Catering manager
Catering managers plan, organise and develop the food and beverage services of organisations and businesses, whilst meeting customer expectations, food and hygiene standards and financial targets.
The role varies according to the size and nature of the business. In a small establishment, the catering manager usually has a hands-on role and is involved in the day-to-day running of the operation. In larger organisations, however, the catering manager might have other managers and supervisors to handle the different catering functions.
Catering managers can work in-house for a variety of organisations, including hospitals, schools, factories and prisons, or can work for a contract catering company providing catering services to a range of clients.
Typical tasks include:
In more senior posts, principal tasks involve:
This occupation is open to all graduates and diplomates, but a degree/HND in the following subjects may increase your chances:
Entry without a degree or HND is possible, although relevant experience is essential.
A postgraduate qualification is not essential for entry to the profession, although some graduates with a non-related degree may choose to take a postgraduate qualification in hospitality management either before or after entry.
Relevant experience is vital, so it is worthwhile finding part-time or seasonal work in catering outlets such as pubs, restaurants and fast food chains whilst at university.
Candidates need to show evidence of the following:
Most entry-level positions are at supervisory or assistant manager level. Ideally, you should aim for a first post that offers good all-round experience and a programme of training. Graduate management training schemes are run by hotel chains, large restaurants, catering companies and fast-food chains. Application deadlines vary but you should start researching opportunities early in your final year of study.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Training varies depending on the sector and employer, so it is important to do your research when choosing where and for whom you want to work. Find out what prospective employers have to offer in the way of experience and training.
Graduates on one of the management training schemes offered by hotel chains, large restaurants, catering companies and fast-food chains usually gain experience in a wide range of areas, including financial management, customer care, sales and marketing and human resource management. During this time you are able to learn from experienced colleagues and managers. Gaining experience in a range of roles is important for future career development and opportunities.
It is important that catering managers keep up to date with relevant skills and training. The Institute of Hospitality offers its own programme of hospitality and tourism management qualifications which offer continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities to all managers and aspiring managers in the hospitality, leisure and tourism industries. Topics covered include business management, financial and business planning and professional development.
Graduates with a non-relevant degree may choose to take a postgraduate qualification in hospitality management. Those with management experience may go on to undertake an MBA specialising in hospitality management.
During the early stages of your career, it is quite likely that you will work in a number of different types of catering roles in order to gain a broad range of experience, perhaps doing a mixture of contract catering and in-house work. You will normally start by working in a supervisory role, then moving up to become assistant catering manager before progressing to the position of catering manager.
Promotion prospects are generally good for those with ability, strong interpersonal skills and a high level of motivation. It is quite common for people to gain roles of management responsibility quite early on in their careers.
Choosing to work for a well-established company can lead to a broader range of opportunities and greater support for training and development. Some of the larger hotels and catering organisations also operate overseas, so there are opportunities for foreign placements.
Experience catering managers may choose to set up their own contract catering business, supplying food to a range of organisations and businesses.
The role of catering manager offers the chance to gain highly transferable management skills and, in large organisations, it is possible to move into other functions, such as marketing, sales, human resource management, training and facilities management.
Typical employers include:
While many of these establishments organise their catering in-house and recruit their catering managers directly, an increasing number now take on contract caterers. As well as providing catering services to institutional and business clients, these companies also have contracts to cater for entertainment events, sports venues and the health/fitness and travel sectors.
Some catering managers set up their own restaurants or contract catering businesses, focusing on a specific geographical area or niche market.
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