What Does a Front of House Manager Do?

The role of a front of house manager is one that requires attention to detail and an eye for organization. They are responsible for overseeing all aspects of their establishment’s customer experience, from the moment guests walk in the door until they leave.

Front of house managers may oversee everything from staffing schedules to training programs. They also commonly manage inventory control, guest relations, and other day-to-day operations related to running a restaurant or hotel.

Front of House Manager Job Duties

A front of house manager typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Managing the daily operations of the business by overseeing all staff members to ensure they are following company policies and performing their job duties properly
• Ensuring that all patrons are treated respectfully and accommodated efficiently according to their needs
• Ensuring that all service staff are trained in proper customer service skills and techniques in order to deliver high quality service to patrons
• Working closely with the chef or other kitchen staff to ensure that the food and beverage service meets the needs of customers
• Maintaining inventory levels of food, liquor, cleaning supplies, linens, and other items needed for daily operations
• Developing schedules for each member of the waitstaff based on business volume and staff availability
• Monitoring the condition of the facility to ensure that it is clean, safe, and comfortable for guests
• Training new employees and monitoring their performance to ensure that they are performing up to standards
• Managing the front desk and greeting customers to create a positive first impression of the business

Front of House Manager Salary & Outlook

Front of house managers’ salaries vary depending on their level of education and experience, the size of the restaurant or hotel they work for, and the geographic location of their job.

• Median Annual Salary: $53,500 ($25.72/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $73,500 ($35.34/hour)

The employment of front of house managers is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade.

Employment growth will be driven by the continued popularity of restaurants and bars, as well as the need for managers to oversee multiple locations. However, automation may reduce the need for some front-of-house managers in the future. For example, self-service ordering systems may allow fewer servers to handle a larger number of customers.

Related: Front of House Manager Interview Questions and Answers

Front of House Manager Job Requirements

The qualifications for a front of house manager may vary depending on the establishment, but may include:

Education: A minimum of a bachelor’s degree is often a requirement to become a front of house manager. Some of the most common majors for this position are hospitality, business and management.

Training & Experience: Front of house managers typically receive on-the-job training from their previous position. This training may include learning the restaurant’s menu, the daily operations and the restaurant’s policies and procedures. Front of house managers may also receive training in the following areas:

Guest relations: Front of house managers must be able to interact with customers in a friendly and professional manner. They must also be able to handle customer complaints and requests in a timely manner.

Front of house managers must be able to interact with customers in a friendly and professional manner. They must also be able to handle customer complaints and requests in a timely manner. Inventory management: Front of house managers must be able to keep track of the restaurant’s inventory and ensure that the kitchen has the necessary supplies to prepare and serve meals.

Front of house managers must be able to keep track of the restaurant’s inventory and ensure that the kitchen has the necessary supplies to prepare and serve meals. Scheduling: Front of house managers must be able to schedule servers, bussers and other restaurant staff. They must also be able to coordinate the schedules of the kitchen staff with the restaurant’s business hours.

Certifications & Licenses: Certifications can prove an individual’s qualifications to current and potential employers. Front of house managers can earn certifications to gain more practical knowledge of their responsibilities and further their career advancement opportunities.

Front of House Manager Skills

Front of house managers need the following skills in order to be successful:

Communication: Front of house managers communicate with a variety of people, including kitchen staff, waiters, waitresses, customers and restaurant owners. Effective communication skills can help you convey messages clearly, resolve conflicts and build strong relationships with others. You can also use communication skills to train employees, give feedback and update restaurant owners on employee performance.

Leadership: Front-of-house managers often have strong leadership skills, as they often oversee a team of wait staff and bartenders. Leadership skills can help you motivate your team and encourage them to perform well. You can also use leadership skills to ensure your team follows health and safety regulations and follows company policies.

Teamwork: Front of house managers often work with a team of other restaurant staff, including cooks, servers and bartenders. Because of this, it’s important for them to be able to work with others in a team-oriented environment. A front of house manager with strong teamwork skills can help their team work together to achieve common goals.

Problem-solving: Front-of-house managers are responsible for ensuring that the restaurant’s operations run smoothly. This means that they need to be able to identify and solve problems as they arise. For example, if a server is running low on food, the front-of-house manager might step in to help them. They might also be responsible for resolving customer complaints and ensuring that the restaurant is complying with health and safety regulations.

Customer service: Customer service is the ability to interact with customers in a friendly and helpful manner. Front of house managers are often responsible for greeting customers, answering questions and resolving issues. Customer service skills can help you provide excellent service to customers and improve the overall experience they have at a restaurant.

Front of House Manager Work Environment

The front of house manager is responsible for the overall operation of the front of the house, including the lobby, restaurant, and bar areas. He or she supervises the front of house staff and ensures that all guests receive prompt and courteous service. The front of house manager also works closely with the kitchen staff to ensure that food is prepared and served in a timely manner. He or she may work long hours, including evenings and weekends, and may be on call 24 hours a day.

Front of House Manager Trends

Here are three trends influencing how front of house managers work. Front of house managers will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Rise of the Restaurant Manager

The restaurant industry is growing rapidly, and with it comes an increased demand for managers who can run a successful business.

Front of house managers are essential to the success of any restaurant, as they are responsible for managing all aspects of the customer experience. This includes everything from hiring and training staff to developing menus and marketing strategies.

As the restaurant industry continues to grow, front of house managers will be in high demand, and those who are able to excel in this role will be well-positioned for success.

More Focus on Customer Experience

The customer experience is becoming increasingly important in today’s economy. Businesses that focus on providing a great customer experience are more likely to keep customers happy and attract new ones.

As a front of house manager, you can play a key role in creating a positive customer experience by ensuring that your team is well trained and that your restaurant is clean and welcoming. You can also work to create a culture of customer service within your company.

Greater Use of Technology in Restaurants

Technology is playing a larger role in restaurants every year. From ordering food online to paying with a smartphone, technology is making dining out easier and more convenient for customers.

As a front of house manager, you need to be familiar with these technologies and how to use them effectively. This includes understanding how to use tablets and smartphones to take orders, process payments, and communicate with customers.

How to Become a Front of House Manager

A career as a front of house manager can be rewarding in many ways. It offers the opportunity to work with people, manage a team, and develop your skills in customer service and hospitality. You’ll also have the chance to learn about different aspects of the business, from food and beverage to marketing and sales.

To become a successful front of house manager, it’s important to have a strong understanding of the industry and its best practices. You should also be able to lead and motivate a team, communicate effectively with customers, and handle difficult situations calmly and professionally.

Advancement Prospects

The front of house manager is responsible for the overall operation of the front of the house. This includes the lobby, restaurant, and bar areas. The front of house manager is also responsible for the staff in these areas. The front of house manager reports to the general manager.

The front of house manager is responsible for hiring, training, and scheduling the front of house staff. The front of house manager also handles customer complaints and concerns. The front of house manager works closely with the back of house staff to ensure that the food and drink orders are fulfilled in a timely manner.

The front of house manager is responsible for the budget for the front of house operations. The front of house manager also creates the menus for the restaurant and bar areas. The front of house manager works with the chef to ensure that the food items are available and meet the quality standards.

The front of house manager position is a management position. The front of house manager may be promoted to general manager or assistant general manager. The front of house manager may also move into a corporate position with a hotel or restaurant chain.

Front of House Manager Job Description Example

The front of house manager is responsible for the overall operations of the front of house area of the restaurant. They are in charge of hiring, training, and scheduling front of house staff. They are also responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and organization of the front of house area and ensuring that all front of house staff are providing excellent customer service. The front of house manager works closely with the back of house manager to ensure that the restaurant is running smoothly and efficiently.

We are looking for a front of house manager with at least 2 years of experience managing a front of house staff in a restaurant. The ideal candidate will have excellent customer service skills, be highly organized, and have the ability to multitask and handle a fast-paced environment.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Ensure that all guests feel welcome and are given prompt and professional service
• Train, supervise, and schedule front of house staff, including but not limited to servers, bartenders, hostesses, and coat check attendants
• Ensure that the dining room, bar, and lounge areas are clean, well-stocked, and organized
• Respond to customer complaints in a timely and professional manner
• Work with the kitchen staff to ensure that food is prepared according to specifications and served in a timely manner
• Manage reservations and seating arrangements
• Prepare reports on sales, expenses, and guest satisfaction
• Develop and implement marketing and promotional campaigns to increase business
• Monitor inventory levels and order supplies as needed
• Negotiate contracts with vendors and suppliers
• Adhere to all safety and sanitation regulations
• Perform other duties as assigned by the general manager

Required Skills and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Proven experience as front of house manager in a restaurant, hotel, or similar setting
• Excellent customer service skills
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work well under pressure and multitask
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management or related field
• 2+ years experience in a supervisory role
• Working knowledge of POS systems
• First Aid and CPR certification
• ServSafe Food Handler certification