Channel Manager
A Channel Manager is a person who oversees how hotel rooms are sold through different booking websites and travel agencies. Think of them as the traffic controller for hotel bookings - they make sure rooms aren't overbooked and that prices are correct across sites like Booking.com, Expedia, and other travel websites. They help hotels maximize their room sales and revenue by managing relationships with these booking partners and keeping all room availability and rates up-to-date across different platforms.
Examples in Resumes
Increased hotel revenue by 35% through strategic management of Channel Manager distribution
Coordinated with 20+ online travel agencies as Channel Manager to optimize room bookings
Implemented new Channel Management system across 5 hotel properties
Typical job title: "Channel Managers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Channel Managers
Professional Networks
Industry Resources
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you develop a strategy to improve revenue across multiple distribution channels?
Expected Answer: A senior channel manager should discuss analyzing historical booking data, understanding peak seasons, implementing dynamic pricing, maintaining rate parity, and building strong relationships with key booking partners while considering the hotel's overall revenue goals.
Q: How do you handle a situation where your hotel is oversold due to a channel management error?
Expected Answer: Should explain their crisis management approach including immediate audit of all channels, communication with affected partners, guest relocation procedures, and implementing preventive measures for the future.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you decide which online travel agencies to partner with?
Expected Answer: Should discuss evaluating commission rates, target market match, booking volume potential, technical compatibility, and contract terms while considering the hotel's specific needs and market position.
Q: How do you maintain rate parity across different booking channels?
Expected Answer: Should explain monitoring tools and processes, understanding contract requirements, regular rate checks, and strategies for handling discrepancies when found.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the main online travel agencies (OTAs) in the hotel industry?
Expected Answer: Should be able to list major platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, and explain basic differences between them and their typical commission structures.
Q: How do you update room availability across multiple channels?
Expected Answer: Should explain basic channel manager software usage, importance of real-time updates, and process of maintaining accurate inventory across different booking platforms.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of online travel agencies
- Room inventory management
- Rate updates and monitoring
- Basic revenue management concepts
Mid (2-5 years)
- Channel performance analysis
- Rate strategy implementation
- Partner relationship management
- Problem-solving booking issues
Senior (5+ years)
- Revenue optimization strategies
- Market analysis and forecasting
- Team leadership
- Strategic partnership development
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of major online travel agencies
- Lack of experience with channel management software
- Poor understanding of rate parity
- No experience with revenue management principles
Related Terms
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