10 Essential restaurant manager skills

Restaurant managers are the backbone of your restaurant operations. They require a blend of strong leadership and management skills. Additionally, they need customer service know-how to drive efficiency and deliver an exceptional dining experience.

In this article, we’ll learn about the role and discover the most sought-after restaurant manager skills, which enable them to lead teams and maintain the highest standards.

What does a restaurant manager do?

From front to the back of house, restaurant managers are responsible for making sure that operations run smoothly. They hire and train restaurant staff and help guarantee that they deliver excellent service. They also handle your establishment’s budget, oversee menu creation, and keep equipment and procedures safe and compliant.

Specifically, restaurant managers take charge of a wide range of essential duties, including:

• Scheduling shifts and overseeing employee performance
• Ordering supplies, tracking stock levels, and minimizing waste by managing inventory
• Addressing customer complaints and concerns
• Monitoring daily sales, expenses, and profitability
• Building and maintaining relationships with suppliers
• Keeping staff motivated, resolving conflicts, and fostering teamwork
• Organizing and coordinating special events, such as catering orders and private parties

10 Restaurant manager skills

Equip your restaurant managers with the skills to keep your operations running smoothly. Here are the most important restaurant management skills that will help keep your establishment efficient, profitable, and customer-focused:

Restaurant manager skill #1 - Leadership and communication

It goes without saying that a good restaurant manager needs to have strong leadership skills. A good leader sets the tone for the entire team. This creates an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to perform at their best. 

Leadership in a restaurant goes beyond simply overseeing operations—it involves inspiring staff and making decisions that keep the restaurant running smoothly, even during stressful times. A restaurant manager must lead by example, demonstrating professionalism and a positive attitude to help build trust and respect among the team.

In a restaurant, strong leadership skills rely on effective communication to guide the team. It is equally important to guarantee the success of the restaurant. A manager who communicates clearly and consistently with both the front and back-of-house teams helps make sure that everyone is on the same page, reducing misunderstandings and errors. 

Whether it's relaying customer feedback or giving instructions during busy hours, a manager’s communication skills can make all the difference in maintaining a harmonious and productive atmosphere. When leadership and communication work hand-in-hand, a restaurant can thrive, even in the face of challenges.

Recommended courses:

• Beginning to Lead a High-Performing Team by SC Training
• Leading Under Pressure by SC Training
• Effective Communication by SC Training
• Getting Your Voice Heard by SC Training

Breed leaders who make a difference with restaurant manager skills training! Sign up with SC Training today!

Restaurant manager skill #2 - Customer service

Customer service is at the heart of any successful restaurant, and a manager’s ability to oversee and enhance this aspect of the business is crucial. A restaurant manager must make sure that guests feel welcomed, valued, and satisfied with every aspect of their experience. 

This means not only overseeing the quality of food and service but also being proactive in addressing customer concerns by resolving issues quickly and anticipating needs. A manager who prioritizes customer service helps create a positive and memorable experience, which can turn first-time diners into loyal guests.

Recommended courses:

• Building a Customer-Focused Culture by SC Training
• How to Create Loyal Customers by SC Training
• Customer Service: Handling Complaints by SC Training

Restaurant manager skill #3 - Problem-solving

Problem-solving is one of the most essential skills for restaurant managers, as each day in the industry is unique. From unexpected staff shortages to equipment malfunctions or customer complaints, a manager must be ready to think on their feet and creatively find solutions. 

The ability to remain calm under pressure and assess situations objectively allows a restaurant manager to tackle challenges head-on. A good manager doesn't just focus on fixing the immediate issue but also looks for long-term solutions that prevent similar problems from arising in the future.

Effective problem-solving also involves working closely with the team to identify issues before they escalate. A proactive manager listens to staff members' concerns and encourages open communication. This fosters an environment where problems can be addressed early on.

Recommended courses:

• Dealing with Difficult Customers by SC Training
• Employee Illness Reporting For Food Service Operations by SC Training
• Food Contamination by SC Training

Restaurant manager skill #4 - Creativity

Creativity helps keep the business fresh, innovative, and adaptable in a competitive industry. A creative manager can think outside the box when it comes to creating new menu items, designing promotional campaigns, or finding ways to improve the guest experience. 

A manager's ability to think creatively plays a key role in keeping the restaurant dynamic and engaging for both staff and customers. From coming up with unique specials that attract customers to developing creative solutions to improve efficiency in the kitchen, creativity drives the restaurant's success.

Creativity also extends to how a manager handles challenges and evolves the restaurant’s atmosphere. When facing slow periods, a creative manager might introduce themed nights or seasonal events that draw in new guests. Similarly, when there’s a need for better teamwork, introducing new training programs can keep the staff motivated and connected.

SC Training offers interactive solutions that can be a breath of fresh air for your teams. Increase engagement with gamification features that can transform dull and uninspiring courses into fun and engaging lessons that teams can enjoy. Turn training into bite-sized games and watch your team swipe, tap, and match their way through valuable learning experiences.

Restaurant manager skill #5 - Time management

Time management is needed in a fast-paced restaurant environment that requires balancing multiple tasks at once. A manager's ability to prioritize tasks and stay organized directly impacts the efficiency of the restaurant.

Effective time management also involves anticipating potential challenges and preparing in advance. A restaurant manager who plans ahead can keep the restaurant running without unnecessary stress. Whether it’s setting up prep work for busy shifts or making sure there’s a backup plan for staffing shortages, proactive planning is key.

By managing their time well, managers can give adequate attention to each aspect of the business. This allows them to remain composed and focused so they can stay on top of everything from customer service to inventory management.

Recommended course:

• The Ultimate Guide to Personal Productivity by SC Training

Restaurant manager skill #6 - Financial management 

Financial management is among the most essential restaurant manager qualifications. It directly impacts the business's profitability and sustainability. A restaurant manager must be able to effectively track expenses, manage budgets, and maximize revenue. This means having a keen eye for cost control and managing food costs, labor expenses, and utility bills. 

By keeping a close watch on these financial aspects, a manager can make informed decisions that keep the restaurant profitable without compromising the quality of food or service. Proper financial management helps the restaurant remain competitive and can help withstand economic fluctuations.

Effective financial management also includes training the staff on the importance of maintaining cost-conscious practices, such as reducing waste or optimizing inventory. When a restaurant manager balances day-to-day financial decisions with long-term goals, they create a stable foundation that supports current success and future growth.

Recommended courses:

• Point-of-Sale Systems (Fast Casual) by SC Training
• Waste Management for Restaurants by SC Training

Restaurant manager skill #7 - Menu development

A well-thought-out menu not only reflects the restaurant’s concept and cuisine but also helps create a memorable dining experience. A manager involved in menu development must consider a variety of factors, such as food trends, seasonal ingredients, and customer preferences. 

Menus are typically a collaborative effort between chefs and managers. In larger operations, the manager may play a more active role in the overall direction and strategy of the menu. They help guarantee that the menu is innovative yet practical and profitable.

A strong menu can also streamline kitchen processes, making it easier for chefs to prepare dishes efficiently while minimizing food waste and controlling costs. Additionally, food allergy training is crucial for understanding the menu and handling allergens safely. This way, restaurant managers know how to safeguard customers’ health for a safer dining experience.

Recommended courses:

• Allergies and Food Intolerance in Restaurants by SC Training
• Food & Mood by SC Training
• Wine Pairings by SC Training

Restaurant manager skill #8 - Attention to detail

In restaurants, the smallest oversight can lead to larger problems that affect both the guest experience and the restaurant's operations. A manager who pays close attention to the little things helps maintain a high standard of service. 

Whether it’s making sure that every table is clean or the kitchen is stocked with the right ingredients, the manager can prevent issues long before they arise. Attention to detail helps with consistency. This is important in presenting a dish, keeping orders accurate, and interacting with guests.

A restaurant manager who is meticulous about these factors can create an environment where excellence becomes the norm, not the exception. When every detail is carefully managed, the chances of unexpected problems are minimized.

Recommended courses:

• Foreign Material Prevention by SC Training
• Food Prep by SC Training
• Personal Hygiene by SC Training

Restaurant manager skill #9 - Delegation and teamwork

A good manager knows they can't do everything alone. Trusting the team with responsibilities allows them to focus on higher-level tasks while keeping day-to-day operations running smoothly. Delegation helps maximize productivity by properly assigning tasks during busy shifts to empowering servers to take ownership of their sections.

Teamwork goes hand-in-hand with delegation, as it fosters a collaborative environment where everyone works together toward a common goal. In a restaurant, there’s no room for individuals to work in silos when success relies on seamless coordination. A strong manager builds a sense of unity among the staff to encourage mutual support. 

Recommended courses:

• Teamwork in the Hospitality Industry by SC Training
• Building Team Cohesion by SC Training

Restaurant manager skill #10 - Flexibility

From time to time, restaurants are confronted with sudden staffing shortages, changing customer demands, or unexpected supply chain issues. A manager must be able to adapt quickly to maintain seamless operations. When things don’t go as planned, managers should remain calm in making adjustments and solving challenging situations. 

Flexibility also means being open to new ideas. Managers should be open to change, whether it’s incorporating customer feedback, trying out new menu items, or experimenting with different service techniques. 

Flexibility in leadership is key to maintaining a positive work environment. A manager who is willing to adjust schedules or accommodate employees’ personal needs helps foster a sense of trust and loyalty among the staff. 

Recommended courses: 

• Adaptability by SC Training
• Leadership Strategy by SC Training
• Understanding and Planning Change by SC Training

Sharpen your team’s restaurant manager skills with SC Training

Build the leaders that your restaurant needs with the right food industry training. While some may have a natural talent for leadership, effective skills for restaurant managers are developed through hands-on experience, mentorship, and ongoing training.

From skill-based learning to theoretical know-how, explore these SC Training features to enhance your leaders’ restaurant manager skills:

• A powerful admin experience to deliver the right course to the right user every time
• Mobile-first platform, so you can reach all your team members, regardless of their location
• Custom certificates to meet your compliance needs and recognize managers as experts

Dish out top-tier customer experiences with SC Training!