While food managers perform many different tasks, food management jobs are all extremely similar. Food service managers are responsible for the day to day operations of a food establishment. Food managers must be able to juggle numerous jobs throughout an average workday. Essentially, a food manager must keep a restaurant, or other food-related outfit, running smoothly at all times.
Managers often oversee staff, purchase inventory, hire and fire employees, and train all new staff members. In addition, managers are required to keep an eye on the dining room area, speak with diners, and ensure that food is sent out in a timely manner. Commonly, managers must also handle payroll, scheduling, the tallying of a cash, and closing of a business at the end of the day.
Good food managers also keep abreast of the latest technology, news, and any food-related information. This knowledge is often applied to the daily running of a food business. It is safe to state that food managers must handle all aspects of a business at one point or another, and they are often the most important person inside of a business next to an actual owner.
There are generally two types of food management jobs, including a general manager and an assistant manager. Sometimes, the executive chef can also be considered part of the management team. Assistant managers are required to oversee any dining room or banquet area, while general managers are required to perform all of the tasks mentioned above. Executive chefs tend to handle the preparation of food, the ordering of certain food items, and the maintaining of kitchen staff.
On occasion, an assistant or general manager may help an executive chef to select menu items that are popular, and remove items that do not sell very well. This type of collaboration changes from business to business. Food management jobs are physically demanding, intellectually stimulating, and entirely rewarding.
Prospective managers should be able to communicate with ease, since these jobs often include a vast amount of communication. In addition, all candidates must have proper schooling or experience before applying for food management jobs. Almost all food managers obtain management positions by working within the food service field. Some managers have secondary education, though this is often the exception.
Most employers only give food management jobs to candidates that show certain personality traits. Reliable, intuitive, and analytical candidates frequently have the best chance of obtaining a food management position. In addition, candidates who can speak different languages are often in demand.