The Top 7 Hospitality Recruiters to Help You Find the Perfect Job in 2025
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The hospitality industry has rebounded in a big way in recent years. According to the Hospitality Global Market Report, the hospitality market size is projected to increase to $6189.59 billion in 2028, and that means companies are once again hiring for growth.
Just because those hospitality opportunities exist doesn’t always mean they’re easy to find. An experienced recruiter can help job seekers navigate this landscape and get access to the positions that will advance their careers, and the seven on this list all fit that bill.
Benefits of Working with a Hospitality Recruiter
In hospitality, as in many industries, who you know can sometimes feel as important as what you know when it comes to finding a great job. Hospitality recruiters have extensive industry contacts. They already have a relationship with human resources managers at many employers and are plugged into professional networks you may not have access to, helping you connect with the right people and achieve success in your job search. These contacts can sometimes mean they get advance knowledge of openings before they make it to public job boards, opening up opportunities you would have had no way of finding otherwise.
A hospitality recruiter’s knowledge is helpful in other ways, too. Their past experience placing candidates within companies gives them extra insight into their hiring process and company culture that may not be available otherwise. Because they’re experts on making successful placements, they can help candidates identify positions that match their skills, experience, lifestyle, and personality. Their deep understanding of what companies look for in new hires makes them valuable guides during the application process and interviews, improving an applicant’s odds of being hired.
Working with a recruiter could also help you earn more. Salary negotiation isn’t a skill most job seekers have but it’s something recruiters do frequently, and that expertise can ensure you’re getting your full value from an employment contract. You also won’t need to pay up front for these services. Most hospitality recruiters work on a contingency basis, which means they don’t get paid unless you’re hired–a bit of extra motivation to guide your search to a successful completion.
Who Are the Top 7 Hospitality Recruiters?
Hospitality recruiters often specialize in a specific type of role or hierarchy level, such as hotel staff, restaurant leadership, or executive searches. The firms below represent a range of specializations and niches within the broader hospitality and leisure sector. Whatever your area of expertise, one of them will likely be able to connect you with the right role to advance your career.
1. Bristol Associates
A boutique executive search firm founded in 1967, Bristol Associates has proven expertise spanning more than five decades. As a third-generation family-owned business, they take a people-first approach to recruitment, focusing on building relationships with both job seekers and employers to connect the top hospitality talent from across the nation with the companies that rely on their skills. Their mission is to skillfully pair leading companies with the right talent by providing the most dedicated, honest, and friendliest service conceivable.
Bristol has experience recruiting candidates for a variety of verticals and sectors in the hospitality industry and they partner with corporations and properties of all sizes. This includes hotels and resorts, casino gaming, restaurants, travel and tourism, theme parks and attractions, entertainment venues, and sports stadiums. As an executive recruiting firm, they are primarily focused on placing candidates in senior leadership roles ranging from Director-level to C-Suite positions. Examples of the types of roles they recruit for include President, Hotel General Manager, Vice President of Finance, and Executive Chef. Geographically, Bristol is based in the United States and has an excellent track record with filling positions across the country.
2. Solomon Page
Headquartered in New York, Solomon Page strives to create an empathetic and open environment for both candidates and clients. With a focus on building long-term relationships and out-of-the-box thinking, they stay on top of market shifts and are well positioned to solve a range of challenges in hotel management recruitment and similar areas within the hospitality sector.
Their span of experience covers job functions such as accounting & finance, legal services, and technology. Examples of positions they help recruit in the hospitality industry include Housekeeping Supervisor, Concierge Assistant, Banquet Manager, Marketing Assistant, Reservationist, and Server. Solomon Page uses careful analysis to make successful placements while striving for excellence each time. This benefits candidates and clients by allowing for the recruitment process to run smoothly for all.
3. Hospitality Pro Search
Hospitality Pro Search is a hospitality headhunter with three offices across Texas. They specialize in the hospitality industry at all management levels for country clubs, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Departments that they recruit for include accounting, construction, multi-unit positions, and more.
With inside knowledge of the industry, their recruiters bring their vast knowledge to their fields to provide an unforgettable experience for candidates and clients. Their experienced team is determined to get you a long-lasting, high-quality placement while working with you each step of the way. Additionally, Hospitality Pro Search stays in contact with each client beyond the placement to make sure both ends are satisfied. Ultimately, their goal is to leave a lasting impact for clients and candidates and to make the best experience possible.
4. Schrier Wirth Executive Search
Schrier Wirth are specialists in recruiting executives for hospitality and real estate organizations. Their team has more than 50 years of combined experience in hotel operations, giving them the in-depth industry expertise to understand their customers’ needs, on both the company and the candidate side of the equation. As a boutique search firm, they pride themselves on their responsiveness and ability to quickly answer questions and provide feedback throughout the recruiting process.
As a hotel recruiter, Schrier Wirth has represented some of the most successful hotel owners and management companies in the United States. Since their founding in 1996, they have made successful placements in organizations ranging from hotels, resorts, and restaurants to conference centers, country clubs, and assisted living communities. They are also owned and managed entirely by women, making them a particularly great fit for female professionals in the hospitality space.
5. KGillAssociates
Based in Sarasota, Florida, KGillAssociates is a retained executive search firm for the global hospitality and leisure industry, with affiliations with top firms in these markets across Europe and the Americas. This lets them strike the ideal balance, with the personalized attention of a boutique firm and the network and resources of an international organization. They focus solely on retained search, allowing them to dedicate their full resources to each client and establish long-lasting client and candidate relationships.
The client list of KGillAssociates includes household names like AAA, Starwood Hotels, and Celebrity Cruises. They have strategic partnerships with Cayuga Hospitality Consultants and Global Recruiters, one way they’re able to access phenomenal international talent so quickly for their clients. Their primary focus is on hospitality leadership and management recruiting. Common job titles for the positions they fill range from Managing Directors and HR Directors to VPs of Marketing, Sales, or Guest Satisfaction, all the way up through c-level positions like COO and CEO.
6. Hospitality Staffing Search
Hospitality Staffing Search is a leading recruiter of executive talent across the hospitality and leisure industry. Values like loyalty and confidentiality are at the heart of their promise to strive for excellence, placing qualified candidates who will make a long-term impact at companies that align to their passion and vision. While they’re focused on hospitality organizations, they recruit for all positions within that niche, including housekeeping, food & beverage, IT, HR, legal, sales & marketing, finance, and operations professionals.
Hospitality Staffing Search is a particularly great choice for hotels and the candidates who work for them. Their client list includes influential global brands such as Hilton, Hyatt, Radisson, and Choice Hotels. They back up their promise of excellence with a guarantee for each hire they help companies make, whether it’s an on-site leader like a General Manager or a head office position like Chief Development Officer or Vice President of Operations.
7. Coughlin & Associates
While many recruiters fill a range of hospitality positions, Coughlin & Associates has a tighter focus, providing nationwide executive recruitment for the food industry. This niche specialization gives them in-depth knowledge of what a food industry business needs from its employees, and is one reason they have the ability to deliver results when others can’t.
Like other firms on this list, Coughlin & Associates is mostly focused on management and senior-level positions, including those at the executive level of an organization, which they recruit via either contingent or retained search. Their client list includes companies in food wholesale and manufacturing, along with restaurants and retail establishments. For candidates, their hands-on approach is their main appeal. They provide consultancy and career tips in addition to their placement services, and follow-up with candidates after placements to ensure a smooth transition for both them and the company.
Choosing the Right Firm for Your Needs
Recruiting is all about relationships. The best recruiter is one you feel comfortable working with and trust to have your career and interests at the forefront of their mind when they're selecting opportunities for you. Before you decide on a recruiter, schedule a call or meeting to chat with them about your resume, your goals, and the types of positions you're looking for. This will give you a sense of whether they're someone you want to work with and, if they are, get your search started on the right path.
Frequently Asked Questions
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion _builder_version="4.27.2" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_accordion_item title="Why should I use a hospitality recruiter for my job search?" open="on" _builder_version="4.27.2" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]
Using a hospitality recruiter for your job search can help you learn about relevant opportunities within the industry. With their extensive knowledge in the hospitality job market, recruiters are a valuable resource to help you through their client’s (the employer’s) hiring process. Recruiters are the bridge between you and hiring authorities, and they want to ensure that both parties come to a mutually beneficial agreement.
[/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title="In what sectors do hospitality recruiters specialize in?" _builder_version="4.27.2" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}" open="off"]Hospitality recruiters specialize in a wide range of sectors, including casino gaming, hotels, entertainment & recreation, food & beverage, nightclubs, restaurants, resorts, travel & transportation, theme parks, and tourism.
[/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title="What is the difference between a recruiting firm and a staffing agency?" _builder_version="4.27.2" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}" open="off"]A recruiting firm is focused on filling full-time, permanent positions for client companies. Their goal is to find talent that would be a long-term cultural fit for organizations. On the other hand, a staffing agency typically works on filling temporary or contract employment opportunities. A staffing agency is ideal for job seekers who prefer more flexibility.
[/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title="Why do hospitality organizations enlist a third-party recruiter to fill their job openings?" _builder_version="4.27.2" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}" open="off"]Third-party recruiters are enlisted by companies that need further assistance with filling their job openings. While common reasons include their in-house team not having the time or resources to find qualified candidates, organizations also find it helpful that recruiters have specialized knowledge to help source the most ideal candidates for the job opportunity. Additionally, recruiters have an extensive network of both active and passive candidates that specialize in certain industries and fields. Recruiters are trained to provide the best people for their clients, but it is ultimately up to the hiring company to decide who they want to hire.
[/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title="Do candidates have to pay to work with a hospitality recruiting firm?" _builder_version="4.27.2" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}" open="off"]No. Job seekers do not need to pay anything when engaging with a hospitality recruiting firm. It is free of charge for candidates to submit their resume and participate in the recruitment/hiring process because recruiters are paid by their clients (the hiring companies) to fill their vacant job openings, not the other way around.
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The hospitality industry has rebounded in a big way in recent years. According to the Hospitality Global Market Report, the hospitality market size is projected to increase to $6189.59 billion in 2028, and that means companies are once again hiring for growth.
Just because those hospitality opportunities exist doesn’t always mean they’re easy to find. An experienced recruiter can help job seekers navigate this landscape and get access to the positions that will advance their careers, and the seven on this list all fit that bill.
Benefits of Working with a Hospitality Recruiter
In hospitality, as in many industries, who you know can sometimes feel as important as what you know when it comes to finding a great job. Hospitality recruiters have extensive industry contacts. They already have a relationship with human resources managers at many employers and are plugged into professional networks you may not have access to, helping you connect with the right people and achieve success in your job search. These contacts can sometimes mean they get advance knowledge of openings before they make it to public job boards, opening up opportunities you would have had no way of finding otherwise.
A hospitality recruiter’s knowledge is helpful in other ways, too. Their past experience placing candidates within companies gives them extra insight into their hiring process and company culture that may not be available otherwise. Because they’re experts on making successful placements, they can help candidates identify positions that match their skills, experience, lifestyle, and personality. Their deep understanding of what companies look for in new hires makes them valuable guides during the application process and interviews, improving an applicant’s odds of being hired.
Working with a recruiter could also help you earn more. Salary negotiation isn’t a skill most job seekers have but it’s something recruiters do frequently, and that expertise can ensure you’re getting your full value from an employment contract. You also won’t need to pay up front for these services. Most hospitality recruiters work on a contingency basis, which means they don’t get paid unless you’re hired–a bit of extra motivation to guide your search to a successful completion.
Who Are the Top 7 Hospitality Recruiters?
Hospitality recruiters often specialize in a specific type of role or hierarchy level, such as hotel staff, restaurant leadership, or executive searches. The firms below represent a range of specializations and niches within the broader hospitality and leisure sector. Whatever your area of expertise, one of them will likely be able to connect you with the right role to advance your career.
1. Bristol Associates
A boutique executive search firm founded in 1967, Bristol Associates has proven expertise spanning more than five decades. As a third-generation family-owned business, they take a people-first approach to recruitment, focusing on building relationships with both job seekers and employers to connect the top hospitality talent from across the nation with the companies that rely on their skills. Their mission is to skillfully pair leading companies with the right talent by providing the most dedicated, honest, and friendliest service conceivable.
Bristol has experience recruiting candidates for a variety of verticals and sectors in the hospitality industry and they partner with corporations and properties of all sizes. This includes hotels and resorts, casino gaming, restaurants, travel and tourism, theme parks and attractions, entertainment venues, and sports stadiums. As an executive recruiting firm, they are primarily focused on placing candidates in senior leadership roles ranging from Director-level to C-Suite positions. Examples of the types of roles they recruit for include President, Hotel General Manager, Vice President of Finance, and Executive Chef. Geographically, Bristol is based in the United States and has an excellent track record with filling positions across the country.
2. Solomon Page
Headquartered in New York, Solomon Page strives to create an empathetic and open environment for both candidates and clients. With a focus on building long-term relationships and out-of-the-box thinking, they stay on top of market shifts and are well positioned to solve a range of challenges in hotel management recruitment and similar areas within the hospitality sector.
Their span of experience covers job functions such as accounting & finance, legal services, and technology. Examples of positions they help recruit in the hospitality industry include Housekeeping Supervisor, Concierge Assistant, Banquet Manager, Marketing Assistant, Reservationist, and Server. Solomon Page uses careful analysis to make successful placements while striving for excellence each time. This benefits candidates and clients by allowing for the recruitment process to run smoothly for all.
3. Hospitality Pro Search
Hospitality Pro Search is a hospitality headhunter with three offices across Texas. They specialize in the hospitality industry at all management levels for country clubs, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Departments that they recruit for include accounting, construction, multi-unit positions, and more.
With inside knowledge of the industry, their recruiters bring their vast knowledge to their fields to provide an unforgettable experience for candidates and clients. Their experienced team is determined to get you a long-lasting, high-quality placement while working with you each step of the way. Additionally, Hospitality Pro Search stays in contact with each client beyond the placement to make sure both ends are satisfied. Ultimately, their goal is to leave a lasting impact for clients and candidates and to make the best experience possible.
4. Schrier Wirth Executive Search
Schrier Wirth are specialists in recruiting executives for hospitality and real estate organizations. Their team has more than 50 years of combined experience in hotel operations, giving them the in-depth industry expertise to understand their customers’ needs, on both the company and the candidate side of the equation. As a boutique search firm, they pride themselves on their responsiveness and ability to quickly answer questions and provide feedback throughout the recruiting process.
As a hotel recruiter, Schrier Wirth has represented some of the most successful hotel owners and management companies in the United States. Since their founding in 1996, they have made successful placements in organizations ranging from hotels, resorts, and restaurants to conference centers, country clubs, and assisted living communities. They are also owned and managed entirely by women, making them a particularly great fit for female professionals in the hospitality space.
5. KGillAssociates
Based in Sarasota, Florida, KGillAssociates is a retained executive search firm for the global hospitality and leisure industry, with affiliations with top firms in these markets across Europe and the Americas. This lets them strike the ideal balance, with the personalized attention of a boutique firm and the network and resources of an international organization. They focus solely on retained search, allowing them to dedicate their full resources to each client and establish long-lasting client and candidate relationships.
The client list of KGillAssociates includes household names like AAA, Starwood Hotels, and Celebrity Cruises. They have strategic partnerships with Cayuga Hospitality Consultants and Global Recruiters, one way they’re able to access phenomenal international talent so quickly for their clients. Their primary focus is on hospitality leadership and management recruiting. Common job titles for the positions they fill range from Managing Directors and HR Directors to VPs of Marketing, Sales, or Guest Satisfaction, all the way up through c-level positions like COO and CEO.
6. Hospitality Staffing Search
Hospitality Staffing Search is a leading recruiter of executive talent across the hospitality and leisure industry. Values like loyalty and confidentiality are at the heart of their promise to strive for excellence, placing qualified candidates who will make a long-term impact at companies that align to their passion and vision. While they’re focused on hospitality organizations, they recruit for all positions within that niche, including housekeeping, food & beverage, IT, HR, legal, sales & marketing, finance, and operations professionals.
Hospitality Staffing Search is a particularly great choice for hotels and the candidates who work for them. Their client list includes influential global brands such as Hilton, Hyatt, Radisson, and Choice Hotels. They back up their promise of excellence with a guarantee for each hire they help companies make, whether it’s an on-site leader like a General Manager or a head office position like Chief Development Officer or Vice President of Operations.
7. Coughlin & Associates
While many recruiters fill a range of hospitality positions, Coughlin & Associates has a tighter focus, providing nationwide executive recruitment for the food industry. This niche specialization gives them in-depth knowledge of what a food industry business needs from its employees, and is one reason they have the ability to deliver results when others can’t.
Like other firms on this list, Coughlin & Associates is mostly focused on management and senior-level positions, including those at the executive level of an organization, which they recruit via either contingent or retained search. Their client list includes companies in food wholesale and manufacturing, along with restaurants and retail establishments. For candidates, their hands-on approach is their main appeal. They provide consultancy and career tips in addition to their placement services, and follow-up with candidates after placements to ensure a smooth transition for both them and the company.
Choosing the Right Firm for Your Needs
Recruiting is all about relationships. The best recruiter is one you feel comfortable working with and trust to have your career and interests at the forefront of their mind when they’re selecting opportunities for you. Before you decide on a recruiter, schedule a call or meeting to chat with them about your resume, your goals, and the types of positions you’re looking for. This will give you a sense of whether they’re someone you want to work with and, if they are, get your search started on the right path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use a hospitality recruiter for my job search?
Using a hospitality recruiter for your job search can help you learn about relevant opportunities within the industry. With their extensive knowledge in the hospitality job market, recruiters are a valuable resource to help you through their client’s (the employer’s) hiring process. Recruiters are the bridge between you and hiring authorities, and they want to ensure that both parties come to a mutually beneficial agreement.
In what sectors do hospitality recruiters specialize in?
Hospitality recruiters specialize in a wide range of sectors, including casino gaming, hotels, entertainment & recreation, food & beverage, nightclubs, restaurants, resorts, travel & transportation, theme parks, and tourism.
What is the difference between a recruiting firm and a staffing agency?
A recruiting firm is focused on filling full-time, permanent positions for client companies. Their goal is to find talent that would be a long-term cultural fit for organizations. On the other hand, a staffing agency typically works on filling temporary or contract employment opportunities. A staffing agency is ideal for job seekers who prefer more flexibility.
Why do hospitality organizations enlist a third-party recruiter to fill their job openings?
Third-party recruiters are enlisted by companies that need further assistance with filling their job openings. While common reasons include their in-house team not having the time or resources to find qualified candidates, organizations also find it helpful that recruiters have specialized knowledge to help source the most ideal candidates for the job opportunity. Additionally, recruiters have an extensive network of both active and passive candidates that specialize in certain industries and fields. Recruiters are trained to provide the best people for their clients, but it is ultimately up to the hiring company to decide who they want to hire.
Do candidates have to pay to work with a hospitality recruiting firm?
No. Job seekers do not need to pay anything when engaging with a hospitality recruiting firm. It is free of charge for candidates to submit their resume and participate in the recruitment/hiring process because recruiters are paid by their clients (the hiring companies) to fill their vacant job openings, not the other way around.