Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   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.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Training and Teaching Others Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
•   Monitoring and Controlling Resources Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
•   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.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Keep records required by government agencies regarding sanitation or food subsidies.
• Investigate and resolve complaints regarding food quality, service, or accommodations.
• Maintain food and equipment inventories, and keep inventory records.
• Monitor food preparation methods, portion sises, and garnishing and presentation of food to ensure that food is prepared and presented in an acceptable manner.
• Schedule and receive food and beverage deliveries, checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
• Coordinate assignments of cooking personnel to ensure economical use of food and timely preparation.
• Monitor compliance with health and fire regulations regarding food preparation and serving, and building maintenance in lodging and dining facilities.
• Count money and make bank deposits.
• Establish standards for personnel performance and customer service.
• Perform some food preparation or service tasks, such as cooking, clearing tables, and serving food and drinks when necessary.

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 quite a lot of relevant work experience to be considered for an Events Catering Co-Ordinator position. Although an academic qualification can boost your chances of getting the job, you can develop qualification in tandem with experience.

Typically, Catering Managers have experience from working in the hospitality sector, you can begin in a waiting or front of house role before working your way up to supervisor, assistant manager, and then to a catering management for events. As you work your way up, you may have to study for appropriate qualifications.

Degrees in restaurant and hospitality management are the most common, where you can expect to study both general business courses and specialised hospitality courses.

Training can also help you progress in your career and is sometimes offered by employers. There are also both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in business and hospitality which can support your as you progress.

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, customer service, events promotion, management.

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, tourism, business, management, culinary arts, marketing.

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, Recruitment, Culinary Arts, Hospitality and Tourism 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, tourism, culinary arts, business, customer care, events, management.

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: hospitality 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.

Please note that to work in catering in the public health system (HSE), there is a catering officer grading system in place. Click to read about the HSE eligibility criteria for catering staff.

Most employers require any staff handling, storing or serving food to have HACCP/Food safety training completed. HACCP stands for Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point, and refers to procedures you must put in place to ensure the food you produce and serve is safe to consume. HACCP training is generally part of any chef training, but can also be accessed through some employers or other training providers. See more here.

As a catering manager, you can develop your career further by progressing to manage more than one catering establishment, or a restaurant, or you may even decide to open your own catering business.

Your best chance to progress on from a restaurant manager position is by building up experience and by undertaking additional qualifications and training. There are also postgraduate degrees in hospitality management which can help you progress in your career.

Professional organisations sometimes offer training or promote training providers, so check out organisations such as the Restaurants Association of Ireland or the Catering Management Association of Ireland.

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 - €55k

Salaries vary by employer, location, and duties.

Data Source(s):
Excel / Indeed/ Glassdoor

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.

• Irish Hotels Federation

  • 13 Northbrook Road, Dublin 6
  • 01 497 6459
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Fáilte Ireland

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