Food Service Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization or department that serves food and beverages.
Common Job Titles
- Food Service Director
- Food Service Manager
- Food and Beverage Manager
- Restaurant Manager
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- MindsetIntegrate customer service excellence with operational efficiency in high-volume food service environments while managing diverse stakeholder expectations.Proficient
- KnowledgeCoordinate personnel schedules, inventory systems, and production workflows using point-of-sale and inventory management software to optimize resource allocation.Proficient
- KnowledgeEvaluate food quality, safety compliance, and service standards through systematic monitoring of processes and surroundings in accordance with regulatory requirements.Proficient
- MindsetBalance employee development needs with operational demands when training and coaching staff in food production, customer service, and safety protocols.Proficient
- MindsetReconcile conflicts between staff members and customer complaints through active listening and negotiation to maintain team cohesion and service quality.Proficient
- KnowledgeApply personnel management principles and labor law knowledge when hiring, scheduling, and directing staff to ensure adequate coverage and compliance.Proficient
- Hands-onDemonstrate mastery of computerized point-of-sale systems and reservation software to manage transactions, track inventory, and coordinate customer flow efficiently.Proficient
- KnowledgeOrganize daily operations, special events, and administrative tasks under time pressure while prioritizing food safety, customer satisfaction, and profitability.Proficient
- KnowledgeAnalyze financial data, sales trends, and cost metrics using accounting software and spreadsheets to manage budgets and control expenses.Developing
- KnowledgeInterpret customer feedback, market trends, and sales data to inform menu development, pricing strategies, and promotional initiatives.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Food Service Managers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
244,230
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $42,380. 25th percentile: U.S. $53,090. 50th percentile: U.S. $65,310. 75th percentile: U.S. $82,300. 90th percentile: U.S. $105,420. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $42,380 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $105,420 |
| Workers on average earn | $72,370 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Customer and Personal Service4.6/5
- Administration and Management4.4/5
- English Language4.0/5
- Personnel and Human Resources3.8/5
- Production and Processing3.7/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Google Docs
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Word
Technology Skills
- Aestiva Employee Time Clock
- Apache Groovy
- Army Food Management Information System
- Aurora FoodPro
- ChefDesk Chef's Calculators
- ClubSoft Food & Beverage Point of Sale
- Culinary Software Services ChefTec
- DataTeam Lunch Express
Tools & Equipment
- Computerized cash registers
- Laser printers
- Notebook computers
- Personal computers
- Personal digital assistants PDA