8 Things to Look for When Hiring a Catering Manager

Your catering manager is important in the success of your catering business. This includes making successful events and providing customer service. The truth is that the right catering manager makes all the difference. Their duties include: 

• Directing catering staff 

• Keeping accurate records

• Maintaining health and safety codes 

Finding the right person for the job is important. Let’s break down the qualities to look for when hiring a catering manager.

8 Qualities of a Strong Catering Manager 

A good catering manager:

• Wears multiple hats 

• Oversees food preparation 

• Handles customer service and business needs 

They need varied skills to manage the changing hospitality industry. 

Catering manager responsibilities include: 

• Planning and working catered events
• Managing staff and vendor relationships
• Creating menus
• Knowing food hygiene and safety regulations
• Watching the budget and cost control

Let's explore the top qualities of a great catering manager. These include: 

1. Organizational Skills: Catering managers oversee multiple tasks, timelines, and teams. 
2. Industry Expertise: Understanding catering industry trends and best practices.
3. Leadership: A catering manager must motivate their team. 
4. Communication Skills: Clear communication is necessary for teaming with clients, vendors, and staff. 
5. Problem-Solving: A good catering manager handles challenges. 
6. Attention to Detail: Maintaining high standards throughout the event.
7. Financial Knowledge: Catering managers manage budgets, control costs, and maintain profits.
8. Passion for Hospitality: Individuals with a passion for hospitality provide better customer service.

4 Organizational Skills 

Organization is needed for a catering manager. That's because they juggle many tasks and responsibilities. Look for people who:

• Can rank tasks 

• Manage resources  

• Address details  

What to look for: 

1. Experience in managing many events and deadlines at the same time.
2. Ability to create detailed event schedules and checklists.
3. Skill in coordinating logistics, staff, and vendor relationships.
4. Ability to delegate tasks while keeping control of the event.

3 Event Planning and Execution Skills 

A background in managing catered events is a must. Your best candidate should have experience handling small gatherings and large corporate events. Choose candidates with: 

• A record of planning

• Who partner with vendors 

• Can providing smooth service

Look for: 

1. Experience in hospitality catering management.
2. Familiarity with different catering styles.
3. Ability to remain calm under pressure and adapt to changes.

3 Leadership and Team Management Skills 

Catering managers must be capable leaders. They must inspire their teams to be their best. Managing catering staff requires: 

• Leadership

• Motivation 

• Conflict resolution  

A great manager leads by example. Everything should make a positive workplace.

What to look for: 

1. Experience leading teams in high-pressure environments. 
2. A record of improving staff workflow and happiness. 
3. Ability to delegate tasks and provide feedback. 

3 Communication and Interpersonal Skills 

Excellent communication is a must when dealing with clients, vendors, and staff. A catering manager must:

• Set expectations 

• Deal with contracts

• Handle customer problems

• Be professional 

Interpersonal skills build lasting client relationships and help manage conflicts when they arise.  

What to look for: 

1. Confidence in negotiating with clients and suppliers.
2. Listening skills to understand client needs.
3. A customer-first approach.

3 Problem-Solving Skills 

Catering events are unpredictable. A catering manager must think on their feet. From menu changes to unexpected guest count additions, problem-solving is a must. They must be calm and find solutions. 

Choose interview questions that present challenges they may see on the job. This shows how they think on their feet and handle high-pressure situations.

What to look for: 

1. The ability to handle challenges.
2. Quick decisions that don't impact service quality.
3. Willingness to change plans while being professional.

Attention to Detail and Creativity 

In catering, every detail plays a significant role in making a memorable experience. A great catering manager knows the client’s vision, from the colors they like to the timing of food service.  

Creativity is needed for customized menus that match the guests’ preferences. Details and creative ideas go together to make a perfect event. 

What to look for: 

• An eye for detail in event planning and food quality.
• Ability to make exciting catering menus.
• Experience working within themes or dietary restrictions.

Financial and Budget Management 

Running a profitable catering business needs a catering manager with strong money skills. They should be able to:

• Create budgets 

• Control costs 

• Manage catering payment channels 

• Ensure the catering services are making money  

During the hiring process, ask about their:

• Experience with budgeting 

• Cost-saving ideas 

• Money planning for past events

Ask 1-2 questions to see their ability to use resources and boost profitability. 

Look for the following:

• Experience with catering budgets and cost control.
• Understanding of pricing strategies and cost tracking.
• Ability to use resources without spending too much.

Love for Hospitality and Customer Service 

A successful catering manager loves hospitality and giving great customer service. Their excitement sets the tone for your team. Every event should leave a lasting positive impression. 

Here's what to look for: 

• A customer-first service model. 
• Doing everything they can for a client. 
• Love for food, service, and the guest experience. 

FAQs About Catering Managers 

What does a catering manager do? 

A catering manager:

• Does the planning 

• Provides coordination

• Leads the catered events

They manage staff, talk with clients, handle vendor relationships, and make sure the food is safe and of high quality. 

They’re responsible for:  

• Making menus based on what the client wants 

• Managing budgets

• Making sure the event runs smoothly

They must also understand health and safety codes and provide great customer service.  

This role needs: 

• Strong leadership

• Communication 

• Planning skills  

How long does it take to become a catering manager? 

It often requires 3-7 years of experience in the catering or hospitality. Before starting a catering manager position, most professionals work in entry-level positions. This could be a catering assistant or event coordinator. This allows them to learn food service, event planning, and customer management and work their way up.  

Many catering managers also hold a degree in hospitality management or a related field. Hands-on experience, leadership skills, and working with varied catering teams also speed up the management journey. 

What is the highest position in catering? 

It is the Executive Chef or Director of Catering. The Executive Chef:

• Watches over kitchen duties 

• Is in charge of the catering menu design and food preparation

• Makes sure all meals meet high standards

The Director of Catering is:

• Responsible for all catering operations 

• The contact for clients relationships

• In charge of overall event coordination

Both are senior roles that need experience in catering management, leadership, and the catering industry. Both roles also come with higher salaries.

Do catering companies make a lot of money? 

Catering companies can be profitable. But their earnings depend on: 

• Booked events 

• The clients

• The business model 

High-end catering services for weddings, corporate events, and galas make more money. However, the net profit may be lower due to high ingredient, staff, and equipment costs. 

Success in catering relies on:

• Efficient operations

• Controlling costs

• Getting repeat clients 

Catering companies that focus on a specific thing (like gluten-free or vegan catering) or expensive markets (like weddings, corporate fundraisers, and conferences) typically earn more. That's because they offer special services that clients want. 

What type of catering is most profitable? 

Weddings, corporate galas, and upscale parties often make the most money. These events have higher budgets and larger guest lists. That lets catering businesses charge more.  

Catering services that specialize in special markets, such as organic, vegan, or culturally specific menus, often have higher prices. Corporate catering is another profitable area. 

Hiring Your First or Next Catering Manager 

Finding the right catering manager is essential. Focus on candidates who have strong:  

• Leadership

• Organization

• Communication

• Problem-solving ability 

• Attention to detail

• Money knowledge

A love for hospitality is just as important.