Restaurant Manager
Job Description:Restaurant managers organise the day-to-day running of their venue and make sure customers are happy with the food and service they receive.
Job Category:What you will do:
You’ll work in an independent restaurant or restaurants that are part of a chain, hotel or fast food outlet.
Your day-to-day duties may include:
- planning menus
- organising shifts and rotas
- managing stock control and budgets
- working with food and drink suppliers
- running the business in line with licensing, food hygiene, and health and safety rules
- recruiting staff and organising training
Skills:
You’ll need:
- business management skills
- knowledge of food production methods
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- customer service skills
- leadership skills
- organisational skills
- the ability to motivate and manage staff
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
Entry Requirements:
To become a Restaurant Manager, you don’t need specific subjects, but a good general education and certain skills can be helpful for the role. Restaurant Managers are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a restaurant, including staff management, customer service, and financial aspects. Here are some subjects and skills that can be advantageous:
- English: Strong communication skills are essential in managing staff and interacting with customers. Good written and verbal communication skills will help you excel in this role.
- Mathematics: Basic math skills are important for handling finances, managing budgets, and ensuring the restaurant runs efficiently.
- Business Studies: If your school offers business studies, taking this subject can provide you with a foundational understanding of business concepts, which can be very relevant for managing a restaurant.
- Hospitality and Catering: Some schools offer vocational courses related to hospitality and catering, which can provide insights into the industry and its practices.
- Foreign Languages: Depending on the location of the restaurant and its clientele, knowledge of foreign languages can be a significant advantage, especially if the restaurant caters to international tourists.
Post School
In the UK, GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths, and a qualification in hospitality, could be helpful.
Large restaurants and fast food chains have management trainee schemes. For these, you’ll usually need a foundation degree or degree and relevant experience.
You could start as a trainee manager and work your way up.
You could also get into this job through an apprenticeship.
Working Hours and Environment:
Your working hours could include evenings, weekends and public holidays. You may work shifts and split shifts (working mornings and evenings, with time off in the afternoon).
You may work overtime at certain times of the year, like Christmas or Easter.
You’ll usually work indoors, splitting your time between the front of the restaurant and the kitchen. You may travel to meetings or to provide cover for other restaurants in the same company.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience, you could become a regional manager or hotel manager.
You could also set up your own restaurant.