Top 12 Restaurant Supervisor Skills to Put on Your Resume

Crafting a standout resume as a restaurant supervisor requires showcasing a unique blend of leadership, management, and interpersonal skills. Highlighting your top abilities in these areas can significantly enhance your appeal to potential employers, positioning you as the ideal candidate for leading their dining establishment to success.

Restaurant Supervisor Skills

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

1. Leadership

Leadership, in the context of a Restaurant Supervisor, involves guiding, motivating, and directing staff towards achieving the restaurant's goals while ensuring customer satisfaction and maintaining a positive work environment.

Why It's Important

Leadership is crucial for a Restaurant Supervisor as it ensures efficient operation, motivates staff to excel, maintains high customer service standards, and fosters a positive work environment, ultimately contributing to the restaurant's success and reputation.

How to Improve Leadership Skills

Improving leadership, especially for a Restaurant Supervisor, involves enhancing communication, building team morale, and managing effectively. Here are concise tips:

1. Develop Communication Skills: Clear, effective communication fosters a positive environment. ToastTab suggests ways to improve restaurant management through effective communication.

2. Lead by Example: Demonstrate the work ethic, attitude, and professionalism you expect from your team. Harvard Business Review discusses the impact of leading by example.

3. Foster Teamwork: Encourage collaboration and support among staff to enhance service quality. The National Restaurant Association offers strategies for improving teamwork in restaurants.

4. Offer Constructive Feedback: Regular, constructive feedback helps staff grow and improve. Forbes provides techniques for giving effective feedback.

5. Engage in Continuous Learning: Stay updated on restaurant industry trends and leadership strategies. Restaurant Business is a great resource for ongoing education.

Incorporating these practices will not only improve your leadership skills but also contribute to a more productive and positive restaurant environment.

How to Display Leadership Skills on Your Resume

2. Scheduling

Scheduling, in the context of a Restaurant Supervisor, involves creating and managing staff work shifts to ensure efficient operation, meeting both the restaurant's needs and complying with labor laws, while also considering employee availability and preferences.

Why It's Important

Scheduling is crucial for a Restaurant Supervisor as it ensures optimal staffing levels to meet customer demand, maintains efficient operations, and enhances employee satisfaction by balancing workloads and respecting availability, ultimately leading to improved service quality and profitability.

How to Improve Scheduling Skills

Improving scheduling for a Restaurant Supervisor involves several focused steps to optimize staff allocation, meet customer demand, and maintain employee satisfaction. Below are concise strategies:

1. Utilize Scheduling Software: Implement scheduling software specifically designed for restaurants to streamline the process, allowing for easy adjustments and real-time updates.

2. Forecast Demand: Analyze past data to forecast busy periods and schedule staff accordingly to meet customer flow while avoiding overstaffing.

3. Employee Preferences: Incorporate employee availability and preferences into the schedule. This increases satisfaction and reduces no-shows.

4. Cross-Train Staff: Ensure staff are cross-trained to perform multiple roles. This flexibility makes scheduling easier and covers unexpected shifts or absences more efficiently.

5. Communicate Clearly: Maintain clear and open communication lines about scheduling policies and changes, using platforms like Slack or WhatsApp for immediate notifications and feedback.

6. Establish a Scheduling Policy: Create and enforce a fair scheduling policy that includes how shifts are distributed, swap procedures, and notice periods for changes.

7. Review and Adjust: Regularly review schedules against actual restaurant performance and staff feedback to make necessary adjustments and improvements.

By employing these strategies, a Restaurant Supervisor can create a more efficient, flexible, and employee-friendly scheduling system.

How to Display Scheduling Skills on Your Resume

3. Inventory Management

Inventory management for a restaurant supervisor involves overseeing the procurement, storage, and usage of ingredients and supplies to ensure the restaurant operates efficiently, minimizing waste and costs while ensuring the availability of necessary items for menu offerings.

Why It's Important

Inventory management is crucial for a restaurant supervisor because it ensures optimal stock levels, minimizes waste, controls food costs, and maximizes profitability while ensuring the consistent quality and availability of menu items for customers.

How to Improve Inventory Management Skills

Improving inventory management in a restaurant involves several key strategies. Here's a concise guide:

1. Implement an Inventory Management System: Use digital tools to track inventory in real-time, reducing errors and saving time. Consider software like Toast POS or Square for Restaurants.

2. Regular Audits: Schedule regular inventory checks to compare actual stock against what's recorded in your system. This helps identify discrepancies and areas of loss.

3. Train Your Team: Ensure all staff are trained on proper inventory practices, from receiving goods to stock rotation. Clear guidelines help maintain consistency and reduce waste.

4. Optimize Stock Levels: Use sales data to predict busy periods and adjust your inventory accordingly. Tools like SimpleOrder can automate this process.

5. Establish Relationships with Suppliers: Good relationships can lead to better prices, higher quality goods, and more reliable delivery schedules.

6. Monitor Food Waste: Track and analyze what's being thrown away to identify patterns of waste, allowing you to adjust orders or menu items accordingly.

7. Utilize FIFO (First In, First Out): Ensure older stock is used before newer stock to reduce spoilage.

For further insights and detailed strategies, refer to resources like the National Restaurant Association's guide on Inventory Management.

How to Display Inventory Management Skills on Your Resume

4. POS Systems

POS Systems, short for Point of Sale Systems, are digital platforms used in restaurants to manage sales, track inventory, process payments, and streamline operations, enhancing efficiency and customer service.

Why It's Important

POS systems are important for a restaurant supervisor because they streamline order processing, improve accuracy, facilitate better inventory management, enhance customer service, and provide detailed sales analytics for informed decision-making.

How to Improve POS Systems Skills

To enhance POS systems for a restaurant, focus on:

1. Integration: Ensure your POS system integrates seamlessly with inventory management, customer relationship management (CRM), and accounting software. This integration allows for streamlined operations, better data analysis, and improved customer service.

2. User-Friendly Interface: Opt for a POS with an intuitive, easy-to-use interface. This reduces staff training time and errors. Toast POS is known for its user-friendly design tailored for restaurants.

3. Mobile Compatibility: Implement mobile POS (mPOS) solutions to allow servers to take orders and process payments directly at the table, enhancing customer experience. Square offers versatile mPOS solutions suitable for restaurants.

4. Data Analysis and Reporting: Utilize a POS system that provides comprehensive data analysis and reporting tools. This feature helps in making informed decisions regarding menu changes, pricing strategies, and more. Lightspeed offers advanced reporting features for restaurants.

5. Customer Management: Choose a POS system that includes customer management features, such as the ability to create customer profiles, track purchase history, and offer loyalty programs. Revel Systems provides robust CRM features within its POS system.

6. Security: Ensure your POS system complies with the latest security standards, including PCI compliance, to protect sensitive customer data. Verifone offers secure payment solutions that can be integrated with POS systems.

7. Support and Training: Select a POS vendor that offers comprehensive support and training. This ensures any issues can be swiftly addressed, and your staff is well-versed in using the system. NCR is known for its reliable customer support and extensive training resources.

By focusing on these key areas, you can significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your restaurant's POS system, enhancing both operational performance and customer satisfaction.

How to Display POS Systems Skills on Your Resume

5. Customer Service

Customer service in a restaurant context, particularly for a supervisor, involves overseeing and ensuring a high-quality dining experience by addressing customer needs, handling inquiries and complaints efficiently, and maintaining excellent communication and service standards within the team.

Why It's Important

Customer service is crucial for a Restaurant Supervisor as it directly impacts customer satisfaction, repeat business, and word-of-mouth recommendations, ultimately affecting the restaurant's reputation and profitability.

How to Improve Customer Service Skills

Improving customer service, especially for a Restaurant Supervisor, involves a strategic approach focused on enhancing the dining experience and handling feedback effectively. Here are concise strategies:

1. Train Staff: Ensure all staff are well-trained in customer service skills. Provide regular training sessions that cover communication, problem-solving, and product knowledge. National Restaurant Association offers resources on training.

2. Empower Employees: Empower your team to make small decisions on the spot to solve guest problems without always needing managerial approval. This speeds up resolution time and improves customer satisfaction. Harvard Business Review discusses the effectiveness of employee empowerment.

3. Gather Feedback: Actively seek out customer feedback through comment cards, online reviews, and direct conversation. Use this feedback to make operational improvements. Tools like SurveyMonkey can facilitate gathering customer feedback online.

4. Personalize the Experience: Train staff to recognize and remember repeat customers, personalizing their experience. Small gestures like remembering a regular’s favorite dish can go a long way. Forbes highlights the importance of personalization in customer experience.

5. Respond to Complaints Swiftly: Ensure all customer complaints are addressed promptly and satisfactorily. This can turn a potentially negative experience into a positive one. Zendesk offers insights into the impact of response times on customer satisfaction.

6. Utilize Technology: Implement technology like a restaurant management system for reservations, orders, and feedback to streamline operations and improve the customer experience. Toast provides integrated systems designed for restaurants.

7. Maintain High Quality: Consistently high-quality food and service keep customers returning. Regularly review and adjust your offerings based on customer preferences and feedback.

By implementing these strategies, restaurant supervisors can significantly enhance the quality of customer service, leading to improved customer satisfaction and loyalty.

How to Display Customer Service Skills on Your Resume

6. Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution, particularly for a Restaurant Supervisor, involves identifying and addressing disputes within the restaurant swiftly and effectively to ensure a harmonious work environment and maintain high customer satisfaction. This includes mediating between staff, and sometimes between staff and customers, to find mutually acceptable solutions, maintaining the restaurant's operational flow and positive atmosphere.

Why It's Important

Conflict resolution is crucial for a Restaurant Supervisor as it ensures a harmonious work environment, improves team collaboration, and enhances customer satisfaction by swiftly addressing disputes and preventing disruptions in service.

How to Improve Conflict Resolution Skills

Improving conflict resolution, especially for a Restaurant Supervisor, involves employing strategies that promote understanding, communication, and cooperation. Here are concise steps to enhance conflict resolution skills:

1. Active Listening: Ensure you understand all parties by listening actively. MindTools offers insights on improving this skill.

2. Empathy: Show empathy towards everyone involved. It helps in understanding perspectives. Verywell Mind provides a deeper understanding of empathy.

3. Clear Communication: Communicate your thoughts and solutions clearly. HelpGuide has tips on enhancing communication skills.

4. Problem-solving: Adopt a problem-solving approach that focuses on finding a mutually beneficial solution. MindTools discusses several problem-solving techniques.

5. Mediation Skills: Sometimes, acting as a neutral mediator helps resolve conflicts. Learn more about mediation at Mediate.com.

6. Team Building Activities: Engage in activities that build team spirit and understanding. SnackNation offers team-building game ideas.

By focusing on these areas, a Restaurant Supervisor can effectively manage and resolve conflicts, leading to a more harmonious workplace.

How to Display Conflict Resolution Skills on Your Resume

7. Team Building

Team building for a restaurant supervisor involves creating activities and strategies that foster communication, cooperation, and camaraderie among staff members to improve service quality and enhance the dining experience for customers.

Why It's Important

Team building is crucial for a Restaurant Supervisor as it fosters communication, collaboration, and trust among staff, leading to improved service, a positive work environment, and increased customer satisfaction.

How to Improve Team Building Skills

Improving team building as a Restaurant Supervisor involves fostering communication, collaboration, and a positive work environment. Here are concise strategies:

1. Effective Communication: Ensure clear, open, and honest communication. Encourage feedback and regular team meetings. Communication Skills for Workplace Success.

2. Team Activities: Organize team-building activities that are both fun and relevant to your work. Cooking competitions, role-swapping days, or team outings can enhance camaraderie. Team-Building Activities.

3. Conflict Resolution: Address conflicts promptly and constructively, fostering an environment where issues are resolved through dialogue. Conflict Resolution Skills.

4. Recognition and Rewards: Recognize and reward individual and team achievements, no matter how small, to boost morale and motivation. Employee Recognition.

5. Training and Development: Invest in training and professional development opportunities. This shows commitment to your team's growth and builds skills. Training Programs.

Implementing these strategies can lead to a more cohesive, motivated, and efficient team in a restaurant setting.

How to Display Team Building Skills on Your Resume

8. Food Safety

Food safety in a restaurant context involves ensuring that all food prepared and served is free from contamination and hazards that could cause foodborne illness, adhering to proper handling, storage, and sanitation protocols to protect customers' health.

Why It's Important

Food safety is crucial for a restaurant supervisor because it ensures the health and well-being of customers, maintains the establishment's reputation, and complies with legal standards, preventing foodborne illnesses and potential legal consequences.

How to Improve Food Safety Skills

Improving food safety in a restaurant requires a comprehensive approach focusing on training, monitoring, and adherence to established protocols. As a Restaurant Supervisor, you can enhance food safety by:

1. Training Staff: Implement regular food safety training for all new and existing employees to ensure they understand their roles in preventing foodborne illnesses. This includes personal hygiene, proper food handling, and cleaning protocols.

2. Implementing a Food Safety Plan: Develop and enforce a HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) plan tailored to your restaurant's specific needs. This systematic approach helps identify, evaluate, and control food safety hazards.

3. Regular Inspections: Conduct regular self-inspections of your operations against a checklist that covers critical areas such as food storage, preparation, and cooking temperatures. Address any issues immediately.

4. Maintaining Cleanliness: Ensure strict cleaning and sanitation practices are followed throughout the establishment. This includes regular cleaning of equipment, surfaces, and dining areas.

5. Monitoring Food Temperatures: Use thermometers to monitor food temperatures during storage, preparation, and service to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Safe temperature guidelines should be posted and readily accessible.

6. Encouraging Open Communication: Foster an environment where staff feel comfortable reporting safety concerns. Addressing issues promptly can prevent potential food safety hazards.

By prioritizing these actions, you'll be well on your way to ensuring a safer dining experience for your customers.

How to Display Food Safety Skills on Your Resume

9. Financial Reporting

Financial reporting involves the process of documenting and presenting a company's financial performance and position over a specific period, typically through financial statements. For a Restaurant Supervisor, it means regularly preparing and reviewing reports that detail the restaurant's sales, expenses, profits, and cash flow to ensure the establishment is operating efficiently and profitably.

Why It's Important

Financial reporting is crucial for a Restaurant Supervisor as it provides an accurate overview of the restaurant's financial health, helps in tracking income and expenses, guides in making informed business decisions, and ensures compliance with tax regulations.

How to Improve Financial Reporting Skills

Improving financial reporting, especially for a Restaurant Supervisor, involves streamlining processes, enhancing accuracy, and ensuring timely access to financial data. Here are concise steps to achieve this:

1. Implement an Efficient POS System: Use a Point of Sale (POS) system that integrates sales, inventory, and financial reporting. This reduces manual entry and errors.

2. Automate Financial Processes: Automate invoicing, payroll, and other financial tasks using software like QuickBooks. Automation saves time and increases accuracy.

3. Regular Training: Ensure staff are regularly trained on the latest financial reporting software and practices. Knowledgeable staff can produce accurate and timely reports.

4. Use Cloud-Based Accounting Software: Employ cloud-based accounting software for real-time financial data access and collaboration.

5. Adopt a Budgeting Tool: Implement a budgeting tool or software that aligns with your restaurant's financial goals, allowing for better financial planning and reporting. Mint is a popular option for personal and small business finance management.

6. Monthly Financial Reviews: Conduct monthly reviews of financial reports to identify trends, address issues promptly, and make informed decisions. This habit ensures ongoing improvement and financial health.

By following these steps, a Restaurant Supervisor can significantly improve the efficiency, accuracy, and usefulness of financial reporting within their establishment.

How to Display Financial Reporting Skills on Your Resume

10. OpenTable

OpenTable is an online reservation platform allowing customers to book tables at restaurants, providing tools for restaurant supervisors to manage bookings, dining capacity, and guest management efficiently.

Why It's Important

OpenTable is important for a Restaurant Supervisor because it streamlines reservations, manages seating efficiently, gathers customer feedback, and enhances the guest experience, ultimately driving more business and improving operational efficiency.

How to Improve OpenTable Skills

Improving OpenTable from a Restaurant Supervisor perspective involves leveraging its features for enhanced guest management, maximizing table turnover, and improving the overall dining experience. Here are short and concise steps for improvement:

1. Optimize Your Profile: Ensure your restaurant's OpenTable profile is complete and appealing, with high-quality photos, updated menus, and an accurate description. This attracts more diners.

2. Utilize Marketing Tools: Take advantage of OpenTable's marketing tools to reach new customers and engage regulars through targeted emails and promotions.

3. Enhance Guest Management: Use the GuestCenter app to track guest preferences, special occasions, and dining history to personalize their experience.

4. Train Your Staff: Ensure your staff is well-versed in using OpenTable for efficient seating and waitlist management. Frequent training can help in utilizing all features effectively.

5. Monitor Reviews: Actively monitor and respond to diner reviews on OpenTable to improve your restaurant's rating and address any concerns promptly.

6. Analyze Data: Leverage OpenTable's analytics tools to understand dining trends, peak times, and customer preferences to adjust your operations and marketing strategies accordingly.

7. Offer Online Reservations: Make sure online reservations are enabled and visible on all your digital platforms, including your website and social media, to make booking as easy as possible for customers.

By implementing these steps, a Restaurant Supervisor can significantly improve the efficiency and appeal of their establishment on OpenTable, leading to increased bookings and a better dining experience for guests.

How to Display OpenTable Skills on Your Resume

11. Staff Training

Staff training, in the context of a Restaurant Supervisor, is the process of equipping restaurant staff with the necessary skills, knowledge, and behaviors to effectively perform their roles and enhance the dining experience for customers.

Why It's Important

Staff training is crucial for a Restaurant Supervisor as it ensures the team is skilled, knowledgeable, and aligned with service standards, leading to improved customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and ultimately, the success of the restaurant.

How to Improve Staff Training Skills

To enhance staff training for a Restaurant Supervisor, follow these concise steps:

1. Identify Needs: Assess the specific skills and knowledge the staff needs to improve upon. This could range from customer service to food safety protocols.

2. Customize Training: Create or select training programs tailored to the restaurant's operations and the staff's needs. For example, ServSafe offers industry-recognized food safety courses.

3. Interactive Learning: Incorporate interactive training methods such as role-playing or simulations to engage employees better. Tools like Typsy offer interactive, hospitality-focused courses.

4. Feedback and Assessment: Implement a system for feedback and regular assessments to evaluate progress and identify areas for further improvement.

5. Continuous Learning: Promote an environment of continuous learning and development. Encourage staff to pursue further learning opportunities, such as wine tasting courses or customer service workshops, through platforms like Udemy.

6. Utilize Technology: Leverage technology to facilitate learning. Use apps and online platforms for training that staff can access at their convenience.

7. Mentorship Programs: Pair new or less experienced staff with seasoned mentors for guidance and support.

By focusing on these key areas, Restaurant Supervisors can significantly improve staff training, leading to better performance, enhanced customer service, and increased operational efficiency.

How to Display Staff Training Skills on Your Resume

12. Time Management

Time management for a Restaurant Supervisor involves efficiently organizing and prioritizing tasks to ensure smooth operation, meeting customer expectations, and achieving business goals within the constraints of time.

Why It's Important

Time management is crucial for a Restaurant Supervisor because it ensures efficient operations, maximizes productivity, minimizes wasted resources, enhances customer satisfaction, and improves team coordination, ultimately leading to increased profitability and a smoother dining experience.

How to Improve Time Management Skills

To improve time management as a Restaurant Supervisor, prioritize tasks, delegate duties effectively, and use technology for scheduling. Focus on:

1. Setting Clear Goals: Begin by defining what needs to be achieved during your shift. Goal Setting Techniques

2. Prioritizing Tasks: Use the Eisenhower Box to distinguish between urgent and important tasks. Eisenhower Matrix Explanation

3. Effective Delegation: Assign tasks based on your team’s strengths. This ensures efficiency and job satisfaction. Delegation Tips

4. Leveraging Technology: Utilize restaurant management software for scheduling, inventory, and customer feedback. Tech Tools for Restaurants

5. Time Blocking: Allocate specific blocks of time for certain activities, minimizing distractions. Time Blocking Guide

6. Regular Training: Keep your team well-trained to handle peak hours efficiently. Staff Training Tips

By focusing on these strategies, you can enhance productivity, reduce stress, and ensure a smooth operation in your restaurant.

How to Display Time Management Skills on Your Resume