16 Food Service Supervisor Skills for Your Career and Resume

Food service supervisors have a lot of responsibility in the kitchen. They oversee food preparation, ensure that all health and safety regulations are followed, and train new employees. Food service supervisors need to have a variety of skills to be successful in their role. If you’re interested in becoming a food service supervisor, learning about the necessary skills can help you determine if this is the right career for you.

Quality Control

Quality control is the ability to ensure that food and drink products are prepared correctly. Food service supervisors need to check on employees’ work regularly to make sure they’re following proper procedures, maintaining safe temperatures for food storage and handling ingredients properly. Quality control also includes ensuring that all food served by your restaurant or cafe meets health standards.

Ordering Supplies

Food service supervisors often order supplies for their restaurant, including food and cleaning materials. They must be able to read a budget and understand how much money they have available to spend on these items. They also need to know what types of supplies are necessary for the kitchen or dining room and which ones aren’t. For example, if an establishment has a dishwasher, it may not need to order as many dishes.

Organization

Organization is the ability to keep track of multiple tasks and responsibilities. Food service supervisors often have many duties, including supervising employees, ensuring food safety standards are met, monitoring inventory levels and maintaining records. Having strong organizational skills can help you manage your time effectively and ensure all necessary tasks are completed.

Flexibility

Flexibility is the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Food service supervisors often need flexibility because their schedules can change at any time, and they may be required to work different shifts or perform duties outside of their typical job description. Flexibility also allows food service supervisors to adjust their management style based on the needs of their employees. For example, if an employee has a family emergency, a flexible supervisor would be able to step in and fill that role while the employee takes care of their personal matters.

Problem Solving

Problem solving is the ability to identify and resolve issues. Food service supervisors often use problem-solving skills when dealing with customer complaints, employee conflicts or operational challenges. For example, if a server has an attitude problem, you might need to solve this issue by talking to them about their behavior and finding ways to improve it.

Decision Making

Food service supervisors often need to make quick decisions about how to handle customer complaints, employee absences and other unforeseen circumstances. They also use decision-making skills when creating schedules for their staff or deciding which menu items are most popular with customers. Food service supervisors who can make effective choices that benefit the company may be more successful in this role.

Customer Service

Customer service skills are important for food service supervisors because they often interact with customers directly. They need to be able to provide excellent customer service and ensure that their staff is doing the same. Customer service skills include greeting customers, answering questions about menu items or restaurant policies, resolving complaints and ensuring that guests have a positive experience at your establishment.

Communication

Communication is the ability to convey information clearly and concisely. Food service supervisors must be able to communicate with their employees, customers and managers in a professional manner. This means that they should be able to speak clearly and listen attentively when others are speaking. It also means that they should be able to write clear and informative emails and messages.

Resolving Conflicts

Food service supervisors often work with a team of employees, and it’s important for them to be able to resolve conflicts between their staff members. For example, if an employee is having trouble getting along with another member of the team, the supervisor may need to step in and mediate the situation. They also use this skill when dealing with customers who have complaints or issues with their food or drink orders.

Safety & Sanitation

Food service supervisors need to be knowledgeable about food safety regulations and practices. They should also know how to keep their workplace sanitary, including proper cleaning methods for kitchen equipment and surfaces. Food service supervisors may also train employees in food safety procedures and sanitation techniques.

Performance Management

Food service supervisors often use performance management skills to evaluate their employees’ job performances and provide feedback. This can include reviewing employee goals, discussing how they can improve in certain areas and setting new goals for them. Food service supervisors who are skilled at providing constructive feedback can help their employees grow professionally and advance within the company.

Training & Development

Food service supervisors often train and develop their employees to ensure they have the skills necessary to perform their job duties. This can include teaching new employees how to use equipment, preparing them for health inspections and providing guidance on customer service. Food service supervisors who are skilled in training and development can help their employees grow professionally and advance within the company.

Staff Scheduling

Food service supervisors often have to create and manage staff schedules. This requires knowledge of how many employees are needed at different times, as well as the ability to schedule shifts that work for all involved. You can also use your scheduling skills when creating a training program or assigning duties among your team members.

Food Preparation

Food preparation is a necessary skill for food service supervisors, as they often oversee the cooking and serving of meals. Having knowledge in this area can help you ensure that your staff members are preparing food safely and according to health standards. It also allows you to train them on proper food handling techniques and kitchen safety.

Inventory Management

Food service supervisors often manage inventory for their restaurant, including food and supplies. They ensure that the kitchen has all of the ingredients needed to prepare dishes and that the restaurant has enough supplies to serve customers. Food service supervisors also track employee performance and maintain records on it. This includes tracking employees’ attendance, evaluating their work performance and documenting any disciplinary action taken against them.

Leadership

Food service supervisors often lead teams of cooks, servers and other employees. They must be able to motivate their team members and encourage them to work together effectively. Food service supervisors also need strong leadership skills so they can make important decisions for the restaurant and enforce company policies.

How Can I Learn These Food Service Supervisor Skills?

There are a few ways that you can learn the necessary skills to become a food service supervisor. One way is to take some courses at a local community college or online that focus on the food service industry. These courses will teach you about the different aspects of running a food service operation, including safety and sanitation, ordering supplies, and managing staff. Another way to learn these skills is to work your way up through the ranks of a food service organization, starting as a server or cook and eventually becoming a manager. This will give you first-hand experience with all of the different aspects of running a food service business.