift starts. I then handover and ensure messages are passed on and customer requirements are noted so that can have an enjoyable stay with us!

Background and Training

I originally came from Birmingham and came to Leeds to study tourism management at HND level. Whilst at University I did a placement year working in a hotel in Zimbabwe where I got my first taste of the hospitality industry and I’ve never looked back!

I enjoy dealing with people and working in a team. Yes, there are times when it is stressful but when you have helped a customer and they leave happy, it is very rewarding.

There is a first class training programme – in fact I’ve just completed a first aid course – so now I’m a first aider in the hotel and I am someone who never used to like the sight of blood!

Career Progression

I would like one day to be a front of house manager working my way up to revenue manager.

Who knows if it will still be in Leeds as there are always transfer opportunities in this country and abroad – that’s what is great about working for an international company.

Qualifications Needed

No set minimum qualification although a good general education is expected. Maths and English are useful as is a foreign language.

Qualities Needed

Excellent interpersonal skills with a strong sense of team work.