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  1. Occupations
  2. Food Service Managers

Food Service Managers

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

SOC: 11-9051.00

Common Job Titles

  • Food Service Director
  • Food Service Manager
  • Food and Beverage Manager
  • Restaurant Manager

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key 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.
MetricU.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
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Facebook
  • 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 & Technology: Technology Skills

Tools & Equipment

  • Computerized cash registers
  • Laser printers
  • Notebook computers
  • Personal computers
  • Personal digital assistants PDA

Related Occupations

Occupations with similar skills and knowledge requirements

Most Similar

  • Chefs and Head Cooks 35-1011.00
  • First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers 35-1012.00
  • Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria 35-2012.00
  • Cooks, Restaurant 35-2014.00
  • Food Servers, Nonrestaurant 35-3041.00

Moderately Similar

  • Cooks, Short Order 35-2015.00
  • Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop 35-9031.00
  • Cooks, Private Household 35-2013.00
  • First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers 41-1011.00
  • First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers 39-1022.00

Related

  • Food Preparation Workers 35-2021.00
  • Fast Food and Counter Workers 35-3023.00
  • Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers 35-9011.00
  • Waiters and Waitresses 35-3031.00
  • First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers 37-1011.00
  • Lodging Managers 11-9081.00
  • Butchers and Meat Cutters 51-3021.00
  • Baristas 35-3023.01
  • Cooks, Fast Food 35-2011.00
  • Dietetic Technicians 29-2051.00

Related Programs

Education programs that prepare you for this occupation

  • CertificateHotel OperationsIssuer: Wallace State Community College
  • Bachelor's DegreeHospitality, Tourism and Event Management MajorIssuer: Troy University
  • Doctoral DegreeHospitality Management — PhDIssuer: Auburn University
  • Master's DegreeHospitality Management — MSIssuer: Auburn University
  • Bachelor's DegreeHospitality ManagementIssuer: Auburn University
  • Bachelor's DegreeHospitality Management, BSIssuer: University of Alabama
  • Associate's DegreeCulinary Arts - Culinary/Nutrition Science ManagementIssuer: Wallace State Community College
  • Associate's DegreeCulinary Arts - Hotel and Restaurant ManagementIssuer: Wallace State Community College
  • Associate's DegreeCulinary ArtsIssuer: Wallace State Community College
  • Associate's DegreeCulinary Arts Hospitality ManagementIssuer: Trenholm State Community College