Catering manager
Hospitality and food

Related videos on a catering manager

How to become a catering manager

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

University (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

• 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 Level 4 Diploma in Hospitality Management and find work as a trainee catering manager.

College (Entry requirements)

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

Apprenticeship

You could take a higher apprenticeship as a hospitality manager if you've got experience in catering and have also worked as a supervisor.

Apprenticeship (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree 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.

More info

Further information You can find out more about catering careers from the Hospitality Guild and CareerScope.

What it takes

Skills & Knowledge

You'll need:

• excellent verbal communication skills
• customer service skills
• leadership skills
• the ability to work well with others
• maths knowledge
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• business management skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restriction & Requirements

You'll need to:

• get a food hygiene certificate
• pass enhanced background checks

What you'll do

Day to day

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

• planning and developing menus to increase sales
• recruiting and training staff
• organising shifts and rotas
• financial planning, managing budgets and stock control
• meeting suppliers and negotiating contracts
• monitoring the quality of the service to customers
• running the business in line with health and safety and food hygiene regulations
• catering for special diets and meeting nutritional needs

Working environment

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

Career path and progression

Career path & progression

With experience you could move into larger organisations or those offering more specialised work like event catering. You could also study for further qualifications in hospitality. Another option is to start your own contract catering business.