16 Restaurant Supervisor Skills for Your Career and Resume

A restaurant supervisor is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a restaurant, including managing staff, handling customer complaints and ensuring that the restaurant is running smoothly. Restaurant supervisors need to have a variety of skills to be successful in this role. If you’re interested in becoming a restaurant supervisor, learning about the necessary skills can help you determine if this is the right career for you.

Cooking

A restaurant supervisor needs to be able to cook the food they serve. This means you need to know how to prepare a variety of dishes and have knowledge about different cooking techniques, ingredients and recipes. You may also need to train other kitchen staff on proper food preparation methods.

Problem Solving

Problem solving is the ability to identify and resolve issues. As a restaurant supervisor, you may need to solve problems that arise in the workplace or with customers. For example, if an employee calls out sick, you might have to find someone to fill their shift and ensure the rest of your staff can continue working effectively. You could also use problem-solving skills when dealing with customer complaints. For example, if a customer complains about slow service, you might be able to help them understand why it took longer than usual and offer them a discount on their next visit.

Scheduling

Scheduling is the ability to plan and organize work shifts for employees. As a restaurant supervisor, you may be responsible for scheduling staff members’ time at work. This requires attention to detail as well as an understanding of how each employee’s skill set complements others’. For example, if one employee has experience working with customers who have dietary restrictions, it might be beneficial to schedule them during lunchtime when these customers are more likely to visit.

Team Leadership

Team leadership is the ability to motivate and guide a group of people toward common goals. Restaurant supervisors often work with teams of employees, such as kitchen staff or waiters, who each have their own responsibilities. Effective team leaders can help these groups function more efficiently by providing guidance and feedback on how to improve performance. They also know how to encourage their employees to work together effectively and build positive relationships.

Leadership

A restaurant supervisor needs to be able to lead their team in order to ensure that the restaurant is operating smoothly and efficiently. This means that they need to have strong leadership skills, including being able to motivate their employees, delegate tasks effectively and resolve conflicts between staff members.

Leadership also involves providing direction for your employees so that they can grow within their roles and advance in their careers. You may also use your leadership skills when training new supervisors or managers on how to manage a restaurant.

Flexibility

Flexibility is the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. As a restaurant supervisor, you may need to be flexible with your schedule and work hours. You might also have to change plans or shift priorities when unexpected situations arise. Being able to adjust quickly can help you maintain order in your workplace and keep your employees happy.

Communication

Communication is the ability to convey information clearly and concisely. As a restaurant supervisor, you may need to communicate with employees of different departments or levels within your organization. For example, if an employee needs training in a new system, you can use communication skills to explain how the system works and what they should expect from it. You can also use communication skills to relay feedback about performance evaluations, discuss changes in company policy and provide other important information to your staff.

Customer Service

Customer service skills are important for restaurant 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 guests, answering questions about menu items, resolving complaints and ensuring that all patrons leave satisfied.

Performance Management

A restaurant supervisor needs to be able to provide constructive feedback and set goals for their employees. This is an important part of the performance management process, as it allows you to help your team members grow professionally and improve their work quality. It’s also a way to show your employees that you care about them and their success at work.

Inventory Management

A restaurant supervisor needs to be able to manage the inventory of their establishment. This includes knowing what supplies they have, how much they need and when they are running low on certain items. It’s also important for a restaurant supervisor to know where all of the food is stored in order to keep track of it.

A good restaurant supervisor should also be able to make sure that the kitchen staff has everything they need to prepare meals. For example, if an employee asks for a specific type of pan or utensil, the supervisor should be able to find it quickly.

Organization

Organization is the ability to keep track of multiple tasks and responsibilities at once. As a restaurant supervisor, you may have many duties that require your attention throughout the day. Having strong organizational skills can help you prioritize your work and ensure all necessary steps are completed in a timely manner. It’s also important to be organized when planning for large events or gatherings, as this ensures everyone has what they need and nothing is forgotten.

Training & Development

A restaurant supervisor needs to be able to train and develop their staff. This means you need to know how to create a training program, identify areas of improvement for employees and provide feedback on performance. You also need to be able to help your employees grow in their roles by providing them with opportunities to learn new skills or take on more responsibility.

Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution is the ability to diffuse a situation and help people come to an agreement. As a restaurant supervisor, you may need to resolve conflicts between employees or customers. For example, if one employee feels another employee isn’t performing well, you can mediate the conversation and find a solution that satisfies everyone involved. You also might diffuse arguments between customers who have differing opinions about food quality or service.

Decision Making

A restaurant supervisor needs to make decisions about how to run their business. They need to decide what menu items to serve, which suppliers to use and how to handle customer complaints. A good decision maker can help a restaurant grow by making the right choices for the company’s success.

A restaurant manager also makes many small decisions throughout the day. For example, they might have to decide whether to give an employee time off or if it’s worth it to buy new equipment.

Food Preparation

Food preparation is the ability to prepare food for customers. This includes cooking, baking and seasoning meals as well as garnishing dishes with spices or sauces. Restaurant supervisors need to be able to prepare food in order to ensure that their staff members are following proper food safety procedures. They also need to know how to properly cook certain foods so they can taste test them when necessary.

Safety & Sanitation

Safety and sanitation are two of the most important aspects of a restaurant manager’s job. You need to ensure that your employees follow all health regulations, including maintaining clean work spaces and handling food properly. You also need to make sure that your staff follows safety protocols when working with equipment or chemicals. This ensures that everyone stays safe while working in the kitchen.

How Can I Learn These Restaurant Supervisor Skills?

There are a few ways that you can learn the necessary skills to become a restaurant supervisor. Many of these skills can be learned through on-the-job training, or by taking courses offered by your employer or through a vocational school. You can also learn these skills by reading books or articles on the subject, or by attending seminars or workshops.