Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Room Service • Walk-in • BAR (Best Available Rate)

Channel Manager

Term from Hospitality industry explained for recruiters

A Channel Manager is a professional who oversees how hotel rooms are sold across different booking websites and platforms (like Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com). They make sure room rates and availability are up-to-date everywhere the hotel is listed, prevent double bookings, and work to maximize room revenue. Think of them as the person who conducts an orchestra, but instead of musicians, they coordinate different sales channels to ensure the hotel's rooms are sold at the best possible prices.

Examples in Resumes

Managed distribution of 200+ rooms across multiple platforms as Channel Manager

Increased hotel revenue by 25% through strategic Channel Manager initiatives

Implemented new Channel Management system resulting in 30% booking increase

Typical job title: "Channel Managers"

Also try searching for:

Distribution Manager Revenue Manager E-commerce Manager Online Distribution Coordinator Booking Channel Specialist Hotel Distribution Manager

Where to Find Channel Managers

Professional Associations

Online Communities

Job Boards

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you develop a strategy to improve revenue across different booking channels?

Expected Answer: A strong answer should include experience with analyzing channel performance, understanding peak vs. off-peak pricing, managing relationships with OTAs (Online Travel Agencies), and implementing dynamic pricing strategies based on market demands and competition.

Q: Tell me about a time you handled a major distribution crisis.

Expected Answer: Looking for examples of problem-solving during system outages, overbooking situations, or rate parity issues across channels, showing leadership and quick decision-making abilities.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you maintain rate parity across different booking channels?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of maintaining consistent pricing across platforms, monitoring competitors, and adjusting rates based on market conditions while following OTA agreements.

Q: What metrics do you use to measure channel performance?

Expected Answer: Should mention tracking booking volume, revenue per channel, commission costs, conversion rates, and understanding which channels bring the most valuable guests.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the main booking channels hotels typically use?

Expected Answer: Should be able to list major OTAs (like Expedia, Booking.com), direct bookings, corporate bookings, and understand basic differences between channels.

Q: How do you update room availability across multiple channels?

Expected Answer: Should explain basic understanding of channel management software, inventory updating processes, and importance of avoiding overbookings.