Top 12 Restaurant Assistant Manager Skills to Put on Your Resume

Landing a coveted position as a restaurant assistant manager requires a well-crafted resume that highlights your most pertinent skills in the hospitality industry. This introduction will guide you through the top 12 skills that can make your application stand out, ensuring you capture the attention of hiring managers by showcasing your ability to thrive in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.

Restaurant Assistant Manager Skills

1. POS Systems
2. Inventory Management
3. Customer Service
4. Team Leadership
5. Scheduling Software
6. Conflict Resolution
7. Financial Reporting
8. Health & Safety
9. Staff Training
10. Menu Planning
11. OpenTable
12. Food Safety

1. POS Systems

POS (Point of Sale) Systems for a restaurant are digital platforms that manage transactions, orders, and payments, integrating with inventory and customer management tools to streamline operations and enhance the dining experience.

Why It's Important

POS systems are crucial for a Restaurant Assistant Manager as they streamline operations by managing orders, processing payments, tracking inventory, and generating sales reports, ultimately enhancing efficiency and customer service.

How to Improve POS Systems Skills

To improve POS systems in a restaurant setting, an Assistant Manager should focus on:

1. Integration - Ensure the POS system integrates seamlessly with inventory management, online ordering platforms, and accounting software for efficient operations. Square and Toast are good examples.

2. User-Friendly Interface - Opt for systems with an intuitive interface to reduce training time and errors. TouchBistro is designed specifically for restaurant staff ease of use.

3. Mobility - Use mobile or handheld POS systems to take orders directly at the table, speeding up service and improving accuracy. Consider solutions like Lightspeed.

4. Customer Management - Choose a POS system that supports customer relationship management (CRM) features to track preferences and dining history, enhancing personalized service. Revel Systems offers robust CRM features.

5. Reporting and Analytics - Utilize POS systems with advanced reporting capabilities to gain insights into sales trends, inventory levels, and staff performance for informed decision-making. ShopKeep by Lightspeed provides comprehensive analytics.

Improving your POS system involves selecting a solution that not only fits your current needs but is scalable to adapt as your restaurant grows.

How to Display POS Systems Skills on Your Resume

2. Inventory Management

Inventory management in a restaurant context involves tracking and controlling the stock of ingredients and supplies to ensure the establishment operates efficiently, reduces waste, and maintains optimal levels of inventory to meet customer demand without overstocking.

Why It's Important

Inventory management is crucial for a Restaurant Assistant Manager because it ensures the optimal stock levels of ingredients to meet customer demand without overstocking, minimizes food waste, controls costs, and maximizes profitability.

How to Improve Inventory Management Skills

Improving inventory management in a restaurant setting involves several strategic steps aimed at optimizing stock levels, reducing waste, and ensuring the availability of ingredients. Here's a concise guide for a Restaurant Assistant Manager:

1. Implement an Inventory Management System: Use software that tracks inventory in real time. This helps in understanding usage patterns and predicting future needs. Square and Toast offer restaurant-specific inventory management features.

2. Conduct Regular Inventory Audits: Regularly compare physical inventory counts with what's recorded in your system to identify discrepancies early. This process is crucial for maintaining accuracy. Shopventory is a tool that simplifies inventory audits.

3. Establish Par Levels: Determine the minimum amount of each product that must be on hand at all times. Adjust these levels based on seasonality and upcoming events. Tools like MarketMan can assist in setting and maintaining par levels.

4. First-In, First-Out (FIFO): Ensure older stock is used before newer stock. This is particularly important in a restaurant to prevent food spoilage. Visual organization and labeling systems in your storage areas can help implement FIFO effectively.

5. Negotiate with Suppliers: Build good relationships with suppliers to negotiate better prices or to return unused inventory. This can significantly reduce costs and waste.

6. Train Your Staff: Make sure all staff members understand the importance of inventory management and how they can contribute to its success. This includes proper storage, recording, and reporting practices.

7. Monitor Trends and Adapt: Use your inventory management system to monitor trends and adapt your ordering and menu accordingly. Reducing the menu complexity can also simplify inventory management.

8. Reduce Waste: Implement strategies to reduce waste, such as using inventory nearing its expiration in specials or donating it. Too Good To Go is an app that helps businesses reduce waste by selling surplus food.

By focusing on these areas, a Restaurant Assistant Manager can significantly improve their inventory management practices, leading to reduced costs, less waste, and a more efficient operation.

How to Display Inventory Management Skills on Your Resume

3. Customer Service

Customer service, in the context of a Restaurant Assistant Manager, involves ensuring guests have a satisfying dining experience by managing staff, addressing complaints, and maintaining high standards of service and hospitality.

Why It's Important

Customer service is crucial for a Restaurant Assistant Manager because it directly influences customer satisfaction, repeat business, and word-of-mouth reputation, ultimately impacting the restaurant's success and profitability.

How to Improve Customer Service Skills

Improving customer service, especially for a Restaurant Assistant Manager, involves a mix of communication, responsiveness, and proactive problem-solving. Here are concise steps with resources for deep dives:

1. Train Staff Regularly: Ensure your staff is well-trained in customer service skills. This guide offers tips for effective employee training.

2. Listen to Customer Feedback: Actively seek out and listen to customer feedback, including complaints, to identify areas for improvement. Tools like SurveyMonkey can help collect feedback.

3. Implement a Loyalty Program: Reward repeat customers to encourage loyalty. Here's how to create a successful loyalty program.

4. Engage with Customers on Social Media: Use social media platforms to engage with customers and address their concerns promptly. Social Media Today offers strategies for engagement.

5. Personalize the Customer Experience: Personal touches can make a big difference. This article explains the importance of personalization in customer experience.

6. Ensure Cleanliness and Safety: Always prioritize the cleanliness and safety of your restaurant. The CDC’s guidelines for restaurants and bars provide crucial information.

7. Resolve Issues Swiftly: Address and resolve customer issues quickly and efficiently. American Express provides tips for handling customer complaints effectively.

By focusing on these areas, a Restaurant Assistant Manager can significantly improve customer service, leading to increased satisfaction and loyalty.

How to Display Customer Service Skills on Your Resume

4. Team Leadership

Team leadership, in the context of a Restaurant Assistant Manager, involves guiding and motivating staff to achieve operational excellence, ensuring customer satisfaction, and fostering a positive, collaborative work environment to meet the restaurant's goals.

Why It's Important

Team leadership is crucial for a Restaurant Assistant Manager as it ensures efficient coordination, motivation, and direction of staff to provide exceptional customer service, maintain high-quality standards, and achieve operational goals, ultimately contributing to the success and profitability of the restaurant.

How to Improve Team Leadership Skills

Improving team leadership, especially for a Restaurant Assistant Manager, involves enhancing communication, motivation, and problem-solving skills. Here are concise steps with relevant resources:

1. Develop Effective Communication: Tailor your communication style to fit your team's needs. Be clear, concise, and listen actively. Toast offers insights on improving restaurant management through better communication.

2. Motivate Your Team: Recognize individual and team achievements. Implement incentive programs to boost morale. Rewards Network discusses strategies to motivate restaurant staff.

3. Problem-Solving Skills: Enhance your ability to quickly resolve conflicts and operational challenges. The National Restaurant Association provides tips on improving problem-solving skills in a restaurant setting.

4. Time Management: Prioritize tasks and delegate effectively. Efficient time management can significantly improve team productivity. 7shifts offers time management tips for restaurants.

5. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest trends in the restaurant industry and leadership. Platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning offer courses on leadership and management.

By focusing on these areas, you can significantly improve your leadership skills, contributing to a more efficient and motivated team.

How to Display Team Leadership Skills on Your Resume

5. Scheduling Software

Scheduling software is a digital tool that helps restaurant assistant managers efficiently organize and manage staff shifts, work hours, and tasks to ensure optimal staffing levels and operational flow.

Why It's Important

Scheduling software is crucial for a Restaurant Assistant Manager as it streamlines staff scheduling, ensures optimal shift coverage, reduces conflicts, and improves overall operational efficiency, allowing for better focus on customer service and restaurant performance.

How to Improve Scheduling Software Skills

To improve scheduling software for a Restaurant Assistant Manager, focus on the following key aspects:

1. User-Friendly Interface: Ensure the software has an intuitive design that allows for easy navigation and scheduling. This reduces training time and increases adoption rates. Square offers an example of user-friendly design.

2. Integration Capabilities: The software should seamlessly integrate with existing systems like payroll, POS, and HR management tools to streamline operations. Zenefits is known for its integration capabilities.

3. Mobile Accessibility: Ensure the software has a robust mobile app or mobile-friendly web interface, allowing managers and staff to access schedules anytime, anywhere. 7shifts provides a mobile app designed for restaurant scheduling.

4. Real-Time Updates and Notifications: The system should send instant updates and notifications for shift changes, approvals, and requests, minimizing miscommunication. When I Work excels in real-time communication.

5. Labor Compliance: Incorporate features that help manage labor laws and regulations compliance, including break rules and overtime. Deputy offers tools for staying compliant.

6. Reporting and Analytics: Advanced reporting tools can help managers make informed decisions based on labor costs, peak hours, and staff performance. Toast integrates analytics well for restaurants.

7. Flexible Scheduling Options: Support for various scheduling needs, including split shifts, doubles, and rotation schedules, can accommodate the dynamics of restaurant staffing. HotSchedules is versatile in handling diverse scheduling demands.

By focusing on these improvements and exploring solutions that emphasize these features, you can significantly enhance the effectiveness of scheduling software in a restaurant setting.

How to Display Scheduling Software Skills on Your Resume

6. Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution, in the context of a Restaurant Assistant Manager, involves identifying, addressing, and resolving disputes or disagreements among staff, customers, or suppliers effectively and diplomatically to maintain a positive and productive working environment.

Why It's Important

Conflict resolution is crucial for a Restaurant Assistant Manager as it ensures a harmonious work environment, maintains staff morale and efficiency, and ensures customer satisfaction by promptly addressing and resolving any disputes or issues that arise, ultimately contributing to the restaurant's success and reputation.

How to Improve Conflict Resolution Skills

Improving conflict resolution, especially for a Restaurant Assistant Manager, involves honing skills that enable effective communication, empathy, and problem-solving. Here are concise steps with resources for further exploration:

1. Active Listening: Ensure you fully understand both sides of the conflict by listening without interrupting. MindTools provides strategies for improving listening skills.

2. Empathy: Show genuine concern for the feelings and perspectives of all parties involved. The Greater Good Science Center offers habits to cultivate empathy.

3. Clear Communication: Communicate your thoughts and solutions clearly and assertively. HelpGuide offers tips on improving communication skills.

4. Problem-Solving: Work collaboratively to find a win-win situation. The MindTools Problem Solving section can guide you through effective problem-solving techniques.

5. Follow-up: After resolving the conflict, check back with the parties involved to ensure the resolution has been effective and no new issues have arisen. Harvard Business Review provides insights on effective follow-up strategies.

By focusing on these areas, you can improve your conflict resolution skills, leading to a more harmonious work environment in the restaurant.

How to Display Conflict Resolution Skills on Your Resume

7. Financial Reporting

Financial reporting, in the context of a Restaurant Assistant Manager, involves preparing and presenting accurate financial statements and summaries, such as sales revenue, expenses, and profit margins, to support decision-making and demonstrate the restaurant's financial performance over a specific period.

Why It's Important

Financial reporting provides critical insights into a restaurant's financial health, enabling an Assistant Manager to track revenue, manage expenses, and make informed decisions to enhance profitability and operational efficiency.

How to Improve Financial Reporting Skills

Improving financial reporting, particularly for a Restaurant Assistant Manager, involves focusing on accuracy, clarity, and timely dissemination of financial information. Here's a concise guide:

1. Implement Efficient Software: Adopt restaurant management software that integrates sales, inventory, and payroll for real-time reporting.

2. Regular Training: Ensure staff, especially those handling transactions or inventory, receive ongoing training on the importance of accurate data entry.

3. Streamline Processes: Create standard operating procedures (SOPs) for financial transactions to minimize errors and discrepancies.

4. Frequent Audits: Conduct regular internal audits to verify the accuracy of financial records and compliance with SOPs.

5. Utilize Financial Dashboards: Implement a dashboard for real-time financial metrics, aiding in quicker decision-making. Tableau offers insights on creating effective financial dashboards.

6. Improve Communication: Foster open communication between departments to ensure financial data is shared promptly and accurately. Effective communication strategies in the workplace can greatly assist in this area.

7. Seek Feedback: Regularly obtain feedback from staff on the financial reporting process to identify areas for improvement. Feedback strategies can help in structuring this process.

By focusing on these areas, a Restaurant Assistant Manager can significantly improve the financial reporting process, leading to better financial health and decision-making for the restaurant.

How to Display Financial Reporting Skills on Your Resume

8. Health & Safety

Health & Safety in the context of a Restaurant Assistant Manager involves ensuring that the restaurant operates in compliance with laws and regulations related to food safety and hygiene, workplace safety, and public health. This includes overseeing the proper handling and storage of food, maintaining a clean and safe environment for both staff and customers, and implementing procedures to prevent accidents and illnesses.

Why It's Important

Health & Safety are crucial in a restaurant setting to ensure the well-being of both employees and customers, prevent foodborne illnesses, and comply with legal regulations, thereby maintaining the establishment's reputation and operational efficiency.

How to Improve Health & Safety Skills

Improving Health & Safety in a restaurant environment, especially for an Assistant Manager, involves a multifaceted approach focusing on training, compliance, and continuous improvement. Here are concise steps with resources for further guidance:

1. Training: Ensure all staff undergo regular health and safety training, including food handling, fire safety, and first aid. This training should be updated annually or whenever new regulations or risks are identified.

2. Compliance: Familiarize yourself with and adhere to local health and safety regulations which cover everything from food storage to sanitation practices. Regularly review these regulations to stay compliant.

3. Risk Assessment: Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards in the restaurant, such as slip and trip hazards, and take corrective actions to mitigate these risks.

4. Emergency Preparedness: Develop and maintain an emergency action plan that includes procedures for dealing with fires, injuries, and other emergencies. Regular drills should be conducted to ensure staff are familiar with these procedures.

5. Health & Hygiene: Implement strict health and hygiene practices, including frequent handwashing, wearing gloves, and proper food storage methods to prevent contamination.

6. Equipment Maintenance: Ensure that all kitchen equipment is regularly serviced and maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions to prevent accidents and ensure safe operation.

7. Feedback and Continuous Improvement: Create a culture where staff feel comfortable reporting safety concerns. Regularly review and improve safety practices based on staff feedback and after any incidents.

By focusing on these areas, an Assistant Manager can significantly improve health and safety in a restaurant, creating a safer environment for both staff and customers.

How to Display Health & Safety Skills on Your Resume

9. Staff Training

Staff training for a Restaurant Assistant Manager involves educating and coaching employees on the restaurant's protocols, customer service standards, menu knowledge, safety regulations, and operational tasks to ensure efficient service and a positive dining experience for customers.

Why It's Important

Staff training is crucial for a Restaurant Assistant Manager because it ensures the team is skilled, knowledgeable, and aligned with service standards, leading to improved customer satisfaction, efficient operations, and ultimately, increased profitability.

How to Improve Staff Training Skills

Improving staff training for a Restaurant Assistant Manager involves several key steps focused on enhancing skills, knowledge, and service quality. Here are concise strategies:

1. Identify Specific Needs: Assess the existing skill gaps and training needs specific to your restaurant operations. National Restaurant Association provides resources on industry standards and training needs.
2. Create a Structured Training Program: Develop a comprehensive training program that includes both soft skills (customer service, communication) and hard skills (food safety, POS operation). Tools like ServSafe offer courses focused on food safety and handling.
3. Incorporate Blended Learning: Combine online learning platforms such as Typsy for hospitality training with hands-on practical sessions to cater to different learning styles.
4. Implement Mentorship Programs: Pair new staff with experienced team members for on-the-job training. This promotes knowledge sharing and a supportive work culture.
5. Regular Feedback and Evaluation: Use tools like SurveyMonkey to gather staff feedback on training effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
6. Stay Updated with Industry Trends: Encourage continuous learning and development by subscribing to industry publications like Hospitality Net for the latest trends and training techniques.

By focusing on these strategies, a Restaurant Assistant Manager can significantly improve staff training, leading to enhanced team performance and customer satisfaction.

How to Display Staff Training Skills on Your Resume

10. Menu Planning

Menu planning in the context of a Restaurant Assistant Manager involves selecting dishes and beverages to be offered, considering factors like ingredient availability, cost, seasonality, and customer preferences, to ensure a balanced, profitable, and appealing menu that aligns with the restaurant's theme and target market.

Why It's Important

Menu planning is crucial for optimizing food costs, ensuring ingredient availability, meeting customer preferences, and maintaining consistent quality, thereby maximizing profitability and customer satisfaction.

How to Improve Menu Planning Skills

To improve menu planning as a Restaurant Assistant Manager, focus on the following key points:

1. Understand Your Audience: Know the preferences and dietary restrictions of your target customers. This ensures your menu appeals to your customer base.

2. Analyze Sales Data: Review past sales data to identify which dishes perform well and which don't. This helps in optimizing the menu for profitability and customer satisfaction.

3. Seasonality and Sustainability: Incorporate seasonal ingredients to ensure freshness and support sustainability. This also keeps the menu exciting and varied throughout the year.

4. Supplier Relations: Establish good relationships with suppliers to ensure the quality of ingredients and negotiate better prices.

5. Menu Design: Design your menu to highlight high-profit items and use descriptive language to make dishes more appealing.

6. Feedback Loop: Regularly collect feedback from customers and staff to make informed adjustments to the menu.

7. Training Staff: Ensure staff are well-informed about the menu items, including ingredients and preparation methods, to improve service quality.

For further reading and resources:

• Understanding Your Audience
• Analyzing Sales Data
• Seasonality and Sustainability
• Effective Menu Design
• Collecting Customer Feedback

How to Display Menu Planning Skills on Your Resume

11. OpenTable

OpenTable is an online reservation platform that allows customers to book tables at restaurants, enabling restaurant managers and staff to manage reservations, guest management, and dining experience efficiently.

Why It's Important

OpenTable is important for a Restaurant Assistant Manager because it streamlines reservation management, enhances guest experience through convenient booking options, and provides access to customer insights, helping to optimize table turnover and improve service efficiency.

How to Improve OpenTable Skills

To improve OpenTable as a Restaurant Assistant Manager, focus on enhancing guest experience, optimizing reservation management, and leveraging data insights:

1. Personalize Guest Experience: Regularly update your restaurant’s profile with current menus, photos, and special offers to attract and retain diners. Encourage guests to leave reviews and respond promptly to feedback. OpenTable Restaurant Center

2. Optimize Reservation Management: Utilize OpenTable’s table management features to maximize seating efficiency and reduce wait times. Train staff on using the platform's real-time updates for better coordination. OpenTable Table Management

3. Leverage Data Insights: Use OpenTable’s analytics tools to understand dining trends, customer preferences, and peak times. Implement strategies based on these insights to improve service and increase bookings. OpenTable Insights

4. Promote Loyalty Programs: Engage diners by creating and promoting loyalty programs through OpenTable. Offer special discounts or rewards to returning customers to encourage repeat visits. OpenTable for Restaurants Blog

5. Enhance Online Visibility: Increase your restaurant’s visibility by participating in OpenTable marketing programs and events. This can help attract new customers and fill seats during slower periods. OpenTable Marketing

By focusing on these areas, you can improve your restaurant's operation and guest satisfaction through OpenTable.

How to Display OpenTable Skills on Your Resume

12. Food Safety

Food safety refers to the practices and protocols that ensure the food served in a restaurant is safe to eat, free from contaminants, and prepared in a way that prevents foodborne illnesses. This includes proper food handling, cooking, storage, and cleaning procedures.

Why It's Important

Food safety is crucial in a restaurant setting to prevent foodborne illnesses, protect customers' health, maintain a good reputation, ensure compliance with regulations, and avoid legal and financial consequences.

How to Improve Food Safety Skills

Improving food safety in a restaurant setting, especially for an Assistant Manager, involves several key actions focused on prevention, education, and compliance:

1. Training and Education: Ensure all staff undergo regular food safety training to stay updated on the latest guidelines and practices.

2. Temperature Control: Implement strict controls on food temperature, both in storage and during cooking, to prevent bacterial growth. The FDA Food Code provides guidelines for temperature control.

3. Cross-contamination Prevention: Use separate equipment and surfaces for different types of food (especially raw and cooked foods) to avoid cross-contamination. CDC guidelines offer practical steps for prevention.

4. Regular Inspections: Conduct regular internal inspections and audits to ensure compliance with food safety standards and identify areas for improvement. The National Restaurant Association offers resources on how to conduct these effectively.

5. Personal Hygiene: Enforce strict personal hygiene practices among staff, including regular handwashing and using gloves when necessary. Refer to WHO guidelines for comprehensive practices.

6. Pest Control: Implement an effective pest control program to prevent infestations that can contaminate food. EPA guidelines provide information on safe and effective pest control.

7. Maintenance of Facilities: Ensure the restaurant, especially the kitchen and food storage areas, are clean and well-maintained. The FDA’s Retail Food Protection program offers valuable resources.

By focusing on these areas, an Assistant Manager can significantly improve food safety in their restaurant, protecting customers and enhancing the restaurant's reputation.

How to Display Food Safety Skills on Your Resume