Food Service Managers
| Description |
OES Code: 15026 |
Food Service Managers plan, organize, direct, control, or coordinate activities of an organization or department that serves food and beverages and/or provides lodging and other accommodations.
Wages, California
| Entry-Level Hourly Wage |
$14.34 |
| 25th Percentile |
$15.12 |
| 50th Percentile |
$17.38 |
| 75th Percentile |
$21.87 |
Wages, San Joaquin County
| Entry-Level Hourly Wage |
$15.48 |
| 25th Percentile |
$17.22 |
| 50th Percentile |
$28.23 |
| 75th Percentile |
$31.88 |
Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey
Hours & Benefits
Long work hours that usually include evenings, holidays, and weekends are common in this industry.
Paid vacation, sick leave, and medical insurance plans are typically part of the employee benefit package for almost all Food Service Managers. Some employers also pay at least partial dental, vision, and life insurance.
Employment Trends, California
| Employment 1998 |
30,100 |
| Projected Employment 2008 |
36,200 |
| Growth Rate 1998-2008 |
20.3% |
| Openings due to Separations |
5,800 |
Employment Trends by California County
Working Conditions
The tempo of work varies with the type of facilities. Residential establishments such as schools, hospitals, or prisons generally operate food services on a planned schedule. Commercial ones usually must remain flexible enough to accommodate fluctuations in patronage. Although they usually work in a pleasant surrounding, the job of Food Service Manager is both physically and mentally demanding. Problems arise constantly and managers must maintain a smooth operation while satisfying needs and demands of all patrons. Because of these demands and the amount of standing and walking required, stamina and a high energy level are essential. Fast-Food Managers are exposed to the same physical demands and kitchen hazards as line employees.
Advancement
While there are no rigid rules regarding the pattern of promotion, a typical career ladder progresses from management trainee to assistant manager to manager. In chain operations, managers may advance into administrative jobs such as human resources (personnel) manager and then progress to operations manager.
Getting the Job & Other Information
Job seekers should apply directly to hotels, restaurants, hospitals, school districts, prisons, and senior residence complexes. Leads from college placement offices and newspaper ads are common ways of getting a job. Job seekers should also register with the nearest California Employment Development Department office.
For current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank. |
|
Several community colleges and private schools offer a certificate or associate degree in food service management. In areas where food-management programs are not available, recommended college-level courses are business administration, labor relations, accounting, and economics.
Any restaurant work provides opportunities for hands-on experience and the chance to test interest in food service management. Students should work part time in restaurants or school cafeterias to prepare for this career.
Although some fast-food chain companies recruit experienced managers from outside the organization, most companies make their selection from candidates who have worked for the company in a lower-paying job; these firms look for candidates who have three or four years of responsible work experience and good interpersonal skills.
Skills & Other Requirements
Employers ranked oral and written communication and the ability to plan and organize the work of others as very important skills. The ability to work under pressure, solve problems, and deal effectively with the public also rank high. Managers need to work both independently and under close supervision when necessary. Computer literacy and knowledge of food purchasing ranked as moderately important by many employers.
References
California Occupational Guide #503
Related Occupations: Human Resources Specialists & Managers, Retail Store Managers
|
