A restaurant manager oversees the daily operations of a restaurant, ensuring that customers receive excellent service and that the business runs smoothly. Responsibilities include managing staff, handling budgets, ordering supplies, maintaining health and safety standards, and dealing with customer feedback. Restaurant managers also play a key role in hiring and training employees, planning menus in collaboration with chefs, and implementing marketing strategies to attract more customers. The role requires strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills. It can be demanding, often requiring flexibility with working hours and the ability to handle stressful situations, but it is rewarding for those who enjoy working in a dynamic, customer-focused environment.
Restaurant managers in the UK typically earn between £22,000 and £40,000 per year, with experienced managers in high-end establishments earning up to £50,000.
There are over 50,000 restaurant managers employed in the UK, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Restaurant managers often work between 40 and 48 hours per week, with shifts that may include evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
Oversees the team greeting and serving customers, ensuring excellent customer service and smooth operations in the dining area.
Leads the kitchen team, manages menu planning, and ensures food quality and safety standards are met.
Organises and manages special events, private functions, and large group bookings within the restaurant.
Finish your GCSEs, focusing on subjects such as English and Maths, which are important for communication and numeracy in restaurant management.
Most employers require at least GCSEs for entry-level roles. Good grades in English will help you communicate well with customers and staff, while Maths is important for tasks such as handling cash and managing budgets. Consider taking hospitality-related subjects if available.
Study for a college diploma or apprenticeship in hospitality, catering, or a related field to gain practical knowledge and skills.
Relevant qualifications include Level 2 or 3 Diplomas in Hospitality, NVQs, or apprenticeships in hospitality supervision or team leading. These programmes provide hands-on experience and are highly valued by employers in the hospitality sector.
Start working in a restaurant in roles such as waiter, bar staff, or kitchen assistant to build practical experience.
Working in various roles within a restaurant will help you understand how different parts of the business operate. This experience is vital for developing customer service skills and learning about restaurant procedures. Many managers start their careers in entry-level positions.
Progress to supervisory positions to gain experience leading a team and handling customer issues.
As a supervisor or team leader, you will begin to manage small teams, address customer concerns, and ensure daily tasks are completed efficiently. Demonstrating reliability and leadership will help you move up within the restaurant.
Complete training courses or in-house management programmes offered by your employer or through professional bodies.
Many large restaurant chains offer management training programmes for promising staff. You can also study for professional qualifications, such as a Level 4 Diploma in Hospitality Management. These programmes cover people management, finance, marketing, and health and safety.
Use your experience and qualifications to apply for restaurant manager jobs in independent restaurants, chains, or hotels.
Tailor your CV to highlight your hospitality experience, leadership roles, and any management training you have completed. Be prepared to demonstrate your knowledge of the industry, customer service excellence, and problem-solving abilities during interviews.
Stay up to date with industry trends and consider joining professional organisations to expand your network and knowledge.
Ongoing learning is important in hospitality. Attend workshops, seminars, or short courses in topics like food safety, HR management, or digital marketing. Joining organisations such as the Institute of Hospitality can provide valuable resources and networking opportunities.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Restaurant Manager. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
A Restaurant Manager and a Catering Manager both oversee food service operations, focusing on managing staff, ensuring customer satisfaction, and maintaining quality standards. The roles require similar skills in staff coordination, operational management, and service delivery within the hospitality sector.
You can get into this job through:
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree.
Useful subjects include:
You'll usually need:
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 for these courses vary.
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.
You'll usually need:
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.
You can find out more about catering careers from Caterer.com and CareerScope.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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