Food and beverage supervisors oversee the day-to-day operations of dining facilities. This includes the recruitment, training and management of staff, the procurement of services and inventory, and providing excellent customer service. Food and beverage supervisors can find employment in a variety of environments including restaurants, hotels, banquet halls, office complexes, academic institutions and hospitals.
Industry Overview: According to a report issued by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2006 food and beverage supervisors were employed in approximately 350,000 jobs, 38 percent of which were in full-service and fast-food restaurants, as well as cafeterias. Forty-five percent of food and beverage supervisors were self-employed, owning dining and food services. The remaining members were employed in a variety of places including: "hotels; amusement, gambling, and recreation industries; nursing care facilities; and hospitals."
Job Responsibilities: A food and beverage supervisor attends to customer complaints or issues, resolving matters as expediently as possible. Supervisors also oversee food preparation, food storage and dining areas, ensuring that the facility remains in compliance with safety regulation and health codes.Afood and beverage supervisor performs the duties of a human resources manager, recruiting, hiring, training and terminating staff members. Performance management and disciplinary actions are administered as required. Supervisors also schedule employees for work. They also maintain employee records and administer payroll and benefits. Also, the management of incoming funds and accounts payable are often the responsibility of the food and beverage supervisor.
Personal Qualities Essential for Success: To successfully perform the duties of a food and beverage supervisor, an individual must possess a drive to provide exceptional customer service. Supervisors must be reliable and self-motivated. Supervisors must be excellent communicators because they manage a team in a high-volume environment and carry out multiple tasks at the same time.Additionally, a degree of physical fitness is required, as many supervisors stand for long periods of time and lift heavy items.
