Catering manager

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree.

Useful subjects include:

• business and hospitality management
• culinary arts or culinary management
• hotel and catering management

Entry requirements:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

You could take professional catering qualifications at college then move into management. You could also do a qualification in hospitality management and find work as a trainee catering manager.

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could do a Hospitality Manager Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, if you've got experience in catering and have also worked as a supervisor.

You could also do a Hospitality Supervisor Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship and then progress to become a hospitality and catering manager.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Work

You could start as a kitchen assistant or trainee 'commis' chef and work your way up while learning on the job. You could apply for work with restaurants, bars or catering companies.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• leadership skills
• the ability to motivate and manage staff
• excellent verbal communication skills
• customer service skills
• business management skills
• knowledge of food production methods
• maths knowledge
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• the ability to work well with others
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to work well with your hands
• thinking and reasoning skills
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• a desire to help people
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

Catering managers run the food service of organisations including restaurants, bars, schools, colleges and outside suppliers.

As a catering manager, you may:

• recruit and train staff
• manage a team, and organise shifts and rotas
• plan finances, manage budgets and oversee stock control
• meet suppliers and negotiate contracts
• monitor the quality of the service to customers
• follow food hygiene and health and safety regulations
• cater for special diets and meet cultural and nutritional needs

Location : You could work at a restaurant, at a school, in an NHS or private hospital, in a hotel or at a conference centre.
Uniform : You may need to wear a uniform.

Salary:

Starter : £20,000
Experienced : £34,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 41 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

With experience you could:

• move into larger organisations or event catering
• study for further qualifications to move into other hospitality roles
• start your own contract catering business