May also be called: Banquet Directors; Restaurant Managers; Cafeteria Managers; Fast Food Service Managers; and Catering Managers
Food Service Managers run the show in restaurants or other food service establishments. They ensure that customers are satisfied with their dining experience, as well as handle the human resource and administrative functions of operating such establishments. Duties range from the creative—such as developing specialty dishes, to the routine—such as preparing government reports. The Manager’s duties vary depending upon the size and organization of the establishment. Ultimately, the Manager is held responsible for the profitability of the business. Specific duties the Manager may handle or delegate include: ordering, recording, and purchasing food, supplies, and equipment; inspecting the quality of deliveries; supervising food preparation; and enforcing health, safety, and sanitary laws. In addition, the Manager may help with duties performed by staff when the restaurant becomes extremely busy. Managers interview, hire, train, schedule, and motivate employees. They also conduct performance reviews, discipline, and fire employees along with face the challenge of retaining good employees. Managers may also maintain employee work records and prepare payroll. Managers assist chefs in planning menus in most full-service restaurants and large food service facilities. In limited-service eating places, Managers supervise routine food preparation, often mentoring inexperienced staff. In many dining establishments, Managers have one or more assistant Managers who perform delegated duties. In smaller restaurants, one person may work several positions. For example, the Food Service Manager may be the executive chef or the owner. Many restaurants use computers to track orders and inventory, monitor seating of guests, schedule employees, keep payroll and accounting records, and function as cash registers. Managers may tally receipts and balance them against the record of sales. They also ensure the day’s receipts are deposited at the bank or secured in a safe place. While franchises do not allow menu changes, full-service restaurants and institutional food service facilities expect Managers to change the menu options to meet specific needs or preferences of their customers. In the highly competitive field of hospitality, Managers also need to review menu options taking into account the past popularity, nutrition, cost, portion size, need for variety, and seasonality of various dishes.
Each task below is matched to a sample skill required to carry out the task.
Food Service Managers typically divide their time between the kitchen, dining room, and office. Managers commonly work 10-12 hours per day up to six days a week. Depending upon the normal business hours of the operation, a Manager may work regular hours during the week or work varying hours including evenings, weekends, or holidays. Managers often experience the pressure of coordinating a wide range of activities while maintaining services. The job can be hectic and stressful during peak dining hours while dealing with upset customers or uncooperative employees. In addition, Managers should be flexible enough to be able to fill in for absent workers on short notice. Food Service Managers also may experience the typical minor injuries of other restaurant workers such as muscle aches, cuts, or burns. They also might endure physical discomfort from moving tables or chairs to accommodate large parties. Union representation for Managers is not common in the food services and beverage industry.
The food service management position will appeal those with enterprising interests. Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects, leading people, and making decisions. An interest in working with food and attending to detail will be beneficial for this occupation. Good communication skills and flexibility are helpful to effectively lead employees in promoting a pleasant work environment.
Wages for Food Service Managers tend to be higher than the rest of the industry in larger or more upscale hotels, resorts, and special food services.
The median wage in 2021 for Food Service Managers in California was $59,305 annually, or $28.51 hourly. The median wage for Food Service Managers in San Benito and Santa Clara Counties was $76,103 annually, or $36.59 hourly. The median is the point at which half of the workers earn more and half earn less.
Vacation, sick leave, and medical insurance plans are part of the benefit package for almost all salaried Food Service Managers. Some employers pay partial dental, vision, life insurance, and retirement benefits. Employers may also provide merchandise discounts, stock options, and bonus opportunities. Managers who are self-employed must provide their own benefits.
What Do Local Employers Say About Benefits? Of the 17 employers in San Benito and Santa Clara Counties, almost all provide vacation and medical insurance, and many provide sick leave and dental insurance benefits to Food Service Managers who work full-time.
Of the 14 employers surveyed who responded in San Benito and Santa Clara Counties, who provides medical benefits, many reported that they pay half or more of the cost of medical insurance for full-time, and none reported that they pay half or more of the cost of medical insurance for part-time Food Service Managers.
Most new jobs will arise in full-service restaurants and limited-service eating places as the number of these establishments increase to meet the demands of a growing population. Manager jobs in special food services, such as food service contractors, are expected to increase as hotels, schools, healthcare facilities, and other businesses contract out their food service.
In California, the number of Food Service Managers is expected to grow much faster than average growth rate for all occupations. Jobs for Food Service Managers are expected to increase by 15.5 percent, or 10,700 jobs between 2018 and 2028.
In San Benito and Santa Clara Counties, the number of Food Service Managers is expected to grow much faster than average growth rate for all occupations. Jobs for Food Service Managers are expected to increase by 12.5 percent, or 370 jobs between 2018 and 2028.
A bachelor’s degree in restaurant and food service management provides strong preparation for a career in food service management. An associate’s degree is also a good training option when combined with related management experience in such fields as tourism, lodging, and food service. Employers often recruit those who have degrees in other fields if they have experience and a demonstrated interest and aptitude for food service management. Chef training in culinary institutes can provide a foundation for this field, but would require experience and additional training to advance to Food Service Manager.
Some type of food service experience is essential for Food Service Managers. In many chain operated facilities, manager trainees learn entry-level jobs to gain experience in all levels of restaurant or cafeteria operations. Many fast-food chains look for management candidates from their lower-paid workers who have three to four years of responsible work experience and good interpersonal skills.
Recommended high school courses include culinary arts, nutrition, economics, health, and accounting. Basic computer knowledge is an important foundation to learn the facilities’ various computer programs. Any restaurant work provides opportunity for hands-on experience and the chance to test interest in food service management. Students should work part time in restaurants or school cafeterias to prepare for this career. Some employers offer internship programs in which the students can gain experience and work credit toward a ProStart National Certificate of Achievement through the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.
Most restaurant chains and food service management companies have rigorous training programs typically lasting six months to a year for management positions. The programs combine classroom and on-the-job training in all aspects of operating the facility. Some training topics include food preparation, nutrition, sanitation, security, company policies and procedures, personnel management, recordkeeping, use of the company’s computer system, and preparation of reports. Courses are available through Regional Occupation Programs (ROP) to give the basic foundation for a career in food service management. Trade or vocational schools, hotel or restaurant associations, and the military are sources of training and experience in food service work. To find an ROP program near you, go to the California Association of Regional Occupational Centers and Programs Web site at www.carocp.org/carocps.html.
While food safety certification (ServSafe) is not State mandated for Food Service Managers, it is highly desirable. California requires the owner or at least one person employed by each food service establishment be certified in food safety; however, local county and city codes may impose more stringent requirements for food safety certification. The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation provides renewable certification in food safety for passing a nationally recognized exam. In addition, this association provides Foodservice Management Professional credentialing that employers increasingly prefer in their candidates. The International Food Service Executive Association is another organization among others that provides voluntary certification for Food Managers. Food Service Managers may also obtain a voluntary certification in Responsible Alcohol Service. The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation provides this certification. For more information, go to the U.S. Department of Labor's Career InfoNet Web site at www.acinet.org and scroll down to "Career Tools." Click on "Certification Finder" at www.acinet.org/certifications_new/default.aspx and follow the instructions to locate certification programs.
There are two ways to search for training information at www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/resources/training-and-apprenticeships.html
Contact the schools you are interested in to learn about the classes available, tuition and fees, and any prerequisite course work.
Food Service Managers not only work in restaurants and fast-food franchises but in less visible establishments like catering businesses. They also work for special food services such as food service contractors who supply food for institutions, government, commercial, or industrial locations. A smaller number work in amusement, gambling, nursing care facilities, and hospitals. Other possible locations include child care centers, children’s homes, and senior residence/apartment complexes. The largest industries that employ this occupation are as follows:
The Employment Development Department surveyed 17 employers in San Benito and Santa Clara Counties which employ 51 Food Service Managers. Here's what they had to say: About Full-Time/Part-Time: All of these firms employ full-time and few employ part-time Food Service Managers.
About Work Experience: Of the 17 employers surveyed in San Benito and Santa Clara Counties, almost all require new hires to have prior work experience as Food Service Managers. In the table below, percentages may not add to 100% since employers may select more than one time period.
About Recruitment: Of the 17 employers surveyed in San Benito and Santa Clara Counties, almost all indicate it is moderately difficult to find applicants with experience who meet their minimum hiring requirements, while many indicate it is easy to find applicants without previous experience who meet their minimum hiring requirements to fill vacancies for Food Service Managers.
About Hiring: Of the 17 employers surveyed in San Benito and Santa Clara Counties, most expect the number of Food Service Managers they employ to remain stable during the coming year.
About Vacancies: Of the 17 employers surveyed in San Benito and Santa Clara Counties, 29 percent hired Food Service Managers during the past year. Of the hiring firms, 100 percent filled existing vacancies, none filled newly created positions, and none filled temporary assignments.
Direct application to employers remains one of the most effective job search methods. Newspapers, online classified ads, professional journals, and trade publications advertise job opportunities as well. College career placement centers provide other contacts for work. Online job opening systems include JobCentral at www.jobcentral.com and CalJOBSSM at www.caljobs.ca.gov.To find your nearest One-Stop Career Center, go to Service Locator. View the helpful job search tips for more resources. (requires Adobe Reader).
You can focus your local job search by checking employers listed online or in your local telephone directory. Below are some suggested headings where you might find employers of Food Service Managers.
To locate a list of employers in your area, use "Find Employers" on the LaborMarketInfo Web site at http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/aspdotnet/databrowsing/empMain.aspx?menuChoice=emp
A willingness to relocate often is essential for advancement to positions with greater responsibility. In chain operations, Food Service Managers may advance into larger establishments, regional management positions, or administrative jobs such as human resources managers. A Manager may progress from human resources to operations such as a hotel or resort manager. Some eventually open their own food service establishments.
Below is a list of occupations related to Food Service Managers.
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Printed on Saturday, June 25, 2022