It is one of the fastest growing industries in the world, it presents a dream job for many and it can be home to some of the most lucrative careers in today’s market place – but working in resort and spa management isn’t as easy as you might think.
A new resort or a new spa is a large, complex project. Many organizations have to be involved in the planning stages of a new resort – from architectural and design companies through to construction firms. It has been estimated that it can take up to five years for a new resort or spa to reach completion; this involves plenty of hard work as well as some very late nights!
When the resort is up and running, it will continue to require plenty of attention – you’ll need to ensure that there are enough staff on hand, from bartenders through to cleaners. You’ll also need to oversee the maintenance of your venue; this means ensuring that everything from changing light bulbs through to mowing lawns is done at the right times of the day.
Resorts and spas also have a duty to provide their customers with high quality food and drink, so you’ll need to ensure that all of your staff know how to prepare everything from gourmet meals through to mouthwatering cocktails.
However, with all of the hard work that goes into being a SPA manager, it is one of the most rewarding careers in hospitality. You’ll meet hundreds of new people each year and you’ll be able to travel across the globe – what could possibly be better?
While many people think they have what it takes to become a SPA manager, very few realize what the job involves. If you’re serious about a career in SPA management, it’s worth checking out some of these requirements:
A good SPA manager needs to have strong communication skills, so make sure your verbal and written English is up to scratch before applying for a management position. You’ll need to be able to talk to key SPA employees and clients – both in person and over the phone. As well as having good written English, you’ll also need excellent numeracy skills – you will need to be able to understand figures such as profit margins and joint costs.
The SPA management industry is changing; it’s becoming more technologically advanced and SPA managers need to make sure they’re educated on new SPA software. Many SPA outlets are also now setting up websites – you’ll need to be able to understand how this technology works and what it will mean for your management job.
A SPA manager should have excellent people skills; being great at delegating is a vital SPA management skill. SPA managers need to make sure that all SPA employees have plenty of work from the minute they start with the SPA until the minute they leave, as well as making sure that SPA guests are well taken care of.
A SPA manager needs to be a team player – if things go wrong at one SPA store, it can have a knock-on effect at SPA outlets in other areas. SPA managers need to be able to work as part of a team and make sure that all SPA employees are working together. SPA management is ultimately about delivering the best possible SPA experience.
SPA management is a profession that deals with SPA managements in hotels. There are SPA managers who deal exclusively with SPA, SPA management and SPA marketing thus they are very professional SPA managers.
SPA manager normally works on the sales and SPA promotions of SPA products such as massage oils and natural cosmetics for body and faces. SPA marketing is normally done together with SPA advertising. SPA managers are SPA specialists and SPA resellers. SPA managers must be well versed in SPA products and be able to recommend them to customers based on their needs and abilities.
The responsibilities of a SPA manager include planning, organizing, leading and SPA supervising SPA employees and SPA sales staff. SPA managers must lead by example for SPA motivation of SPA staff. A SPA manager must be able to perform multiple tasks at the same time, plan SPA activities, deal with SPA budgets and organize SPM meetings.
According to SalaryExpert.com, the salary for a SPA manager is dependent on their experience and location of work. The amount can be up to $10 per hour or over depending on if you are in a large city or not. SalaryExpert.com also states that it may be impossible to make under $70,000 per year. SalaryExpert.com also states that a SPA manager’s salary will vary depending on the region or the country they are employed in. The highest pay is around Washington DC with an average annual pay of $50,800 according to SalaryExpert.com and San Francisco, CA
The SPA and Resort Industry have been identified as a key growth industry in Malaysia since the year 2000. There are now almost 2,000 SPA resorts along with indoor and outdoor Spa treatment centers in Malaysia alone for an annual turnover of over RM 400 million. The industry is capable of generating employment for about 50,000 people directly or indirectly.
Since the year 2000, SPA has been identified as a key growth industry in Malaysia. But now according to the latest statistics available, there are only about 2000 SPA Resorts and Massage Centres in Malaysia with an annual turnover of over RM 400 million all targeted for export markets. The industry is capable of generating employment for almost 50,000 people directly or indirectly.
The SPA and Resort Industry is recognized as one of the key growth industries in Malaysia with its annual turnover approaching RM 400 million. At present, there are about 1600 operating SPA Resorts and Massage Centres throughout the country catering to over 2 million clients per year. It also provides employment to over 50,000 people directly and indirectly with another 10000 new jobs expected to be created in the next three years.
Statistics show that since 2000, only about 2000 Spa Resorts and Massage Centres have been established in Malaysia, with an annual turnover of more than RM 400 million. In order to contribute towards the national gross national income, the industry is capable of generating employment for about 50,000 people directly and indirectly.
The SPA and Resort Industry has been identified as a key growth industry in Malaysia since the year 2000. There are now almost 2,000 SPA resorts along with indoor and outdoor Spa treatment centers in Malaysia alone for an annual turnover of over RM 400 million. The industry is capable of generating employment for about 50,000 people directly or indirectly.
The growth potentials of this sector have attracted a large number of companies to set up in the SPA and Resort Industry in Malaysia. In fact, between 2000 and 2005, over 600 new companies were established to take advantage of the enormous growth potentials and strong demand in this sector.
There are a number of factors that have been playing major roles in determining why many companies choose to invest in SPA Resorts and Massage Centres; The government has been encouraging the development of this industry through various policies and incentives. Many states in Malaysia have also introduced SPA Resorts & Massage Centres as one of their main strategic areas for growth. As a result, there are now over 2 000 SPA Resort & Massage Centres in Malaysia which can provide employment opportunities for about 50 000 individuals directly or indirectly.
In addition, the SPA Resorts & Massage Centres industry has provided excellent employment opportunities for women particularly those under 40 years of age. The government also provides support to this industry through financing schemes such as soft loans and capital grants from agencies like ECE and MDA as well as various incentives given by the states.
“How can I become a good spa manager?” is one of the most common questions asked to us in Spa-for-All. Well, here are some tips and guides to help you achieve that goal!
There is no such thing as a complete beginner when it comes to spas. There are three major parts of a spa: operations, administration, and management. Know which part you are interested in. Some people want to go straight to the management level, some would like to learn how it all works first before they take the first step into management (therefore going into operation first then becoming an administrator). For that reason, I will briefly talk about each part individually.
From reception to housekeeping, this branch allows spas to be able to operate smoothly while providing their services. It involves being knowledgeable in the following areas (and more!): human resources, customer service, administration, marketing/PR, wellness and beauty products and treatments. To get a better understanding of how it all works, you may want to start from the bottom and work your way up.
The administrative branch is crucial for a spa. Have good communication skills, keep track of records, handle money matters and organize events are just some of the roles an administrator should have. It involves being knowledgeable in the following areas (and more!): accounting, human resources, customer service, marketing/PR and business management.
This is the topmost position of a spa. It involves being knowledgeable in various areas discussed above plus more. A spa manager knows how to solve problems with people and situations efficiently. Salary range is RM 8,000 up to RM 15,000.
Spas are not just about massages or facials. You need to know more than this! First learn what a spa is in general (the definition of a spa). Secondly, you should learn how spas operate. There are different styles and types of spas. Don’t be limited to just one! I personally think that this is important because if you know what you are doing, you will not be easily fooled by people who claim they can make your spa successful.
Spas have their own set of rules. Learn them! From employment policies to incentives, you should know what they are and how they work before you officially take over the reins of your spa. Salary ranges depend on factors like the age of your employees, experience level and so on. It’s best to negotiate with staff directly if there are differences in pay scale (this is especially true for management personnel). Salary range is from RM 2000 up to 6,000
Spas are not limited to just Malaysia. There are spas all over the world! Learn about spas in your country of origin or where you plan to set up a spa. There will be differences and it is important to know what they are before you commit. Salary ranges depend on factors like the age of your employees, experience level and so on.
From books to brochures, from magazines to newsletters, the more you read about spas, the better! Read up on spa business models in your country at home or abroad. Prepare a checklist of things you should do before opening a spa in your region (including customers’ needs). Be creative.
This is one of the most important aspects. I cannot emphasize this enough! Attend seminars about spas and wellness, join associations related to your field, network with people directly or indirectly related to your line of work. As an owner/manager you have to know what’s going on in your industry. This way when customers ask you questions, you have an answer for them. If the question is something that needs to be researched, it gives you time to study and solve the problem.
I cannot emphasize this enough! This is very important. When I started in this industry 16 years ago, I had absolutely no idea how to run a spa. The training I had was limited and most of it was based on how the company ran its business. As time went by, I realized that there were things that needed to be improved (e.g., customer service, marketing strategy). My only option then was to learn from my mistakes and go back to basics. If you want to be successful in this field, you have to learn your shortcomings and work on them. You can do this by reading with an open mind or talking to customers directly and honestly.
Do not expect people who start as therapists to know how a spa is run. In fact, I believe that most of them do not care! Give them a job and they are happy. Most of the time, it is up to you as an owner/manager to train new hires. If you have already covered all these points (spa management basics), then you will be able to impart your knowledge on people who come in with no experience at all. This is more than just “training” new employees. This is passing on the torch to someone who can continue what you have started.
Having a good working environment is critical for a spa’s success! Make sure you get your staff involved in things such as creating different services or holding special events and workshops, as this will increase company morale.
The SPA Manager, also known as Salon Assistant Manager or Spa Services Manager is in charge of overseeing all services and amenities in the facility. The Spa Manager ensures that consumers are satisfied with the experience, property standards and staff management. The Spa Manager is responsible for:
Personal development, planning and overseeing of all spa services offered in the facility (i.e. manicure, pedicure, facials etc.). Ensuring the highest level of customer satisfaction through effective communication skills (i.e. greeting, welcoming and thanking clients). Management of staff/team (i.e. hiring, training and scheduling). Ensuring that all items on monthly or weekly schedule are completed according to company standards. Assure that the spa facility is in good working condition at all times. Participating in recruitment of new employees as well as management of benefits package.
