Table of Contents

1. Reservation Specialist
2. Guest Service Representative
3. Sales Manager
4. Software Engineer
5. Systems Analyst
6. Human Resources Manager
7. Revenue Manager

Hospitality professionals who want to work from a home office or enjoy the lifestyle of a digital nomad have several possible roles to choose from. Of course, hospitality roles like housekeeping, maintenance, and serving have to be done on-site. But jobs that are usually performed sitting at a desk may offer more flexibility on where you work.

Reservation Specialist

A reservation specialist (or reservation agent) answers calls from guests and helps them book rooms. Because this work is conducted over the phone, some employers will allow you to work anywhere you have a reliable phone and internet access and a quiet, distraction-free environment. Of course, you’ll need to develop the same in-depth knowledge of room features and amenities as a representative who works on company property. And, you might need some prior experience with hospitality sales or guest services to be hired. 

Guest Service Representative

This is another position where you spend your day speaking to guests on the phone. You’ll answer questions, respond to requests, and handle disputes and complaints. You’ll likely need to have already mastered basic office software that’s used for communicating and keeping records of interactions. Employers may want to see previous guest service or customer service experience, especially since they won’t be able to literally stand at your side to guide you through tasks if you run into any difficulty.

Sales Manager

This role is often listed as a remote position because you’ll be based out of your home. But it typically involves a lot of travel and in-person meetings with prospects and customers, so be aware that you may not actually be at home much if you take this job. You’ll spend a lot of time talking to corporations, nonprofits, and industry groups that need to book events for their members. You’ll get to know their needs, answer their questions, and help them book packages. You may work to win customers for several properties in a particular region, and your compensation might be at least partially determined by how much business you bring in.

Software Engineer

This is a broad category, so the specific work you’ll do depends on which area you’re hired to focus on. You might be building or updating a hotel’s website, designing a reservations or rewards program app, or building a database to store guests’ information. You might be tasked with creating software to schedule employees’ shifts, or asked to beef up the company’s data security and patch vulnerabilities. You’ll likely need to collaborate with other engineers and stakeholders, but in a remote role, much of that discussion will happen via videoconferencing. 

Systems Analyst

A systems analyst is an IT role that involves monitoring software systems for problems and troubleshooting issues when they come up. You’ll provide technical support to other employees, and you may need to help roll out new software or update existing processes. In addition to technical knowledge, you’ll need strong written and oral communication skills so that you can provide clear explanations and give step-by-step instructions to anyone who needs help using the company’s computer systems. 

Human Resources Manager

A human resources manager may be involved in hiring new employees, managing benefits, handling complaints, and monitoring employee performance. A human resources manager also needs to be up-to-date on labor laws and able to ensure the company is complying with all relevant regulations. Although human resources positions are often fairly hands-on, there are sometimes remote opportunities, particularly for managers who will be working with staff from multiple properties. However, even a remote human resources role is likely to call for some days on-site to conduct training and oversee staff.

Revenue Manager

A revenue manager analyzes data on a company’s finances and makes recommendations on how to set prices. A revenue manager might also evaluate business plans and predict how changes in operations would affect revenue. For this role, you’ll need a solid understanding of math, business, and the hospitality industry, and you’ll need to be comfortable using spreadsheets and financial software to visualize trends in revenue. Previous experience in finance or accounting may be helpful when applying for this remote job because you’ll need to show that you can run analyses independently.