How to Be Food Service Supervisor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 22, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The Food Service Supervisor is an important role in the food service industry, and they are responsible for ensuring that daily operations are running smoothly. They are responsible for overseeing staff, ordering supplies, and controlling inventory, among other tasks. As a result, they have a direct effect on the profitability of the business, as their decisions can directly impact the overall cost of goods and services. Additionally, they have a large influence on the customer experience, as they manage customer service interactions and ensure that all orders are fulfilled in a timely manner.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma or GED. Food service supervisors typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Complete a Food Service Management Certificate Program. Many employers prefer to hire food service supervisors who have completed a food service management certificate program, which typically takes six to 12 months to complete.
Obtain Work Experience. Working in a food service environment is highly beneficial for those seeking to become food service supervisors. This experience can be obtained through working as a cook, waiter, dishwasher, etc.
Take On Managerial Responsibilities. Once you have obtained some work experience in the food service industry, you may want to consider taking on managerial responsibilities. This may include supervising staff, managing inventory, and ensuring that food safety standards are met.
Consider Further Education. Some employers may prefer to hire supervisors who have completed a college degree program in restaurant or hospitality management.
Obtain a Food Safety Certification. Obtaining a food safety certification is essential for those wishing to become food service supervisors. This certification will demonstrate your knowledge of food safety laws and regulations.
Obtain a License. Depending on the state where you live, you may need to obtain a license to become a food service supervisor. Licensing requirements vary by state.

Being an effective Food Service Supervisor requires a combination of qualifications, experience, and a commitment to excellence. Qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent and a food safety certification. Experience in the food service industry is also beneficial, particularly in food preparation, customer service, and staff management.

Commitment to excellence involves having a positive attitude, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to lead and motivate employees. By having these qualifications and experience, a Food Service Supervisor can create an efficient and safe environment for customers and staff, leading to increased customer satisfaction and improved business results.

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Job Description

Ensure that food service staff follows all laws, regulations, and safety standards.
Monitor staff performance, provide feedback, and take corrective action when needed.
Supervise the preparation and cooking of food items.
Train staff on proper food handling and sanitation procedures.
Manage inventory and order supplies as needed.
Monitor and maintain food quality and presentation.
Set up and break down workstations and equipment.
Resolve customer complaints in a timely and professional manner.
Develop menus and calculate food costs to ensure profitability.
Monitor food costs and budgeting to control expenses.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of food safety regulations and guidelines
Excellent customer service and communication skills
Strong leadership and organizational skills
Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize workload
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Computer literacy with experience in restaurant management software
Experience with scheduling and budgeting
Ability to train and motivate staff
Knowledge of food preparation and presentation
Attention to detail and problem-solving skills

Having strong leadership and communication skills is essential for a successful Food Service Supervisor. This is because they are responsible for coordinating the work of staff in the kitchen, ensuring standards are maintained and that tasks are completed on time. Good communication ensures that everyone understands their role and responsibilities, and that any changes or issues are communicated effectively.

Leadership skills are also essential as the supervisor must be able to motivate employees and guide them towards achieving the desired goals. Furthermore, strong problem-solving skills are necessary in order to quickly solve any issues that arise and to maintain high-quality standards. Finally, having excellent organizational skills ensures that tasks are allocated and managed efficiently and that food orders are handled in an efficient manner.

All of these skills are essential for a Food Service Supervisor to be successful.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in working in food service?
What challenges have you faced in the food service industry and how did you overcome them?
How do you ensure customer satisfaction?
How would you handle a difficult customer complaint?
What strategies have you used to ensure high quality food safety standards?
How do you motivate and manage staff members in a busy food service environment?
How do you ensure accurate inventory and cost control?
What methods have you used to maintain a positive working relationship with vendors?
How do you stay up-to-date with new trends in the food service industry?
How do you handle scheduling conflicts between staff members?

Common Tools in Industry

Scheduling Software. Allows a Food Service Supervisor to create and manage staff schedules, track attendance and payroll, and plan for peak times. (eg: When I Work)
Point of Sale System. A computerized system that records sales, providing data on customer purchases and trends. (eg: Square)
Stock Inventory System. Automates the tracking and management of inventory levels, orders, and deliveries. (eg: Stock Keeper)
Customer Relationship Management Software. Manages customer data, allowing a Food Service Supervisor to track customer preferences and create personalized promotions. (eg: Salesforce)
Accounting Software. Automates the financial tracking of a business, including payroll, taxes, and invoicing. (eg: Quickbooks)
Kitchen Display System. Digital screens that show orders to kitchen staff, streamlining the food preparation process. (eg: Toast)
Kitchen Management System. Tracks food usage to help identify ways to reduce food waste and control costs. (eg: Optimum Control)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Restaurant Association
International Food Service Executives Association
Food Marketing Institute
National Association of College and University Food Services
International Foodservice Manufacturers Association
National Concessions & Catering Association
Society for Foodservice Management
American Culinary Federation
Women Chefs & Restaurateurs
Retail Bakers of America

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Common Important Terms

Food Safety. Food safety is the practice of safely handling, preparing, and storing food to prevent foodborne illness.
HACCP. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) is a systematic approach to food safety that identifies and controls biological, chemical, and physical hazards during the production process.
Sanitation. Sanitation is the practice of keeping food safe from contamination by bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.
Food Handling. Food handling is the practice of safely handling food from the time it is purchased or prepared until it is served or stored.
Inventory Management. Inventory management is the process of tracking and controlling the ordering, storage, and use of ingredients and supplies in a foodservice operation.
Cost Control. Cost control is the practice of monitoring and controlling expenses related to foodservice operations in order to maximize profits.
Menu Planning. Menu planning is the process of developing and organizing menus that offer a variety of appealing and nutritious options while taking cost into consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job description of a Food Service Supervisor?

A Food Service Supervisor is responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of a food service establishment, such as ordering and inventory of supplies, training and supervising staff, enforcing health and safety regulations, and providing customer service.

What qualifications are necessary to be a Food Service Supervisor?

To be a Food Service Supervisor, one must have a high school diploma or equivalent, at least one year of related experience in the food service industry, and knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and nutrition.

What are the working hours of a Food Service Supervisor?

A Food Service Supervisor typically works full-time hours and may be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays.

What is the average salary for a Food Service Supervisor?

The average salary for a Food Service Supervisor can range from $23,000 to $35,000 per year depending on experience and location.

What are some common duties of a Food Service Supervisor?

Common duties of a Food Service Supervisor include scheduling and supervising staff, monitoring supplies and inventory levels, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, budgeting and ordering supplies, maintaining records and reports, and responding to customer inquiries.