Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Training and Teaching Others Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Coaching and Developing Others Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
•   Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Working Life

As a restaurant supervisor, your duty is to oversee waiting staff. You will regularly brief them to ensure they are familiar with the menu and create shift rotas for your staff.

It is your job to ensure that all guests are greeted, seated and served in a timely manner. You also need to make sure that the seating area of the restaurant is well presented at all times and that tables are cleared swiftly.

You will often also perform hands-on waiting tasks such as greeting guests, taking their orders, presenting the bill and collecting payment at the end of the meal. You may also be expected to maximise sales in the restaurant by giving recommendations and suggestions to guests.

Supervisors work closely with, and assist the restaurant manager in in dealing with customer complaints and ensuring the smooth and efficient running of the Restaurant. You liaise with kitchen staff to ensure orders are taken and food delivered in a timely manner.

Depending on the sise of the restaurant and the number of staff, there may be one supervisor for all the waiting staff, or in larger restaurants, there may be one supervisor for the bar staff and another one for waiting staff. There may also be different supervisors for different shifts (e.g. one during lunch service and another for the evening service). However, in smaller establishments, there may not be a supervisor role as the owner or general manager may perform these duties.

The supervisor needs to ensure that staff members are well presented before each service and that all staff maintain and adhere to health and safety procedures.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Perform various financial activities, such as cash handling, deposit preparation, and payroll.
• Resolve customer complaints regarding food service.
• Compile and balance cash receipts at the end of the day or shift.
• Present bills and accept payments.
• Inspect supplies, equipment, and work areas to ensure efficient service and conformance to standards.
• Perform food preparation and serving duties, such as carving meat, preparing flambe dishes, or serving wine and liquor.
• Train workers in food preparation, and in service, sanitation, and safety procedures.
• Supervise and participate in kitchen and dining area cleaning activities.
• Perform personnel actions, such as hiring and firing staff, providing employee orientation and training, and conducting supervisory activities, such as creating work schedules or organising employee time sheets.
• Control inventories of food, equipment, smallware, and liquor, and report shortages to designated personnel.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Naturalist

Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.

Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.

You will need some relevant work experience to be considered for a restaurant supervisor position. Although a qualification can boost your chances of getting the job, it is not required.

Typically, restaurant supervisors have experience from working in restaurants at lower levels. As you work your way up, you may be asked to study for appropriate qualifications.

There are courses in Hospitality, Bar and Restaurant supervision in both further and higher education, where you can expect to study modules in Restaurant Service, Culinary Skills, Tourism and Food and Beverage Supervision.

Some of the advantages of ‘working your way up’ is that you get great insight into different roles within the hospitality sector, you learn on the way, and you discover what you enjoy and don’t enjoy working with. You also have a better understanding of the staff that you supervise if you have worked in those roles yourself.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: business, hospitality, culinary, customer service.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: hospitality, travel and tourism, business management, culinary arts.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Sales, Culinary Arts, Bar Management, Hospitality and Tourism sector Apprenticeships.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: hospitality management, travel and tourism, culinary arts, business, customer care.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: culinary, management.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Some large restaurant chains offer structured training programmes for staff, and others may recommend specific courses. Professional organisations sometimes also offer training or promote training providers. See for example: Restaurants Association of Ireland, the Irish Hospitality Institute or the Irish hotels Federation.

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €40k

salaries vary by employer, location, and duties.

Data Source(s):
Excel / Indeed/ Talent

Last Updated: March, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Catering managers; bar managers.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Numbers were too small for a detailed analysis of employment for this occupation although the Recruitment Agency Survey indicated difficulty in filling vacancies for bar and events managers.

• Fáilte Ireland

  • Amiens Street, Dublin 1
  • (01) 884 7700
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Restaurant's Association of Ireland

  • 11 Bridge Court, Citygate, St Augustine Street, Dublin 8
  • 01 6779901
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here