FROM CHECK-IN TO CHECK-OUT: THE JOBS THAT KEEP HOTELS RUNNING

Keeping a hotel going 24/7 is like managing a small city. In 2025, Liverpool saw a record 2.1 million overnight hotel stays, each one a customer experience requiring a personal touch.

A team effort

What a hotel guest sees and experiences during a usual stay is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to hotel operations; behind the scenes, countless people work hard to create memorable stays. 

A hotel is often a major business that requires substantial cash flow to open its doors, so you could argue that marketing and finance are the most important teams for success. But equally, the housekeeping team could claim that crown. If the beds aren’t made, well, nobody can check in. 

This highlights that hospitality is a team effort and underscores the sheer variety of jobs in the sector. We’ve listed three key job areas below for you to explore if you’re curious about the prospect of working in hotels.

Reception & guest services

Creating great first impressions and a fantastic guest experience.

Examples of job roles:

1. A concierge helps guests experience a smooth stay at larger hotels. They make dinner reservations, hail taxis, and handle special requests, often working closely with reception and porters. In some hotels, they also act as door staff or security, depending on the hotel’s size and star rating. 
2. A receptionist greets guests upon arrival, remains calm under pressure, and listens carefully to guest queries. Their actions at check-in can make or break a guest experience.
3. A night manager or night auditor is the night owl who keeps things ticking over after the day staff clock off. A night auditor is an off-peak receptionist with the added responsibility of verifying charges, preparing customer bills, and producing reports for managers. Meanwhile, a night manager is likely to oversee a skeleton staff when most guests are asleep.

The best front-of-house staff add a personal touch. They’re charming, diplomatic, and willing to go the extra mile to make guests feel special. They remember returning guests and anticipate needs to take service to the next level.

Housekeeping department

Responsible for hotel cleanliness, room readiness, and hygiene, and generally making sure the hotel is always spic and span.

Examples of job roles:

1. Laundry staff in larger hotels sort, wash, dry, and repair linens. They become experts at removing stains, operating machinery, managing inventory, and following health and safety guidelines. Smaller hotels may incorporate laundry duties into other roles or outsource them. 
2. Room attendants often start early and finish by 3 pm. They change beds, restock toiletries and refreshments, clean rooms—including under the bed! Room attendants also report maintenance issues. 
3. Housekeeping supervisors create rotas, inspect cleaning work, manage supplies and suppliers, and ensure hygiene standards. Many supervisors start as room attendants in smaller hotels and later move into larger roles. 

A good eye for detail and genuine teamwork make for happy guests, and open doors for career growth in housekeeping. Housekeeping handles the little details, so it plays a leading role in creating lasting impressions. 

Office-based departments

There are many staff employed in office-based roles across departments, including:

1. Sales and marketing teams fill rooms by promoting the hotel and organising events. Independent hotels usually have dedicated marketing staff, while chains may centralise these roles. On-site venue staff use sales skills to attract bookings for events and weddings. 
2. Reservations and revenue management teams manage bookings, set prices, and forecast demand to maintain profitability. They work closely with sales and marketing to hit targets and keep the hotel afloat.
3. Human resources staff hire, onboard, and train employees, and they support payroll and maintain workplace culture. In smaller hotels, HR duties may be combined with another role. One day, they might interview a maintenance worker; the next, they might recruit 30 staff for a big event.

In addition to office staff, the hotel’s other teams include maintenance, security, and food and beverage. Working on any hotel team requires teamwork and strong communication.

An industry with excellent career prospects

At any given time, many different hotel jobs are advertised across the Liverpool City Region. Currently on offer is a hotel management graduate programme, a casual guest services assistant, a part-time breakfast chef and a head chef at a leading hotel.

If working in a people-focused industry that contributes to our region’s fantastic reputation worldwide, then a job in a hotel could be for you.