Bed and Breakfast Operator - Career Advice - Retail and Hospitality

Accommodation & Hospitality Manager (not covered elsewhere)

Boarding House Manager
Lodging / Hostel Manager

An owner/operator of a bed and breakfast, country inn, vacation farm or similar small accommodation business plans, directs and manages all the daily and long-term operations.

Bed and Breakfast Operators organise and control the operations of bed and breakfasts to provide a short term, highly personalised accommodation and leisure services for guests including breakfast. They ensure that guests' needs, wants and comfort are satisfied during their stay.

Business tasks can often be combined with household tasks (e.g. breakfast for guests can be purchased at the same time as groceries for the household). Ensuring the enjoyment and comfort of guests is the owner/operator’s number one priority, and one has the ability to do this in their own distinct and creative way.

BB Owner
(Source: Your Career)

ANZSCO ID: 141911

Alternative names: FutureGrowthModerate B&B Owner, B&B Operator, Bed & Breakfast Owner, BB Owner, BB Operator,

Knowledge, skills and attributes

Strong business management skills
Strong sales and marketing skills
Good organizational & Administrative skills
Strong customer service skills
Previous experience in tourism is an asset
Knowledge of small business operations standards and regulations in each State or Territory
Good communication skills
Knowledge of local business sector and industry
Leadership ability an asset
Training in first aid is an asset
Risk management / human resource management skills
FOODSAFE is required
Diploma or degree in business, tourism, marketing or hotel management is an asset

Busselton Accommodation
(Source: Busselton Mail)

Duties & Tasks

Oversees reservation, reception and housekeeping activities
Plan, direct and co-ordinate the organisation, it's administration and the operation of the establishment
Meet guests’ needs related to overnight stays and meals
Respond to enquiries and solve problems
Offer tourism information, promote local area and arrange tours and transportation
Ensure the completion of administrative tasks - keeps appropriate records
Develop and maintain policies for the effective and consistent management of your staff. For example, recruitment, discipline and/or performance management
Promote business sales through effective marketing strategies
Complete financial management tasks - oversees accounting and purchasing activities
Maintain facility, equipment and supplies
Ensures compliance with occupational health and safety regulations
Exercises public relations and marketing responsibilities
Assesses and reviews customer satisfaction and handles guest complaints.
Helps to maintain social media or website or both

Working conditions

Working as a B&B operator can be very stressful depending on the guests and meeting their needs. In this age of social media, a poor remark or likes can devastate a business.

Also, if the guests are in your house, they can be demanding and that can extend your hours of business. You must enjoy people and have a tolerance for strangers staying in your home as well.

This position offers the opportunity to work flexible hours and meet new people.

Tools and technologies

In order to manage the tasks required, you will need to have mastered administrative skills, accounting and cash control skills with the computer packages involved.

Education and training/entrance requirements

You can work as a Bed and Breakfast Operator without formal qualifications, however, they may be useful. Vocational Education and Training (VET) and university are both common study pathways.

Take a Certificate IV in Retail Management

Take a Certificate III in Hospitality

Employment Opportunities

Possible Future Career Paths:

Expand business
Purchase larger operation
Manager/Executive in another tourism business

Accommodation and Hospitality Managers (not covered elsewhere) includes jobs like

Backpackers Manager,
Boarding House Manager,
Casino Duty Manager,
Guest House Manager,
Lodging/Hostel Manager,
Reception Centre Manager.

Example: Boarding House Manager

Boarding houses provide food and lodging accommodations to permanent or temporary guests. Boarding houses may provide semi-permanent residency for people like college students or homeless individuals, or they may provide accommodations for people traveling. In almost every case, boarding houses have managers who help ensure the house meets the guests' needs.

A rooming house, or boarding house, is where one or more rooms are for rent and the total number of people who can reside in the property is four or more. The residents usually share facilities like kitchens and bathrooms.

There are rules and regulations about rooming houses, including:

duties of the rooming house operator and resident
licencing requirements for rooming house operator and managers
maintaining the property to minimum standards
how many people in a room
rent receipts
house rules
eviction.

ANZSCO ID: 141999

Alternative names: The Manager, Rooming House Manager, Rooming House Operator, Halfway House Manager,

Specialisations: Backpackers Manager, Boarding House Manager, Casino Duty Manager, Guest House Manager, Hostel Manager, and Reception Centre Manager.

Knowledge, skills and attributes

A boarding house manager oversees staff and the day-to-day operations of a boarding house. A boarding house manager may sometimes manage guests as well. In a hospitality setting, they manage housekeeping responsibilities by either completing the tasks themselves or overseeing and guiding the household staff. In a resident setting, they may ensure the residents or long-term guests comply with safety or cleanliness measures and follow any established house rules.

A Boarding House Manager must reside at the Boarding House.

Extensive experience working with people with complex needs
Demonstrated high level case management skills, including case planning, case note documentation, case coordination and exit planning.
Experience negotiating and advocating with relevant government systems including housing, mental health, NDIS, AOD, Centrelink etc.
Qualifications and/or equivalent experience in the areas of social work, community services, psychology, mental health or other relevant fields.
Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills with excellent written and verbal communication.
Demonstrated knowledge of cultural safety and the impacts of systemic racism.
Exceptional time management skills and the ability to manage competing demands.
Commitment to working as part of a team and contribute to a positive workplace culture.
Intermediate computer skills and experience with Microsoft 365.
A current driver's license and safe driving record.

(Source: Engage Vic - Rooming Houses Standards)

Duties and Tasks

A boarding house manager has many responsibilities, although they may change depending on the type of boarding facility. Their common duties include:

Coordinating and managing staff responsible for providing accommodations and meals to guests
Scheduling tasks like cooking and serving meals, providing linens and cleaning rooms - including ensuring the Common Room is kept in a clean and tidy state by mopping and vacuuming each day
Attending to minor repairs of furnishings or buildings
Planning menus and ordering supplies
Resolving complaints about service, food or accommodations
Collecting payments from guests and paying bills for the house
Advertising vacancies and renting rooms to new guests
Participating in cleaning or cooking tasks
Enforcing House Rules
Taking out the bins
Preparing rooms for new residents

The Boarding House Manager must not discriminate against residents on grounds of their race, religious beliefs, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or age. The Boarding House Manager must treat residents in a respectful manner and must not under any circumstances, use physical violence other than in self-defence or defence of another person if required.

The Boarding House Manager must not use illegal drugs or engage in any illegal activity. The Boarding House Manager must not consume an excess of alcohol, such as to prevent them from meeting their responsibilities.

Rooming House

Larger Version

Education and training/entrance requirements

Employers often require candidates to have a bachelor's degree when seeking a boarding house manager position. Some common majors include hospitality management, psychology and social care. After completing a bachelor's degree, some candidates may also pursue a master's degree, although employers don't always require it.

Many positions for this role require prior experience. You may gain experience in hospitality roles, like hotels, where you manage housekeeping and administrative staff. You may also gain experience in other roles where you regularly complete supply orders, determine staff schedules or oversee the cooking and serving of meals. Boarding house managers often use a wide variety of skills, like time management, conflict resolution, written and verbal communication, budget management and interpersonal skills.

This role frequently requires certifications for handling and preparing food or performing CPR if necessary, although these requirements vary depending on the location. Check your state and local regulations for this role and ensure you complete the necessary certifications first. You may also pursue certifications that continue your education in the industry or show your experience in a role. These certifications are typically voluntary, and you may complete them to help distinguish yourself when applying for the role.

A lodging / hostel manager plans, directs, or coordinates activities of an organisation that provides lodging and other accommodation. Future Growth Static Hostel managers are responsible for managing hostels, which provide budget-friendly accommodations for travellers, often with shared dormitory-style rooms. They oversee guest services, front desk operations, housekeeping, and social activities within the hostel. Hostel managers create a communal and friendly atmosphere for guests, encouraging social interaction among travellers.

ANZSCO ID: 141999

Alternative names: Hostel Manager, Lodging Manager,

Specialisations:

Youth Hostel
Supported housing
Specially adapted accommodation
University college

Student Accommodation
(Source: RoomingKos)

Knowledge, skills and attributes

To become a lodging/hostel manager, you would need:

strong communication and listening skills
an ability to relate to people of all types
respect for people's privacy and lifestyle choices
a well organised approach to work
the ability to work autonomously
an awareness of clients’ needs, and services you can call on.

Hostel Accommodation
(Source: GoGaffl)

Duties and Tasks

As a lodging / hostel manager, you would typically:

allocate and manage accommodation
control rent payments and arrears
oversee property maintenance and arrange for repairs to be carried out
supervise catering, cleaning and maintenance staff
look after the welfare of residents
ensure the property complies with all health and safety regulations
work with outside agencies, carers and parents
make sure there is effective security, including safekeeping of keys
manage community spaces and facilities
deal with any problems with the buildings or tenants.

Your work will vary with the type of property and the needs of the people living there.

In supported housing, or specially adapted accommodation, residents may include homeless people, older people or those with some level of mental or physical disability. In these settings your work will include checking on residents and encouraging them to live independently. You might also arrange leisure activities and special events.

In a youth hostel setting, you would provide information on local activities and tourist attractions.

In a university college, you would be responsible for ensuring standards of behaviour, and may also be involved with the marketing of student accommodation.

Lodging managers frequently spend time at the front desk or reception area of the lodging establishment. This is where they interact with guests, handle check-ins and check-outs, address guest inquiries or concerns, and ensure smooth guest experiences. The front desk serves as a central point of contact and information dissemination, and lodging managers are often present there to oversee operations and provide guidance to front desk staff.

Lodging managers also move throughout the common areas and facilities of the establishment. They observe the overall ambiance, cleanliness, and service quality in spaces such as lobbies, restaurants, bars, fitness centers, or conference rooms. By actively engaging with guests and staff members in these areas, lodging managers can assess guest satisfaction, address any issues that arise, and ensure that all areas are functioning as expected.

Furthermore, lodging managers spend time in back-of-house areas, including spaces like the housekeeping office, maintenance workshop, or staff break rooms. These areas serve as meeting points for lodging managers to coordinate with various departments, conduct briefings or training sessions, and engage with department heads or staff members to ensure smooth operations and efficient communication.

Depending on the specific role and organization, lodging managers may also have opportunities for off-site meetings, training sessions, or industry conferences. These events provide avenues for professional development, networking, and staying updated with industry trends and best practices.

Working conditions

You’ll normally work full-time, Monday to Friday. Some jobs may involve working weekends or providing a 24-hour on-call service. Part-time or flexible work is often available.

You may need to travel between sites or live on site. You may need a drivers' licence and use of a car.

Tools and technologies

Be able to use a suite of technologies including Excel, Word and email to have information at hand for people wishing to stay at the lodgings.

Education and training/entrance requirements

You can work as a lodging / hostel manager without formal qualifications. Skills are usually learnt on the job through experience in the hospitality industry. Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have hospitality management qualifications or relevant experience.

Entry to diploma and degree courses in hospitality usually requires senior secondary school certificate or equivalent.

Employment Opportunities

Employment of lodging managers is projected to show little or no change.

While there is an increased need for supported housing or specially adapted accommodation, money for these types of accommodation or accommodation projects is often reliant on funding from governments or community bodies. The amount of available funding will limit the opportunities for managers to run such facilities.

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