Catering Manager Onboarding Checklist

Catering Manager Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Catering Manager starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Hospitality onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Catering Manager, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Catering Manager onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Catering Manager Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to company culture and values: The task involves providing the new catering manager with an overview of the company’s culture, values, and mission. This helps them understand the organization’s goals and align their work accordingly. The HR department or a senior manager typically performs this task.

2. Familiarization with company policies and procedures: The new catering manager needs to be acquainted with the company’s policies and procedures, including those related to food safety, health and safety, employee conduct, and customer service. The HR department or a designated trainer usually handles this task.

3. Introduction to the team: The catering manager should be introduced to their team members, including chefs, servers, and other staff. This allows them to establish relationships, understand team dynamics, and foster a positive work environment. The immediate supervisor or HR department typically performs this task.

4. Training on catering operations: The new catering manager should receive comprehensive training on the company’s catering operations, including menu planning, food preparation, presentation, and service standards. This training can be conducted by experienced chefs, senior managers, or a designated trainer.

5. Familiarization with inventory management: The catering manager needs to understand the company’s inventory management system, including how to track and order supplies, manage stock levels, and ensure efficient utilization of resources. The operations manager or a designated trainer typically performs this task.

6. Introduction to financial management: The catering manager should receive training on financial management aspects, such as budgeting, cost control, pricing strategies, and profit margins. This helps them make informed decisions and contribute to the company’s financial success. The finance department or a senior manager usually handles this task.

7. Understanding customer expectations: The new catering manager should be provided with insights into customer expectations, preferences, and feedback mechanisms. This helps them tailor their services to meet customer needs and enhance customer satisfaction. The sales and marketing department or a senior manager typically performs this task.

8. Familiarization with health and safety regulations: The catering manager needs to be aware of health and safety regulations specific to the hospitality industry, including food handling, sanitation, and workplace safety. The HR department or a designated trainer usually handles this task.

9. Introduction to technology and software systems: The new catering manager should receive training on the company’s technology and software systems, such as point-of-sale systems, inventory management software, and customer relationship management tools. This enables them to effectively utilize these tools for efficient operations. The IT department or a designated trainer typically performs this task.

10. Shadowing experienced catering managers: The new catering manager should have the opportunity to shadow experienced catering managers to observe their day-to-day responsibilities, decision-making processes, and problem-solving techniques. This provides valuable insights and practical knowledge. The immediate supervisor or a senior manager usually arranges this task.

11. Reviewing past performance and feedback: The new catering manager should have access to past performance reports, customer feedback, and any relevant data to understand the company’s strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. This helps them identify areas of focus and develop strategies for success. The operations manager or a designated trainer typically performs this task.

12. Setting performance goals and expectations: The new catering manager should have a meeting with their immediate supervisor to discuss performance expectations, set goals, and establish key performance indicators (KPIs). This ensures clarity and alignment with the company’s objectives. The immediate supervisor or a senior manager usually handles this task.

13. Introduction to vendor relationships: The catering manager should be introduced to key vendors and suppliers, such as food distributors, equipment providers, and event planners. This allows them to establish relationships, negotiate contracts, and ensure smooth operations. The operations manager or a designated trainer typically performs this task.

14. Reviewing marketing and promotional strategies: The new catering manager should be familiarized with the company’s marketing and promotional strategies, including social media campaigns, website presence, and advertising initiatives. This helps them understand the company’s brand image and contribute to its marketing efforts. The sales and marketing department or a senior manager usually handles this task.

15. Ongoing professional development opportunities: The new catering manager should be informed about ongoing professional development opportunities, such as industry conferences, workshops, and certifications. This encourages continuous learning and growth within the role. The HR department or a senior manager typically performs this task

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Catering Manager checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Catering Manager up to speed and working well in your Hospitality team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.