How to Build a Successful Career in Restaurant Management: Jooble Insights
Restaurant management is one of the most rewarding career paths for servers and hosts looking to move further in the hospitality industry. As of 2024, an average restaurant manager earns around £16 per hour or £33,000 per year. This is 35% more than the average server income.
Does this career opportunity sound exciting for you to explore? If you see yourself leading staff and controlling operations, becoming a restaurant manager might be a great thing to try. But what does it take to build a successful career as a restaurant manager? Stamina, long-hours, self-organisation and other challenges, to begin with. There are many jobs in hospitality management available on the employment sites, along with restaurant vacancies and other related jobs in this industry. Let’s dig deeper to explore more career insights.
Reaching Professional Heights as a Restaurant Manager
Anyone who has ever worked in a restaurant knows that it is far more difficult than it may seem. Effective restaurant management entails orchestrating both the large picture and the tiny details that make your dining experience authentic. And this is no easy job to do–handling hospitality, finances, customer service and team spirit all together. It’s tough because you have to see and do so much at once.
A restaurant manager is to anticipate and address a wide range of challenges — from labor and inventory management to customer expectations and regulatory compliance. For sure, the responsibility list extends beyond managing a workforce and ensuring customer satisfaction. A restaurant manager wears multiple hats to guarantee the success of the establishment. One is to have a keen eye for staff, customer service, operationals, and finance. If you are aiming to reach professional heights in this role, these tips will come in handy.
Identify Strengths and Weaknesses
Begin by evaluating your current skills, including both technical and soft skills. Understanding where you excel and where you need improvement is important for your professional development.
Gain Varied Experience
Start in entry-level positions to learn the basics of restaurant operations. This hands-on experience will help you understand different roles within the establishment and develop the necessary technical skills. As you gain confidence, seek opportunities to take on more responsibilities.
Pursue Relevant Education
Consider formal education in hospitality management or business administration. Many community colleges and universities offer programs tailored to the restaurant industry. Additionally, specialized workshops and seminars can enhance your understanding of trends and best practices.
Obtain Certifications
Holding food safety, customer service or financial management certification can work to your advantage especially when applying for a job. In addition, these credentials can also offer you important information that will help to improve your managerial competence.
Master Essential Management Skills
Focus on developing skills that are critical for restaurant management. Here are some of the most important ones:
- Stress management — Learn to handle the high-pressure environment of restaurants effectively.
- Multi-tasking — Be able to juggle various responsibilities simultaneously while maintaining organization.
- Leadership — Inspire and motivate your team while managing conflicts and ensuring a positive work environment.
- Financial acumen — Understand financial statements, control costs, and implement pricing strategies for profitability.
Build Professional Relationships
In the restaurant industry, networking is crucial. So, attend industry events, join professional associations… you name it, buy that magnet to put on your laptop, and connect on the web with other professionals. You can also use help and support from a mentor to guide and inspire you as you make your way in your career path.
Follow Industry Trends
The restaurant industry is a dynamic one. And you need to stay on top of it. Be open to new technologies, check customer preferences, employment sites in the niche and follow market trends. Read articles, attend workshops, or participate in online forums for that purpose.
Seek Feedback and Mentorship
Be open to feedback from peers and supervisors to identify areas for improvement. Engaging with mentors can offer insights into effective management strategies and career advancement opportunities.
Aim for Higher Positions
As you gain experience and demonstrate leadership potential, look for opportunities to advance to roles. Consider diversifying your experience by working in different types of restaurants or even starting your own venture if you’re inclined towards entrepreneurship.
Get the Max out of Your Journey in Restaurant Management
Becoming a restaurant manager is challenging. There are so many requirements to meet. However, this professional journey is rather rewarding. So take your time — check the above tips and get ready for the next exciting chapter in your life.
