In a restaurant, cafeteria, or other setting, a kitchen supervisor is in charge of organizing the kitchen’s duties and supervising the kitchen staff. He or she may also be expected to solve problems and assist in the kitchen as needed. A high school diploma or equivalent certification is required to work as a kitchen supervisor. In most cases, a formal education is not required to work as a kitchen supervisor, but you should have at least three years of experience in the kitchen instead.
Most employers prefer to hire kitchen supervisors with a high school diploma or higher. To advance to the position of kitchen supervisor, you should work on acquiring the necessary skills while still in high school. Some of the basic skills needed to be a successful kitchen supervisor can be learned through speech, math, and English classes. Other courses to consider include business management, computers, cooking, and accounting.
A kitchen supervisor’s responsibilities vary depending on the industry and location of employment. Supervising kitchen operations and staff to ensure that everything runs smoothly is often one of the main job responsibilities. Aside from overseeing the kitchen, the supervisor may be expected to plan the staff’s work schedule, hire new employees, and conduct employee evaluations. He or she may be in charge of ordering all food supplies and dealing with any issues that arise, such as incorrect food orders or poor customer service.
Kitchen supervisor jobs can be found in places like restaurants, hotels, and hospitals. Because these types of businesses are typically open 24 hours a day, your work schedule may change frequently, and you may be required to work various shifts. Each company may have its own set of requirements for becoming a kitchen supervisor. Before applying for a specific position, make sure you’ve done your homework and are familiar with the requirements.
There are several ways to advance in this field after you become a kitchen supervisor. Many people progress from kitchen supervisor to kitchen manager, regional manager, or even executive chef after gaining experience as a kitchen supervisor. Returning to school for an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in hospitality, culinary arts, or management may be beneficial if you want to advance in this field.