Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Program: Career Facts - Food Management Specialist
Other Careers:
Hotel-Motel
Manager
Travel Agent,
Culinary Arts
Specialist
Food Management Specialist
What is a food
management specialist?
Food managers are leaders of the 11 million food service workers
nationally who serve the public's need for meals eaten away from
home. (Fifty percent of all meals are eaten away from home.)
Expansions of chains and franchises, nationally and internationally,
have opened opportunities for advancement like never before.
Employers are showing an increased preference for college-trained
personnel in food service establishments.
What types of skills are required?
Skills in basic food preparation techniques, accounting communication,
marketing, and management are required. Also, personal qualities such as
organization, problem solving, attention to details, personal stamina,
ability to work under pressure and still perform duties quickly and efficiently
and the ability to work in a team environment are important. Patience,
tact, and a sense of humor are additional plusses.
Where are they employed?
Food management specialists work in restaurants, clubs, resorts,
institutional food service, business and industry hotels and other
similar establishments.
What degree is available?
An associate degree in business is offered in hotel-motel/food
management specialist with specialization in food management.
This program area also offers many personal interest courses in food
preparation.
What is the salary range?
The local starting salary ranges from $18,000 to $25,000 per year.
Nationally, median salary is $28,600 and food management specialists may expect
annual earnings starting at $16,000 and increasing to as much as $100,000+ with
extensive experience and wide-ranging management responsibilities.
