Restaurant Manager Onboarding Checklist

Restaurant Manager Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Restaurant 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 Restaurant Manager, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Restaurant Manager onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Restaurant Manager Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to company culture and values: The task involves providing a comprehensive overview of the company’s culture, values, and mission. This task is typically performed by the Human Resources department or a designated company representative. It helps the new restaurant manager understand the organization’s core principles and align their actions accordingly.

2. Familiarization with company policies and procedures: This task involves reviewing and understanding the various policies and procedures of the company, such as employee code of conduct, health and safety guidelines, and operational protocols. The Human Resources department or a designated trainer typically performs this task to ensure compliance and consistency across the organization.

3. Introduction to the restaurant’s organizational structure: The new restaurant manager should be introduced to the organizational structure of the company, including the reporting hierarchy and key departments. This task is usually performed by the Human Resources department or a senior manager, enabling the new manager to understand their role within the broader organizational framework.

4. Training on restaurant-specific software and systems: Many restaurants utilize specific software and systems for various operations, such as point-of-sale systems, inventory management software, and employee scheduling tools. The new restaurant manager should receive comprehensive training on these systems to effectively manage daily operations. This task is typically performed by the IT department or a designated trainer.

5. Introduction to the restaurant’s menu and offerings: The new restaurant manager should be provided with a detailed overview of the restaurant’s menu, including ingredients, preparation methods, and special dietary considerations. This task is usually performed by the head chef or a designated trainer, enabling the manager to make informed decisions and effectively communicate with customers and staff.

6. Training on financial management and budgeting: As a restaurant manager, understanding financial management and budgeting is crucial. This task involves training on financial statements, cost control measures, inventory management, and budgeting techniques. The task is typically performed by the finance department or a designated trainer, equipping the manager with the necessary skills to monitor and optimize financial performance.

7. Introduction to the restaurant’s suppliers and vendors: The new restaurant manager should be introduced to the restaurant’s suppliers and vendors, including food and beverage suppliers, equipment providers, and maintenance contractors. This task is typically performed by the procurement or operations department, enabling the manager to establish relationships and ensure smooth supply chain management.

8. Training on staff management and development: Effective staff management is essential for a restaurant manager. This task involves training on recruitment, hiring, training, performance evaluation, and conflict resolution. The Human Resources department or a designated trainer typically performs this task, equipping the manager with the skills to build and lead a high-performing team.

9. Familiarization with health and safety regulations: The new restaurant manager should receive comprehensive training on health and safety regulations, including food handling and storage guidelines, sanitation practices, and emergency procedures. This task is typically performed by the operations or safety department, ensuring compliance with local health regulations and maintaining a safe working environment.

10. Introduction to marketing and promotional strategies: Understanding marketing and promotional strategies is crucial for a restaurant manager to attract and retain customers. This task involves training on social media marketing, customer loyalty programs, and local advertising initiatives. The marketing department or a designated trainer typically performs this task, enabling the manager to effectively promote the restaurant’s offerings.

11. Shadowing experienced restaurant managers: To gain practical insights and learn best practices, the new restaurant manager should have the opportunity to shadow experienced managers within the company. This task is typically organized by the Human Resources department or a designated mentor, allowing the new manager to observe and learn from experienced professionals.

12. Introduction to customer service standards: The new restaurant manager should be familiarized with the restaurant’s customer service standards and expectations. This task involves training on effective communication, conflict resolution, and creating a positive dining experience. The task is typically performed by the customer service department or a designated trainer, ensuring consistent and exceptional customer service.

13. Review of performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs): The new restaurant manager should be provided with an overview of the restaurant’s performance metrics and KPIs. This task involves understanding metrics such as revenue, customer satisfaction, employee turnover, and profitability. The finance or operations department typically performs this task, enabling the manager to monitor and improve performance effectively.

14. Introduction to local regulations and permits: The new restaurant manager should receive information on local regulations and permits required for operating a restaurant, such as liquor licenses, health inspections, and zoning requirements. This task is typically performed by the operations or legal department, ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations.

15. Networking with industry professionals: To expand their professional network and stay updated with industry trends, the new restaurant manager should be encouraged to attend industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities. This task can be facilitated by the Human Resources department or through introductions by senior managers, enabling the manager to connect with industry professionals and gain valuable insights.

16. Ongoing professional development opportunities: To enhance their skills and knowledge, the new restaurant manager should be provided with ongoing professional development opportunities, such as workshops, seminars, and online courses. This task can be coordinated by the Human Resources department or through collaboration with external training providers, ensuring continuous growth and improvement in their role.

17. Introduction to the restaurant’s unique selling points: The new restaurant manager should be familiarized with the restaurant’s unique selling points, such as its ambiance, cuisine, or special features. This task is typically performed by the marketing or operations department, enabling the manager to effectively communicate and leverage these unique aspects to attract and retain customers.

18. Review of customer feedback and online reviews: The new restaurant manager should be provided with an overview of customer feedback and online reviews to understand the restaurant’s strengths and areas for improvement. This task is typically performed by the customer service or marketing department, enabling the manager to identify trends, address concerns, and enhance the overall customer experience.

19. Introduction to employee benefits and perks: The new restaurant manager should be informed about the employee benefits and perks offered by the company, such as healthcare plans, employee discounts, or wellness programs. This task is typically performed by the Human Resources department, ensuring the manager is aware of the available benefits and can effectively communicate them to the staff.

20. Review of the restaurant’s sales and marketing strategies: The new restaurant manager should receive a comprehensive review of the restaurant’s sales and marketing strategies, including target markets, promotional campaigns, and revenue goals. This task is typically performed by the marketing or operations department, enabling the manager to align their efforts with the overall business objectives

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Restaurant Manager checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Restaurant 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.