Catering Manager Job Description

What is the job description of a Catering Manager? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Catering Manager? What does a Catering Manager do?

Job description of a Catering Manager

Catering managers plan, organise and develop the food and beverage services of organisations and businesses, while meeting customer expectations, food and hygiene standards and financial targets. The role varies according to the size and nature of the business.

In a small establishment, the catering manager usually has a hands-on role and is involved in the day-to-day running of the operation including staff supervision and events management.

In larger organisations, however, the catering manager might have other managers and supervisors to handle the different catering functions and catering outlets.

This Catering Manager job description example includes the list of most important Catering Manager duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Catering Manager profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Catering Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Catering Manager job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Negotiating contracts with customers, assessing their requirements and ensuring they are satisfied with the service delivered (in contract catering);
  • Overseeing the management of facilities, e.g. checking event bookings and allocation of resources/staff;
  • Recruiting and training permanent and casual staff;
  • Organising, leading and motivating the catering team;
  • Planning staff shifts and rotas;
  • Managing the food and beverage provision for functions and events;
  • Keeping financial and administrative records;
  • Liaising with suppliers and clients;
  • Ensuring compliance with all fire, licensing, and employment regulations;
  • Managing the payroll and monitoring spending levels;
  • Maintaining stock levels and ordering new supplies as required;
  • Supervising catering and waiting staff at functions;
  • Budgeting and establishing financial targets and forecasts;
  • Monitoring the quality of the product and service provided;
  • Interacting with customers if involved with front of house work;
  • Dealing with staffing and client issues;
  • Keeping abreast of trends and developments in the industry, such as menus, trends in consumer tastes and management issues.
  • Setting and agreeing budgets;
  • Monitoring quality standards;
  • Planning new promotions and initiatives, and contributing to business development;
  • Maximising sales and meeting profit and financial expectations.
  • Planning menus in consultation with chefs;
  • Ensuring health and safety regulations are strictly observed;

Catering Manager Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Catering Manager job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • Work experience as a Catering Manager, Restaurant Manager or similar role
  • Understanding of food hygiene
  • Hands-on experience with creating menus from scratch
  • Excellent organizational and time-management skills
  • Customer service attitude
  • Ability to remain calm and make quick decisions under stressful circumstances
  • Flexibility to work during weekends and holidays
  • Certification in hospitality or culinary management is a plus

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Catering Manager starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Catering Manager job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Catering Manager may also reference it in preparation for the interview.