The restaurant industry is a thriving market and needs an efficient and trustworthy workforce in order to operate at its highest efficiency and productivity.
In order for a busy restaurant (from a large chain to an independent food service establishment) to run seamlessly on a daily basis, one must have knowledge of the essential duties associated with each role within the establishment.
As a restaurant owner or hiring manager, it is essential to ensure your employees have well-defined job roles and are equipped with the proper training. Additionally, they must possess qualifications that meet any certifications and background checks necessary for them to properly fulfill their job descriptions.
But depending on the restaurant you are running, there could be many different positions that need to be filled. For fine dining establishments with multiple employees, then roles such as servers, bartenders, bussers, dishwashers, and cooks would all need to be hired for quick and efficient service. However, if the food service establishment is more self-service like a fast food spot or coffee shop then fewer restaurant positions may be needed.
If you're searching for great restaurant job descriptions to fill a restaurant position, then this article is an absolute must-read. We've listed down the different roles of a restaurant so that appropriate staffing can be accomplished and effective management ensured.
What are the different jobs at restaurants?
Most restaurants strive to ensure guests have the best customer satisfaction each time they dine, and that's why a range of roles is essential to make it happen.
The front-of-house positions
The Front of House, or FOH for short, encompasses all aspects that customers will experience in your restaurant - from the lobby to their dining room. It is here where you can truly showcase your theme and decor through styling.
To ensure a pleasant stay and meets guest expectations, employees within this space should have impeccable hygiene practices and exhibit professional behavior at any given time.
(1) General manager
General Manager job description
As the leader of your organization, general managers are vital for its efficient operation. A restaurant manager focuses on tasks such as hiring/firing employees, training programs, PR and marketing initiatives, and process optimization - everything that goes into running a business efficiently. In effect, think of General Manager as the captain steering your ship towards success.
Job requirements:
- Outstanding communication capabilities.
- Outstanding organizational proficiency
- The capability to thrive under pressure.ure
- The ability to find innovative solutions and tackle complex challenges.
- Extensive knowledge
(2) Assistant manager
Assistant Manager job description
Assistant managers are the right-hand of the general manager, assisting in a variety of tasks, from paperwork to training programs. Assistant Managers take part in brainstorming activities and help make key decisions, seamlessly filling their superior's position when needed.
Whenever a general restaurant manager is absent for any reason, it is up to an assistant restaurant manager to fill his shoes with confidence and assurance to maintain quick and efficient service.
Job requirements:
- The Assistant Manager has less expertise than General Manager.
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to work under pressure
(3) Catering manager
Catering manager job description
As a catering manager, you will be responsible for the successful planning and execution of catered events. Through consultation with clients, your role encompasses overseeing catering staff, arranging transportation for food and supplies as well as orchestrating the preparation and serving of meals during each event.
Job requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in hospitality and culinary arts or business management would be advantageous.
- Exceptional ability to deliver catering services within budget and on time.
- Advanced knowledge of best practices in catering management.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
(4) Sommelier
Sommelier job description
Wine stewards provide an invaluable service in hotels, bars, and restaurants by expertly serving customers their desired drinks with precision. A sommelier is responsible for taking the lead in selecting, curating, and managing a restaurant's wine list.
They must have an extensive knowledge of wines including vintages, qualities, and pairings.
They must also be able to explain the different wines available on the menu to guests. It is important that a sommelier serves wine in the correct manner.
Job requirements:
- Proven expertise in serving and providing wine advice as a Sommelier, Wine Steward/Stewardess, or similar role
- Expertise in crafting exquisite food and wine pairings.
- Expert knowledge of the wines of varying regions
- Familiarity with the delectable offerings of local wineries and vineyards.
- Gaining insight into the art of winemaking
- Good communication skills
(5) Server
Server job description
Servers are responsible for welcoming guests, taking orders, and bringing food and drinks to tables. Servers must also maintain a clean and organized restaurant atmosphere by clearing dishes and resetting tables.
Job requirements:
- Excellent customer service skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Great interpersonal and communication skills
- Good time-management skills
(6) Food runner
Food runner job description
Food Runners are accountable for shuttling food orders from the kitchen to customers' tables in a speedy and accurate manner. Additionally, they must ensure that the expo line is tidy, order slips are organized, and communication with back-of-house staff is effective.
Food runners will also be expected to expedite takeout and catering orders upon arrival.
Job requirements:
- Possession of a High School diploma is preferred
- Having the capability to attentively listen and comprehend instructions.
- Capable of lifting a minimum of 40 pounds.
- Must be capable of standing for an 8-hour shift
- Adeptness in performing multiple tasks simultaneously
- Understanding of food hygiene practices
- Can work under pressure
(7) Food expeditor
Food expeditor job descriptions
The food expeditor’s role is to ensure that the customer's order is prepared and served quickly, accurately, and efficiently.
They also check for quality assurance of the food arrives at the customer's table and make sure all inquiries are answered in a timely manner.
Job requirements:
- Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations
- Great communication and coordination skills
- Ability to work quickly and accurately in a fast-paced environment
- Attention to detail when preparing orders
- Excellent customer service skills.
(8) Host/Hostess
Host/Hostess description
It is essential to hire an amiable, welcoming individual for the position of host/hostess in order to create a positive initial impression on your restaurant's customers.
This person will greet them upon their arrival and guide them to their respective tables before providing relevant information or assistance with any questions they may have.
Additionally, hosts/hostesses are also responsible for managing phone calls and creating schedules and reservations as well as other tasks that may be assigned by management.
Job requirements:
- Great communication skills
- Organizational skills
- Listening skills
- Ability to be a team player
- Patience and composure
(9) Busser/Bus person
Busser/Bus person description
The busser plays a crucial role in creating an enjoyable customer experience for guests by cleaning and setting tables, replenishing dishes, or even serving food when necessary.
This is often the first job many people take at restaurants since servers don't bus their own tables.
Job requirements:
- Excellent customer service skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Strong organizational skills
- Knowledge of food safety regulations
- Attention to detail when cleaning and setting up tables
- Ability to lift heavy trays
(10) Bartender
Bartender job description
A bartender is responsible for providing drink menus to customers in a restaurant or bar setting. They must be knowledgeable about the drinks they are serving, including ingredients and how to mix them properly.
Bartenders must also ensure that all alcoholic beverages served to meet legal requirements and adhere to their establishment's policies.
Job requirements:
- Knowledge of alcoholic beverages, mixology, and bartending techniques
- Strong customer service skills
- Ability to take direction, multitask, and work in a team-oriented environment
- Outstanding communication abilities
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
(11) Barback
Barback job description
A barback is responsible for supporting the bartender in a restaurant or bar setting. They must be knowledgeable about all types of alcoholic beverages, mixology techniques, and bartending tools.
Barbacks are also responsible for stocking and organizing inventory, cleaning glassware, restocking ice bins, cleaning up spills, and helping to serve drinks to customers.
Job requirements:
- High school diploma, GED or equivalent
- Must be of legal drinking age to serve alcohol
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Strong customer service skills
- Knowledge of alcoholic beverages and mixology techniques
- Ability to take direction, multitask, and work in a team-oriented environment
- Being physically capable to fulfill the job requirements, such as lifting heavy liquor boxes and being able to stand for extended periods of time
- Profound knowledge of alcoholic beverages and menu items available in a bar setting.
- Eager to work nights, weekends, and holidays if needed.
(12) Barista
Barista job description
A barista is responsible for preparing and serving specialty coffee drinks in a restaurant or cafe setting. They must be knowledgeable about the menu offerings, ingredients, and how to properly serve each beverage.
Baristas must also ensure that all drinks are served to meet legal requirements and adhere to their establishment's policies.
Job requirements:
- Knowledge of specialty coffee drinks
- Strong customer service skills
- Ability to take direction, multitask, and work in a team-oriented environment
- Outstanding communication abilities
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Familiarity with food safety regulations.
- Resourcefulness and creativity when problem-solving.
- Strong organizational skills.
(13) Drive-thru Operator
Drive-thru Operator job description
The Drive-thru operator is responsible for taking and delivering orders at a restaurant or fast food establishment.
They must be knowledgeable about menu offerings, ingredients, and how to properly serve each item.
Drive-thru operators must also ensure that all orders are served to meet legal requirements and adhere to their establishment's policies.
Job requirements:
- Knowledge of menu items, ingredients, and proper food service techniques
- Strong customer service skills
- Outstanding communication abilities
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Familiarity with food safety regulations
- Strong organizational skills
- Ability to accurately handle cash transactions
(14) Food purchasers
Food purchaser job description
The food purchasers are the ones who purchase supplies and ingredients for the restaurant. They must ensure that all items purchased meet quality standards, are cost-effective, and will help to maximize profits. They also oversee inventory controls and storage procedures.
Job requirements:
- Strong negotiation skills
- Excellent knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations
- In-depth market knowledge
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- High attention to detail
(15) Cashier
Cashier job description
Welcome customers and help them decide on their orders. They are also responsible for accurately handling financial transactions in either a retail or restaurant setting.
Not only that, they need to be well-versed with product offerings, inventory levels as well as costs - all while making sure every transaction is done legally and adheres to the establishment's rules.
Cashiers must guarantee quality service through quick yet correct processing of customer requests!
Job requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent qualification.
- Knowledge of product offerings, inventory, and pricing
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Good mathematical skills
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Strong customer service
The back-of-house positions
The BOH, or back of the house, is where all the hidden magic happens in a restaurant. It's an area rarely seen by customers that act as a central control hub for food preparation, cooking, and plating before being served to diners.
To ensure top-notch hygiene standards are met, all personnel should wear freshly laundered uniforms and aprons while fulfilling their duties in the restaurant kitchen and cooking stations.
(1) Executive chef
Executive Chef job description
The executive chefs oversee the entire kitchen staff, ensuring that all culinary operations run smoothly. They lead recipe development, direct food preparation, create menus, and manage inventory.
As the executive chef, one must also ensure that all food is prepared in compliance with government regulations, customer preferences, and the restaurant's standards of excellence.
Also, the head chef must master a variety of cooking techniques and cuisine styles in order to provide their patrons with an exceptional fine dining experience.
Job requirements:
- Expert-level understanding of food industry principles and practices
- Expertise in Human Resources Management
- Expertise in BOH systems, ordering processes, and inventory management.
- Exceptional interpersonal communication abilities
- Proficiency in adhering to deadlines
- Flexible to work any time of the day, including on-call shifts, after hours, over weekends, and even during public holidays.
(2) Sous chefs
Sous Chefs job description
The sous chef is the assistant of the head chef, helping to manage the rest of the kitchen staff and oversee kitchen operations.
The Sous chef is responsible for monitoring food quality and quantity, developing new recipes and menus, assisting with food preparation and presentation, handling inventory, and training junior staff.
Additionally, a sous chef will often work hands-on in the kitchen, managing and helping in preparing food.
Job requirements:
- Possession of a Bachelor's degree in Culinary Science or a related field is essential.
- At least two years of relevant experience is required.
- Extensive familiarity with culinary techniques, kitchen tools, and optimal strategies
- Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and restaurant software applications
- Possessing a team-oriented mindset and exemplary leadership skills
- Exceptional ability to communicate and collaborate with others.
(3) Line Cooks
Line Cook job description
The line cooks are responsible for food preparation, ensuring that all dishes adhere to the restaurant’s recipes and standards. They ensure accuracy in order fulfillment and plate presentation as well.
The line cook is often tasked with prepping ingredients, throwing together meals on the fly, and managing inventory.
Job requirements:
- Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations
- Experience with a variety of cooking techniques
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to follow instructions accurately
(4) Pastry Chef
Pastry Chef job description
The pastry chef crafts and prepares desserts, from cakes and pies to cookies and pastries. They create new recipes, design plating presentations, manage ingredient inventories, and oversee the production of all desserts.
Job requirements:
- Gaining expert culinary skills at a higher education institution
- Certificate in culinary arts, patisserie-making, baking sciences, or related discipline
- 2 or more years experience working within the food industry as a Pastry Chef, Baker, or relevant role
- In-depth familiarity with baking procedures and pastry production
- Possessing a talent for both artistry and baking
- Keen attention to detail
- Expertise in sanitation principles, food preparation methods, and nutritional needs.
(5) Pantry Chef
Pantry chef job description
The pantry chef is in charge of preparing appetizers, salads, and other cold food items. They are responsible for developing recipes, managing ingredient inventories, plating dishes, and reviewing orders to ensure accuracy. The cold food items prepared are often used as part of a larger meal.
Job requirements:
- Previous experience in a pantry cook, prep cook, or related position
- Gaining practical knowledge while using state-of-the-art kitchen equipment.
- Expertise in the art of culinary plating
- Grasping the fundamental principles of health and safety in the kitchen
- Ability to multitask in one or multiple areas
- Team spirit and creative thinking
(6) Kitchen managers
Kitchen manager job description
The kitchen manager oversees all culinary operations of the restaurant, from staffing levels to food quality and inventory control. They must ensure that all regulations regarding health, safety, and sanitation are strictly followed in the workplace.
In addition, the kitchen manager is responsible for training junior staff members and implementing cost-effective strategies.
Job requirements:
- Demonstrated expertise as a Kitchen Manager, Restaurant Manager, or Executive Chef
- Acquiring first-hand experience in developing menus and procuring ingredients
- Mastery of a variety of recipes
- Knowledgeable in kitchen sanitation and safety guidelines
- Excellent organizational skills
- Possessing the capacity to resolve disputes efficiently and effectively
- Proven track record of overseeing a team efficiently in high-pressure situations
(7) Food & Beverage Manager
Food and beverage manager job descriptions
The food and beverage managers are responsible for managing the restaurant’s food and beverage operations. This includes developing menus, ordering supplies, controlling inventory levels, training staff members, and creating cost-effective strategies to maximize profits.
Job requirements:
- With years of experience in managing food and beverage or a similar role
- Customer-oriented approach
- Outstanding communication, relationship-building, and leadership capabilities
- Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Team player
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills
(8) Line Cook
Line cook job descriptions
The line cooks are responsible for food preparation, ensuring that all dishes adhere to the restaurant’s recipes and standards. They ensure accuracy in order fulfillment and plate presentation as well.
The line cook is often tasked with prepping ingredients, throwing together meals on the fly, and managing inventory.
Job requirements:
- Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations
- Experience with a variety of cooking techniques
- Excellent organizational skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to follow instructions accurately
(9) Fast food cook
Fast food cook job description
Fast food cooks must be able to work efficiently and quickly in a high-pressure setting. They are in charge of preparing and cooking meals as per customer instructions found on order slips or verbally provided; verifying the quality and quantity of all orders placed. Creates a variety of freshly-cooked and ready-to-order dishes, including hamburgers and fried chicken. Manage large equipment such as griddles, grills, or deep fryers to produce delectable meals in bulk.
Moreover, this position requires multitasking skills so that multiple meals can be prepared at once while following every individual's specific requirements.
Job requirements:
- Experience in a fast-food setting
- Excellent customer service skills
- Ability to follow instructions accurately
- Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations
- Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure
(10) Short Order Cook
Short Order cook job description
As a short-order cook, you would be accountable for crafting smaller orders of breakfasts and brunches. You could expect to make salads, sandwiches, burgers, or other easy-to-prepare meals in just a few minutes!
Job requirements:
- Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations
- Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure
- Experience in a fast-food setting
- Attention to detail when preparing orders
- Excellent customer service skills
- Team-player
(11) Prep cooks
Prep cooks job description
As a prep cook, you are the backbone of any kitchen. You not only prepare ingredients and stations for cooking but also ensure that the kitchen is clean and sanitary at all times. Additionally, being a prep cook is sometimes referred to as being a food preparation worker.
Job requirements:
- Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations
- Ability to work quickly and accurately in a fast-paced environment
- Experience with food preparation techniques
- Adept manual manipulation to manage and operate cutting instruments and culinary tools
- Attention to detail when preparing ingredients
- Excellent organizational skills.
(13) Dishwasher
Dishwasher job description
A dishwasher is responsible for cleaning and sanitizing dirty dishes, utensils, and cookware in a restaurant or food service setting. They must be knowledgeable about proper sanitation methods, safety protocols, and the use of commercial dishwashing machines. Dishwashers must also ensure that all items are cleaned to meet legal requirements and adhere to their establishment's policies.
Job requirements:
- Being able to comprehend and adhere to instructions.
- Proficiency in adhering to the highest standards of health, safety, and quality within a restaurant setting.
- Having the capacity to stay sharp and concentrated in a bustling, loud atmosphere.
- Demonstrated capacity to collaborate proficiently with culinary personnel.
- Detail-oriented
Why restaurant positions can be rewarding?
Restaurant jobs are incredibly fulfilling experiences. For anyone who works in this industry, it can offer a sense of fulfillment, pride, and purpose.
Not only that but there are many tangible benefits to working in any restaurant position. Along with a flexible schedule, the potential to make good money, and even advancement opportunities if you’re willing to put in the effort—working in the restaurant business can be an incredibly rewarding experience. You can learn about teamwork, customer service, hospitality, hard work, and even leadership.
It can also be an excellent way to gain experience in the culinary world if you’re interested in pursuing a career in the food industry. All these factors make restaurant positions some of the most rewarding jobs available.
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