Firstly,
from my perspective as a recruiter, overall salaries in US net
dollars has dropped, or at very best, remained stagnant.
The owners, many now large multi national property trust
companies registered on the stock exchange, have a
responsibility to the stock holder for positive returns above
the interest rates at least. The stock holder who, by the way
can be you or me or large superannuation funds are only
interested in the returns, especially as it directly related
to our retirement plans.
If the senior salaries and conditions can be reduced they will
be reduced with the employment of a local or single
candidates. In many cases it's the save a penny spend a pound
scenario. Buy cheap and usually get cheap. This will show
itself down the line in the end of year results. And who gets
the blame?
Where the hotel company or individual hotel owner is involved
it depends on the personality and focus of the owner. Some do
pay well and keep the standards, service and occupancies high.
Some are so bottom line focused they will let a hotel be run
down and blame the General Manager for the reduced occupancy
and negative guest comments. These groups or hotels have a
large turnover of GMs and Senior Managers and are best to
steer clear of.
These
approaches will bite you on the bum. It's happened before and
appears history is repeating itself.
Standardising and Dumbing Down Titles;
This is happening more and more. Due to pressure from the
Property/Corporation or Owners a way of cutting costs is
standardising menus and procedures across the board. All very
good for the short term, however, when a Manager ends up being
a key carrier, the smart ones quickly leave for greener
pastures and higher salaries where their experience is
respected.
Dumbing Down Titles? (Perception is reality)
F&B Services Manager compared to F& B Manager. Hotel Manager
compared to General Manager. In each instance there is quite a
few thousand dollars difference in titles. For the short term
this may work. In the long run the company will progressively
loose the talent and fill it with young eager beavers with
very little experience who have shot up the ranks too damn
quickly. The industry, to a certain extent is built on image.
A Director of F&B will always get first interview compared to
a F&B Services Managers. Title does mean a lot. But this is
true of all industries. Perception is reality!
Family Friendly?
As for Family friendly ex pat positions these definitely are
becoming more scarce due the high cost of the education
component. Hence the search for single only positions has
increased which leads to half of SE Asia being interior
decorated...NOT that there's anything wrong with
that....however balance would be the key. Male female,
married, family with children all makes this wonderful world
go round. Single means less salary.
More and more locals being well trained;
More and more locals are being very well trained and educated
through hospitality schools either in their own country or
overseas, so why would an owner or corporation pay US net
dollars when they access to very well trained local talent
where they can pay local salaries and conditions?
More and more of the younger ones have come through the ranks,
have been well trained and are taking the more senior
positions.
Supply and demand.
The supply of managers has increased, so in very desirable
locations the competition is great, therefore the salary
usually lower. Not so desirable locations the salary and
conditions are usually better.
Overall salaries and conditions have dropped. The days of the
well paid Ex Pat Manager are numbered
It's called economics.
Very Best Regards,
Stuart Mullins
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