Food Service Managers: Career & Application Guide

What do food service managers do?

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

This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.

O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.

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.
Perform some food preparation or service tasks, such as cooking, clearing tables, and serving food and drinks when necessary.
Monitor budgets and payroll records, and review financial transactions to ensure that expenditures are authorized and budgeted.
Schedule and receive food and beverage deliveries, checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
Coordinate assignments of cooking personnel to ensure economical use of food and timely preparation.

Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.

Start with food service managers as your target. You can change your role in the quiz and tell us your location and work preferences.