A restaurant manager organises the provision, preparation and service of food in restaurants, hotels and fast food outlets, including sandwich shops and coffee bars.

The Work

You could be:

• hiring, training and supervising staff, organising shifts and leading the staff as a team
• working with the chef to plan the menu and decide on recipes
• controlling stock and buying in supplies, including food, drink and sundry items such as napkins and condiments
• planning the budget, setting sales targets and managing accounts
• greeting customers, providing information on menus and dealing with problems or complaints
• organising bookings for groups of all sizes including parties for adults and for children
• making sure that the work done by kitchen, restaurant and bar staff meets official standards of hygiene, weights and measures and licensing laws
• organising maintenance and repairs of buildings, furniture and equipment
• planning marketing campaigns to meet sales targets.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of company or organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

Pay for an assistant manager can range from £20,000 to £35,000 a year and for a manager up to around £40,000. At the top level, in high star hotels or fine dining restaurants, managers can earn up to £50,000, sometimes more.

Conditions

• You will work long hours and shifts including early mornings, late evenings, weekends and public holidays.
• At certain times of the week and of the year, the work may be hectic and pressurised.
• If you work for a chain you may have to provide cover at restaurants in other locations.
• The work can be physically and mentally tiring.

Useful Subjects

• Administration and IT
• Business Management
• Business Skills (SCQF Level 6) (FA)
• SfW Hospitality

Getting In

The first step will usually be a job as assistant manager. The many routes into this work include:

• a degree (SCQF Level 9-10) or an HND (SCQF Level 8) in hospitality management or business
• a degree course usually needs 4-5 Highers for entry while an HND needs 1-2 Highers usually including English
• a company management trainee programme with possible part time study to do the Institute of Hospitality Diploma
• gaining experience in restaurant work, perhaps with study for SVQs and then getting promotion to management.
• a Modern Apprenticeship.

The restaurant trade is a growth industry. There are openings all over Scotland in restaurants, hotels and fast food outlets. Many restaurants specialise in particular types of food.

There is a big difference in the style of service and working environment between different types of restaurants, such as fine dining, hotel and fast food. As such, you would usually choose one route and stick with it.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2024

13941

4.9 %

RISE

2029

14631

  United Kingdom

2024

155083

5.9 %

RISE

2029

164245

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What Does it Take?

You need:

• a smart appearance
• a polite, helpful manner and good customer service skills
• a flexible, hands-on attitude
• assertiveness and initiative to sort out problems quickly
• strong leadership and motivational qualities
• excellent organisational skills
• a head for business and an ability to manage a budget
• strong communication skills
• the ability to remain calm under pressure.

Training

• Training is normally on the job.
• While working you can study for the SVQ in Hospitality Supervision and Leadership at SCQF Level 7.
• As a restaurant manager you may be asked to apply for a personal licence to sell alcohol. The British Institute of Innkeeping website has details of the Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders. See their website for more details.

Getting On

• Once you are an experienced restaurant manager you might move on within a company to be a regional manager.
• You might move into hotel management.
• You could become self-employed and open up your own restaurant.

Video

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.