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Food Service Managers

Food Service Managers is the O*NET name for people who plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization or department that serves food and beverages. Its interest code is ECR. Enterprising leads at 6.0 out of 7, so expect leading, persuading and making business decisions, with Conventional next at 5.1. The preparation level is some preparation, typically a few months to a year of learning on the job. O*NET’s skill data points to speaking, monitoring, and management of personnel resources as the ones to build. The job can ask you to count money and make bank deposits. It tends to suit people who want leading, persuading and making business decisions, and it offers little for anyone seeking creative work with room for original expression.

What they do

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization or department that serves food and beverages.

Main tasks

  • Count money and make bank deposits.
  • Establish standards for personnel performance and customer service.
  • Keep records required by government agencies regarding sanitation or food subsidies.
  • Schedule staff hours and assign duties.
  • Investigate and resolve complaints regarding food quality, service, or accommodations.
  • Maintain food and equipment inventories, and keep inventory records.

Skills

  • Speaking
  • Monitoring
  • Management of Personnel Resources
  • Coordination
  • Active Listening
  • Service Orientation

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like taking the lead and making the call.
  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You want to start work after a short stretch of training.
  • You are comfortable relying on speaking and monitoring.

May not suit you if

  • You would rather not persuade, sell or manage other people.
  • You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 1.6 out of 7 here.
  • You want a career built on years of advanced study.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code ECR takes the three highest, and Enterprising comes first here.

Preparation

Some preparation. Most people start with a high school diploma, then learn from experienced coworkers over a few months to a year.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED). This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Banquet Manager
  • Catering Manager
  • CDM (Certified Dietary Manager)
  • Dining Service Director
  • F and B Manager (Food and Beverage Manager)

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.