Do you consider yourself a foodie?

Do you love a fast-paced environment?

If so, you may want to consider a career as a food and beverage manager. It's a rewarding career that keeps restaurants and food service operations running smoothly, creating wonderful dining experiences!

A food and beverage manager leads and directs the kitchen staff and is responsible for delivering exceptional customer service to diners. Some of the key responsibilities include:

• Training and managing staff

• Developing menus

• Fiscal and inventory management

Review this short video to hear more about the role and responsibilities of a food and beverage manager:

Food and beverage managers work in all types of settings. Skills can easily transfer, allowing for growth and opportunities. You can find jobs in:

• Bars and restaurants

• Resorts and hotels

• Freelance work

• Schools, healthcare, correctional facilities, cruise ships, etc.

Average U.S. Salary

$59,342 US$/year

Average Canadian Salary

$25.00/hour or approximately $52,000/CAN$/year

Actually, no two days are the same! Beyond the responsibilities listed above, an average day may include:

• Creating a promotional plan for a new menu

• Overseeing food preparation for the evening meal

• Adjusting staff schedules to meet menu changes

• Calling to get the leaky dishwasher fixed

• Meeting with clients for an upcoming catering event

Food and beverage managers need:

• Strong leadership and management skills

• Excellent customer service skills

• Ability to understand financial documents

• Strategic problem-solving skills

• Creative marketing and promotional skills

• Ability to handle stress and high-pressure environments

Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash

The ability to collaborate with others, shift priorities, address customer concerns, and putting out fires (hopefully not literally!) are key skills for this career.

This career might be for you if...

• You enjoy non-traditional hours

• You enjoy jumping from task to task

• You can remain calm and collected under pressure

This career might NOT be for you if...

• You enjoy working 9-5

• You enjoy calm and routine throughout your day

• You prefer to work alone

While restaurant or hospitality experience can lead to a career as a food and beverage manager, you can fast-track your career with a degree in culinary, hospitality, or general management. You may also want to consider focusing on non-commercial food service.

Consider your current experience in the industry and see what pathway works for you.

Learn more about:

• Degrees and experience options in hospitality management

• Non-commercial foodservice training

Who should consider a career as a food and beverage manager?

• Nora — enjoys cooking and is considered a wonderful party host for friends and family

Marco — loves collaborating with others and is considered a leader in customer service

• Veronica — writes a food blog, but prefers working solo

• James — highly organized and loves working and leading others

Learn more about this exciting career: