On a boat, in a hotel, or on an airplane, a chief steward is a hospitality professional who oversees the crew. The job description varies depending on the employer and the size of the facility for which the steward works. People with work experience in various hospitality positions are usually qualified for this position. A technical school degree in hospitality can also be beneficial, as it may allow a potential chief steward to advance to a senior position more quickly.
With the exception of the cooks, the chief steward oversees the staff associated with the pantry, storeroom, and kitchen. Dining rooms and room service are also handled chief stewards. Chief stewards are supervisors who hire, fire, and train employees. They also set and maintain service quality standards, as well as respond to customer complaints and requests. The chief steward is in charge of ensuring that guests have a good time and that staff treats them fairly and consistently.
Some chief stewards are in charge of supply ordering, inventory management, and other related responsibilities. They can also ensure that all work areas are clean and comply with the law and any relevant codes, such as the health department’s restaurant codes. The chief steward must be able to supervise large crews of people working in a variety of environments while also balancing incoming information from customers, suppliers, and vendors, which necessitates multitasking abilities.
The hospitality industry has a variety of management structures. The chief steward may be a senior member of the staff or may be under the supervision of another staff member or department, depending on the facility. People who work their way up the ranks in a single company have the opportunity to work in a variety of positions to gain a better understanding of the management structure and company values. Depending on how a company is structured, these individuals are sometimes more likely to be considered for promotion than outsiders.
In another sense, the term “chief steward” is used. On race tracks, the chief steward is in charge of ensuring that the track is safe to race on, making decisions on complaints about fouls and other misdeeds, and assisting in the judging of photo finishes. This position necessitates previous experience in the sport, as well as a level head and the ability to make critical decisions under duress, with potentially high stakes.