Catering managers are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of catering services in venues such as hotels, conference centres, schools, hospitals, and event spaces. Their role involves planning menus, managing budgets, supervising staff, ensuring health and safety standards are met, and dealing directly with clients to ensure their needs are satisfied. Catering managers need strong organisational and leadership skills, as well as the ability to remain calm under pressure, especially during large events or busy service times. The job can be fast-paced and may require flexibility in working hours, but it offers a dynamic environment and the opportunity to work with a variety of clients and teams.
Catering managers in the UK typically earn between £22,000 and £40,000 per year, with experienced professionals in large organisations or prestigious venues earning up to £50,000.
There are around 7,000 to 10,000 catering manager positions advertised annually across the UK, with strong demand in cities and large events venues.
Catering managers often work between 37 and 45 hours per week, with shifts including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, especially during busy periods or special events.
Oversees the preparation and service of meals in a school, ensuring nutritional standards and managing kitchen staff.
Coordinates food and beverage services for special events such as weddings, parties, and corporate functions.
Manages catering operations in hospitals or care homes, ensuring meals meet dietary and health requirements for patients or residents.
Learn about different types of catering, such as event, contract, or institutional catering.
Look at job profiles, watch videos, or attend open days at local colleges or catering businesses. Understanding what catering managers do in different settings helps you decide where your interests lie.
Try to get some work experience in a kitchen, café, or restaurant.
Many catering managers start out as kitchen assistants, waiters, or bar staff. This first-hand experience helps you understand how a catering operation runs and the importance of teamwork and customer service.
Consider qualifications such as a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Hospitality or Catering.
You can take courses at college or through an apprenticeship. Subjects may include food hygiene, nutrition, and business management. Some managers also benefit from degrees in hospitality management.
Improve your skills in leadership, organisation, and communication.
Catering managers need to manage staff and budgets, plan menus, and deal with clients. Volunteering to organise school or community events is great practice. You can also take short courses in customer service or food safety.
Work your way up to team leader or supervisor roles.
As you gain experience, take on more responsibility by supervising a small team or shift. This may involve helping with rotas, stock ordering, or staff training.
Look for job opportunities as a Catering Manager or Assistant Catering Manager.
You will need a good mix of experience and qualifications. Be ready to demonstrate your leadership, organisational and customer service abilities during interviews. Continuing professional development, such as food safety or management courses, can also help you stand out.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Catering Manager. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
The role of a Catering Manager most closely aligns with Restaurant Manager as both involve overseeing food service operations, managing staff, ensuring quality standards, and coordinating event or daily service activities in a hospitality setting. Both positions require strong organisational skills and a focus on customer satisfaction within the food and beverage industry.
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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