Hotels starting to head hunt middle management as well as top executives

Hotel companies are beginning to head hunt for vacancies at middle management level, as well as for top positions, in an effort to minimise the risk of hiring the wrong person, according to recruitment company HVS Executive Search.

Executive search specialists were traditionally used for senior board level positions, with other vacancies filled by internal recruiters or recruitment agencies.

"Hoteliers are now employing us to draw up a shortlist of candidates for less senior roles than they would have done before in areas such as operations, sales and marketing, finance and development," said Chris Mumford, managing director of the London office of HVS Executive Search.

"This growing demand is for a highly focused style of recruitment that relies on our knowledge of the market and our ability to lure talented individuals that would be a good fit for the organisation. Difficult market conditions have prompted hotel companies to invest more in recruitment for a higher success rate."

"The increasing cost of recruiting, training and replacing staff means that improving retention levels and attracting quality personnel at all levels has become paramount," added Mumford. "Hotel companies are now taking a long-term approach to mid-management recruitment, who are, after all, senior executives of the future."

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By Janet Harmer

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