Restaurant manager

Fast food restaurant manager, hotel restaurant manager

Restaurant managers oversee their venues and make sure customers are satisfied with the food and service.

Salary range: £18,000 to £45,000

How to become a restaurant manager

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• a graduate training scheme

College

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills you’ll need in this job. Courses include:

• Level 3 Diploma in Hospitality Supervision and Leadership
• Level 4 Diploma in Hospitality Leadership

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course

More information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

Apprenticeship

You could take a hospitality manager higher apprenticeship if you’ve got supervisory experience in restaurant work.

If you have not been a supervisor, you could do a hospitality supervisor advanced apprenticeship and continue with further training on the job.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

Work

You could move up to a management position after working as part of the restaurant staff, for example head waiter or kitchen manager.

With experience and qualifications you could take on more management responsibilities.

Other routes

You could apply for a place on a graduate training scheme. Many large restaurants and fast food chains run schemes that can lead to management jobs.

You’ll need a university qualification to get a place. A degree in hospitality management is useful but many employers will accept other subjects.

More information

Further information

Find out more about careers and training from the Hospitality Guild.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You’ll need:

• customer service skills
• leadership skills
• the ability to motivate and manage staff
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• business management skills
• knowledge of food production methods
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and requirements

You’ll need to:

• get a food hygiene certificate
• pass enhanced background checks

What you’ll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day duties may include:

• planning menus
• organising shifts and rotas
• managing stock control and budgets
• working with food and drink suppliers
• running the business in line with licensing, food hygiene, and health and safety rules
• recruiting staff and organising training

Working environment

You could work at a restaurant.

Your working environment may be physically demanding.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a regional manager or hotel manager.

You could also set up your own restaurant.