Catering Manager

What is a catering manager?

A catering manager is someone who oversees and coordinates the catering operations for events, functions, or establishments. They manage a team of catering staff and ensure the smooth running of all catering activities.

What does a catering manager do?

Usually, a catering manager does the following:

• Plans and organizes catering services for events and functions, including menu selection, food preparation, and staffing requirements
• Manages and supervises catering staff, including recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance evaluation
• Collaborates with clients to understand their specific catering needs, preferences, and dietary requirements
• Ensures the quality and presentation of food and beverages meet the client's expectations
• Oversees inventory management, including ordering and stock control of catering supplies and ingredients
• Monitors financial aspects, such as budgeting, cost control, and pricing strategies
• Maintains high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and food safety practices in compliance with regulations

What does the day-to-day life of a catering manager look like?

A catering manager usually works full-time, around 40 hours per week. However, they may need to work evenings, weekends, or on public holidays, as events often take place during these times. The day-to-day tasks of a catering manager include:

• Planning and arranging catering services for upcoming events
• Meeting with clients to discuss their catering requirements and providing recommendations
• Coordinating with suppliers and vendors for the procurement of ingredients and equipment
• Supervising and training catering staff during food preparation and service
• Ensuring the smooth execution of events, including overseeing set-up, service, and clean-up
• Handling administrative tasks like budgeting, invoicing, and record-keeping
• Conducting regular inspections to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations

Where does a catering manager work?

Catering managers can work in various settings, including:

• Catering companies: These are businesses that specialize in providing catering services for events, functions, and venues.
• Event venues: Many hotels, conference centers, and event spaces have in-house catering departments, where catering managers are employed.
• Restaurants and cafes: Some larger restaurants and cafes may have catering departments to handle off-site events or large functions.
• Educational institutions: Universities, colleges, and schools often employ catering managers to oversee their catering services.

Catering managers can work in both urban and rural areas across the United Kingdom, depending on the availability of catering opportunities.

What tools/software/hardware does a catering manager use?

A catering manager may use the following tools, software, and equipment:

• Event management software: This helps with planning, scheduling, and coordinating catering services for different events.
• Inventory management software: It assists in tracking and managing catering supplies, ingredients, and stock levels.
• POS (Point of Sale) system: This is used for processing payments and generating invoices for catering services.
• Communication devices: Catering managers may use smartphones, tablets, or radios to communicate with their team during events.
• Catering equipment: This can include items like commercial ovens, refrigerators, food warmers, serving utensils, and crockery.

What do I need to become a catering manager?

There are several pathways to becoming a catering manager, including:

• Higher education: Pursuing a degree in hospitality management, culinary arts, or a related field can provide a strong foundation and knowledge in catering management.
• Experience in the industry: Gaining experience in catering roles, such as a caterer or a catering supervisor, can help develop the necessary skills and knowledge to progress into a management role.
• Hospitality qualifications: Undertaking vocational courses or certifications in hospitality management can demonstrate your commitment and competence in the field.

While formal education is not always required, having a combination of relevant qualifications and practical experience is usually preferred by employers.

What career paths are available?

There are several career paths available to catering managers, including:

• Senior Catering Manager: With experience and proven success, catering managers can progress to senior positions, overseeing multiple venues or larger catering operations.
• Food and Beverage Manager: Catering managers can transition into roles that focus on managing the overall food and beverage operations within establishments like hotels or resorts.
• Event Planner/Coordinator: The skills and knowledge acquired as a catering manager can be applied to organize and coordinate a range of events beyond catering, such as weddings, conferences, or festivals.

To start in these career paths, individuals can gain relevant experience and demonstrate their leadership capabilities in catering management roles. Further education or professional development in event planning or hospitality management can also be beneficial.

What jobs are similar to a catering manager? (Include those with transferable skills that a catering manager usually has)

• Restaurant Manager: Overseeing daily operations and managing staff in a restaurant setting, ensuring high-quality food and customer satisfaction.
• Food Service Manager: Managing food service operations in places like hospitals, schools, or corporate cafeterias, focusing on menu planning, budgeting, and quality control.
• Hotel Banquet Manager: Organizing and supervising banquet events within a hotel, including coordinating with clients, catering preparations, and event execution.