How to Become a Catering Manager

Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Catering Manager

What does a Catering Manager do?

A Catering Manager plans, directs, and coordinates catered events for an establishment. Negotiates contracts, assists in the selection of menu items, schedules catering staff, arranges for facilities or equipment, and communicates customer needs to the appropriate personnel. Being a Catering Manager develops and maintains catering accounts by ensuring customer satisfaction before, during, and after the event. May require a bachelor's degree. Additionally, Catering Manager typically reports to a head of a unit/department. The Catering Manager supervises a group of primarily para-professional level staffs. May also be a level above a supervisor within high volume administrative/ production environments. Makes day-to-day decisions within or for a group/small department. Has some authority for personnel actions. To be a Catering Manager typically requires 3-5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. Thorough knowledge of functional area and department processes.

People's Opinions on Catering Manager responsibilities

Catering managers lead teams of chefs and catering assistants.

02/04/2020: South Bend, IN

They are responsible for running the day-to-day catering operations and services in restaurants, hotels and resorts.

01/24/2020: Gary, IN

Catering managers are responsible for monitoring the quality of the food and service and for making sure that their outlets perform well.

12/09/2019: Idaho Falls, ID

A catering manager is a food and hospitality professional who oversees the catering segment of a business.

01/30/2020: Richland, WA

Catering managers may work with restaurants, event sites, hotels, and even grocery stores to develop and supervise catering programs.

01/27/2020: Portland, OR
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Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Catering Manager

Best tips for those who want to become a Catering Manager

Here are some tips to become a Catering Manager.

People's Opinions on best tips

Don’t be afraid to take a unique path to your goal.

12/29/2019: Duluth, MN

Keep the Menu Simple and Straightforward.

01/14/2020: Salt Lake City, UT

Always provide quality customer service.

02/03/2020: Tampa, FL

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

12/16/2019: Duluth, MN

Celebrity advice from top chefs.

01/06/2020: Waterloo, IA
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Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Catering Manager

Best colleges and universities for Catering Manager

  • Calvin University
  • Colby-Sawyer College
  • Augustana University
  • University of South Carolina--Upstate
  • New York University
  • CUNY--Queens College

Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Catering Manager

Is being a Catering Manager Worth it?

People's Opinions on lifestyles

Catering managers must work relatively hard for their money; they oversee and monitor an array of tasks, people and price tags.

12/28/2019: Port Arthur, TX

Additionally, catering managers commonly set the work schedules for employees and ensure that they have enough workers on hand to meet customer needs, but not so many that they are paying staff that is left idle.

12/12/2019: Carson City, NV

Depending upon the organization, a catering manager may also have handle staff development and training.

03/02/2020: New London, CT

Because catering managers often have to work when events are taking place -- during the evening or on the weekends -- they are frequently called upon to work outside the regular 40 hour work week.

01/29/2020: Fort Collins, CO

– Become proficient in use of the Catering platform in the Bypass system; for menus, pricing, customers set up and invoicing.

02/25/2020: San Diego, CA
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Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Catering Manager

What skills do you need to be a Catering Manager?

Management is no easy task, and as such, the skill requirements for these types of roles vary greatly.  Chief skills for this role are: Contract Negotiation, Event Planning and Management, Project Coordination, Vendor Management, Staff Scheduling, Bookings and Reservations, Catering Operations, Venue Logistics.  You would need to be proficient in the following: Reservation Software.  Expertise in these areas will help you land this, or a similar role.

People's Opinions on Catering Manager skills

Experience is by far the most beneficial asset to aspiring Catering Managers.

01/22/2020: Sioux City, IA

Essential skills for this job, listed on most resume samples, are food storage and preparation knowledge, catering expertise, leadership, attention to details, communication, teamwork, and supervisory skills.

01/16/2020: Lafayette, LA

To qualify to work as a catering manager requires at least a high school diploma and prior experience in the field of hospitality or catering.

12/12/2019: Phoenix, AZ

You need leadership, communication, and math skills to excel on the careering manager job.

01/14/2020: Honolulu, HI

Minimum of five years’ experience in a senior catering management role and be a fully qualified Chef.• Minimum qualified to food safety Level.

01/06/2020: Galveston, TX
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Step 6: View average salary for Catering Manager

How much does a Catering Manager make?

The average salary range for a Catering Manager is from $46,596 to $65,168. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.

Salary range for a Catering Manager
$46,596 to $65,168

Step 7: Find relevant Catering Manager jobs, and apply.

Looking for Catering Manager jobs?

Here are some Catering Manager jobs in the United States.

Search Catering Manager Jobs in the United States

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Catering Manager