Restaurant Supervisor
What is a restaurant supervisor?
A restaurant supervisor is someone who oversees the daily operations of a restaurant and manages the team of staff members.
What does a restaurant supervisor do?
Usually, a restaurant supervisor does the following:
- Manages and trains the restaurant staff
- Ensures that customers are satisfied with their dining experience
- Handles customer complaints and resolves issues
- Oversees the cleanliness and maintenance of the restaurant
- Manages inventory and orders supplies
- Takes care of administrative tasks such as scheduling and payroll
What does the day-to-day life of a restaurant supervisor look like?
A restaurant supervisor usually works in shifts that can range from morning to evening. The exact hours may vary depending on the restaurant's opening hours.
On a typical day, a restaurant supervisor might:
- Start the day by organizing the staff for their positions and duties
- Check inventory levels and place orders for supplies
- Interact with customers and ensure they have a pleasant dining experience
- Address any issues that arise during the day, such as equipment malfunctions or customer complaints
- Coordinate with the kitchen staff to ensure timely food preparation and service
- Complete administrative tasks such as preparing schedules and handling paperwork
Where does a restaurant supervisor work?
Restaurant supervisors work in various types of restaurants, including:
- Independent restaurants
- Chain restaurants
- Hotels
- Cafes
- Resorts
- Pubs
Restaurant supervisors can work in cities, towns, or even rural areas depending on the location of the establishment. They are usually based on-site in the restaurant itself.
What tools/software/hardware does a restaurant supervisor use?
A restaurant supervisor typically uses the following tools/software:
- Point of Sale (POS) systems for order taking and payment processing
- Inventory management software for tracking supplies and orders
- Communication tools such as radios or headsets for coordinating with the staff
- Office software for administrative tasks, such as scheduling and payroll management
- Occasionally, restaurant supervisors may use basic equipment such as tablets or smartphones for accessing information or communicating with the team.
What do I need to become a restaurant supervisor?
To become a restaurant supervisor, you have a few options:
- Previous Experience: Some employers may require prior experience in the restaurant industry, typically in roles such as a waiter or bartender, before promoting to a supervisor position.
- Diploma or Certification: Completing a diploma or certification program in a related field, such as hospitality management, can demonstrate your knowledge and skills.
- On-the-job Training: Some restaurants provide on-the-job training for aspiring supervisors, allowing them to learn the necessary skills while working under the guidance of experienced supervisors.
What career paths are available?
There are several career paths available to a restaurant supervisor, including:
- Restaurant Manager: With additional experience and skills, a restaurant supervisor can progress to a managerial role, overseeing multiple restaurants or a larger establishment.
- Food and Beverage Director: This role involves managing the food and beverage operations of a hotel, resort, or restaurant chain.
- Catering Manager: In this role, you would be responsible for organizing and managing the catering services for events and functions.
Starting as a restaurant supervisor provides valuable experience and knowledge of the restaurant industry, which can open doors to various career paths.
What jobs are similar to a restaurant supervisor?
- Restaurant Manager: In this role, you would be responsible for the overall management of a restaurant, including operations, staff, and customer satisfaction.
- Hotel Manager: As a hotel manager, you would oversee the entire hotel operations, including accommodation, dining, and guest services.
- Food and Beverage Supervisor: This role focuses specifically on managing the food and beverage operations within a hotel or restaurant.
Are you a restaurant supervisor? We want you to share your experiences with those looking to start or change their careers to being a restaurant supervisor. If you're interested, contact us at mail@calumchilds.com.