Understanding how to become a restaurant manager involves gaining experience in various roles and developing skills in leadership and customer service. A restaurant manager is a key member of a restaurant team, ensuring customers have a pleasant and comfortable dining experience. The role involves supervising restaurant operations and ensuring everything runs smoothly and on time.

To be a restaurant manager, you need to lead a staff team, organise the menu and the restaurant’s working hours, and manage finances and customer complaints. If you love working with food, enjoy serving people, and are good at managing a team, restaurant management may be your dream career. This guide will show you how to become a restaurant manager, the qualifications you need, and the key skills every restaurant manager must have.

What Does a Restaurant Manager Do?

Restaurant managers are responsible for running a restaurant efficiently. Their job is a multifunctional position that combines elements of customer service, staff management, and financial management. The main responsibilities of the restaurant manager can be listed as follows:

• Staff Management: Employing, training, and supervising staff, including waiters, cooks, and kitchen staff. Preparing staff rotas and addressing any personnel issues that arise. Ensuring a motivated and efficient team to deliver excellent service.
• Customer Service: Keeping customers happy by addressing their needs and concerns promptly. Answering complaints effectively to ensure satisfaction. Fostering a welcoming atmosphere that encourages repeat visits.
• Operations Management: Overseeing the daily operations of the restaurant, including food preparation and cleanliness. Managing inventory to ensure adequate supplies are available. Streamlining processes to enhance efficiency and service quality.
• Financial Management: Tracking the restaurant’s budget and expenditure to ensure financial health. Deciding prices strategically to maximise profit while remaining competitive. Handling administrative tasks such as paying wages and suppliers.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring the restaurant adheres to health, safety, and licensing regulations. Maintaining food hygiene standards and compliance with alcohol licensing laws. Conducting regular checks to uphold safety and quality standards.
• Marketing and Promotion: Designing marketing strategies that attract customers and enhance visibility. Implementing promotions and social media campaigns to engage the audience. Planning special events to boost business and create memorable experiences.

Types of Restaurant Managers

Different types of restaurant managers exist depending on the type and size of the restaurant. Some of the most common types of restaurant managers  are:

• Fine Dining Manager: Works in upscale restaurants, focusing on attention to detail and exceptional service. Responsible for creating a high-end dining experience for guests. Ensures that all aspects of the restaurant meet luxury standards.
• Casual Dining Manager: Manages restaurants with a relaxed atmosphere, prioritising customer satisfaction. Focuses on efficient service and staff attendance to enhance the dining experience. Balances a welcoming environment with operational efficiency.
• Fast Food Manager: Oversees fast-food restaurants, emphasising quick service and consistency. Manages high customer turnover while maintaining quality standards. Ensures that staff follow procedures for efficient operations.
• Café Manager: Responsible for the daily operations of small, casual eating establishments. Manages staff, customer service, and food quality in cafés or coffee shops. Creates a friendly atmosphere for customers during breakfast and lunch hours.
• Franchise Manager: Manages a chain restaurant, ensuring compliance with the parent company’s policies. Responsible for maintaining brand standards across locations. Oversees training and support for staff to deliver a consistent customer experience.

Average Restaurant Manager Salary in the UK

The salary for a restaurant manager in the UK varies depending on the type of restaurant, location, and level of experience. Entry-level restaurant managers typically earn between £22,000 and £28,000 annually.

With more experience, mid-level restaurant managers can expect to earn between £30,000 and £40,000. For senior managers or those working in high-end establishments, such as fine dining or popular franchises, salaries can exceed £45,000. In larger chains or prestigious restaurants, bonuses and profit-sharing opportunities may significantly boost income.

Key Skills for a Successful Restaurant Manager

A great restaurant manager needs leadership skills and the ability to work with people while managing the restaurant from an organisational perspective. Essential skills required for a restaurant manager include:

• Leadership: Restaurant managers must motivate staff and ensure the team’s well-being. They create a positive work environment that encourages collaboration and productivity. Strong leadership fosters loyalty and commitment among employees. Effective managers lead by example and inspire their teams.
• Communication Skills: Understanding customer needs and providing a seamless experience require strong communication skills, both in person and over the phone. Effective communication is also necessary when dealing with staff, suppliers, owners, and other stakeholders.
• Organisational Skills: Keeping track of inventory, scheduling employees, and overseeing the restaurant’s finances involves juggling many tasks. Good organisational skills are essential for maintaining order and efficiency in daily operations. Managers must prioritise tasks effectively to meet deadlines. An organised approach helps prevent potential issues before they arise.
• Customer Service: Exceptional customer service is key to the restaurant’s success and reputation. Ensuring that all customers are satisfied with their dining experience encourages repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth. Managers train staff to handle requests and complaints professionally. A strong focus on customer service fosters a loyal customer base.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Problems can arise at any moment, whether between staff and customers or within the kitchen. Restaurant managers must possess strong problem-solving skills to address these issues effectively and promptly. They should remain calm under pressure and think critically to find solutions. Proactive problem-solving enhances the overall dining experience.
• Financial Acumen: Understanding restaurant finances, such as budgets, pricing for gross profit margins, utilising cost controls, and managing cash flow, is crucial for success. Financial acumen helps managers make informed decisions that impact profitability. Regular analysis of financial performance ensures sustainability. Effective financial management supports long-term growth.
• Quality Control: A good manager oversees quality, from food to staff to overall cleanliness. They establish and maintain high standards to ensure a consistent customer experience. Regular checks and training help uphold these standards across all areas. Quality control contributes to a positive reputation and customer satisfaction.
• Time Management: Restaurant managers often work between 40 and 60 hours per week, necessitating effective time management. They must organise their schedules to complete all tasks efficiently and correctly. Prioritising tasks helps ensure that critical responsibilities are addressed first. Strong time management skills lead to smoother operations and reduced stress.

How to Become a Restaurant Manager in the UK

Here’s how you can become a restaurant manager in the UK:

• Get the Right Education: Formal education is not necessarily required, but having a degree or diploma in hospitality management, business administration, or culinary arts can help set you up for success. Hospitality management courses typically include elements of staff management and customer safety practices—all useful for a restaurant manager. Alternatively, apprenticeships in hospitality, tourism, or food service management are excellent options if you prefer to learn by doing while earning.
• Gain Work Experience: Work experience in a restaurant is key to becoming a restaurant manager. Most managers start as waitstaff, bar staff, or kitchen porters, working their way up the ladder. These roles provide insight into how a restaurant operates and allow you to learn valuable customer service and team management skills. Experience as an assistant manager or shift supervisor further prepares you for the managerial role.
• Develop Customer Service and Leadership Skills: Good customer service is the foundation of a restaurant. Working in customer-facing roles helps you hone your communication and service skills. Leadership abilities can be developed through supervisory positions or by leading smaller teams. You can also take university courses or workshops in leadership, team management, and conflict resolution to enhance these skills.
• Obtain Certification and Training: Whether working in a restaurant where you don’t cook or one where you prepare food, you may require certifications in food safety and hygiene, alcohol licensing, or other specific areas. These certifications are often mandated by law and demonstrate compliance with food safety and health regulations. You can obtain various food safety and management certificates from bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), the Institute of Hospitality, or the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT).
• Apply for Assistant or Manager-in-Training Positions: Many people start as assistant managers or managers-in-training before becoming full restaurant managers. These positions allow you to learn about managing a restaurant while working under the guidance of a senior manager. Most chains and franchises run formal training programmes for those aspiring to manage their restaurants, covering everything from the food business to managing finances and customer relations.
• Keep Up with Restaurant Trends: The restaurant industry is constantly evolving, with new dining styles, customer preferences, and technology changing the landscape. Staying informed about trends in sustainability, local sourcing, digital ordering systems, and more is essential. Networking with others in the hospitality sector, attending conferences, and joining associations such as the Institute of Hospitality will keep you updated on the latest best practices.

Tips for Aspiring Restaurant Managers

If you’re considering starting a career as a restaurant manager, here are some tips to help you on your journey:

• Get Experience in Various Areas of the Restaurant: Work in both the kitchen and front of the house to understand how different parts of the operation fit together. Experience in both areas allows you to appreciate each team’s role and responsibilities. This knowledge is invaluable for effective management. It also enhances your ability to address challenges across the restaurant.
• Develop Financial Literacy: Cultivate the ability to manage the restaurant’s finances effectively for long-term success. Learn to keep costs down while ensuring quality service and products. Master budgeting for cash flow and staffing to optimise resources. Understanding profit margins will empower you to make informed decisions that drive profitability.
• Take Advice from a Mentor: If possible, seek experience working for a successful manager or find a professional mentor. A mentor can provide invaluable insights and guidance tailored to your career goals. Learning from their experiences helps you navigate challenges more effectively. This relationship can also expand your professional network within the industry.

Get Qualified as a Restaurant Manager 

Restaurant Management Online Course, Certificate in Restaurant Management, Diploma in Restaurant Management, Restaurant Management Training

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should You Become a Restaurant Manager?

To be a restaurant manager, you should have a passion for working in a bustling and intense environment, engaging with people, and leading a team. You can drive a business and contribute to enhancing customer experience and the overall success of the restaurant. Additionally, this role offers diverse daily challenges, such as managing staff, meeting customers’ needs, and improving the restaurant’s financial performance.

Is a Career as a Restaurant Manager Right for You?

Working as a restaurant manager suits individuals with strong organisational skills who enjoy leadership positions and thrive in a fast-paced, customer-facing environment. If you possess good problem-solving abilities, have an interest in hospitality, and can multitask under pressure, this role could be a great fit for you.

What Are the Salary Prospects for Restaurant Managers in the UK?

Salaries for entry-level restaurant managers range from £22,000 to £28,000 per year. Experienced managers can earn between £30,000 and £40,000, depending on the size of the restaurant and its location. Senior managers or those in fine dining establishments can earn more than £45,000. In some cases, managers may also receive bonuses or profit-sharing based on performance.

What Qualifications Are Needed to Become a Restaurant Manager?

While formal qualifications aren’t always necessary, many restaurant managers hold a degree or diploma in hospitality management, business administration, or culinary arts. You may also need certifications in food safety, health and safety, and alcohol licensing, especially in more upmarket or larger establishments. In some cases, apprenticeships or on-the-job training schemes may be preferred over a degree, as hands-on experience is vital in the restaurant industry.

Do You Need Work Experience to Start a Career as a Restaurant Manager?

Yes, experience is crucial for becoming a restaurant manager. Most managers begin their careers as entry-level workers, such as waitstaff, bar staff, or kitchen assistants, and work their way up to managerial positions. Hands-on experience in customer service and understanding how a restaurant operates from the ground up is essential. Employers often seek candidates who have served as assistant managers, shift supervisors, or in other leadership roles before applying for a managerial position.

What Is the Career Outlook for Restaurant Managers?

The prospect of a career in restaurant management is bright, especially in the UK, where the hotel and restaurant sector has seen steady growth in recent years. New dining concepts, restaurant chains, and independent establishments are opening almost daily, creating a healthy demand for capable restaurant managers. Those who can adapt to changing consumer trends, such as sustainability, delivery, and digital ordering systems, are particularly sought after. Opportunities are available in conventional restaurants, cafés, fast food chains, hotels, and event venues.

What Are the Career Progression Options for Restaurant Managers?

There are numerous career options for a restaurant manager. A manager with a few years of experience can advance to regional or district management, overseeing multiple restaurants or branches. In the hospitality industry, some managers specialise in operations, marketing, or training. A restaurant manager can also leverage their skills to own or manage a restaurant franchise or open an independent establishment. Additionally, many restaurant managers transition to more senior roles in hospitality consultancy or food and beverage management within hotels or large hospitality groups.

What Are the Exit Options and Opportunities Beyond the Restaurant Manager Role?

The skills acquired as a restaurant manager—leadership, financial management, and customer service—are transferable, allowing for movement into areas such as event management, hotel management, catering management, or retail management. There are also consulting opportunities, where former restaurant managers advise businesses on improving operations, marketing, or customer service. For those interested in education, transitioning into training roles to teach the next generation of hospitality professionals in schools and culinary institutes is a viable option.