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Food and Nutrition Manager

Food and nutrition managers provide nutrition care and supervise food service operations in health care settings and commercial food service establishments.

Also Known As

Dietary Technician

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 6212: Food Service Supervisors

2006 NOC-S

  • G012: Food Service Supervisors

2011 NOC

  • 6311: Food service supervisors

2016 NOC

  • 6311: Food service supervisors

2021 NOC

  • 62020: Food service supervisors

2023 OaSIS

  • 62020.00: Food service supervisors
Duties
Updated May 17, 2021

Duties and responsibilities vary from one position to another but, in general, food and nutrition managers:

  • Supervise food preparation and service operations (for more information, see the Food Service Supervisor occupational profile)
  • Coordinate and plan food service department operations by setting department goals, policies and procedures
  • Troubleshoot day-to-day operational issues for the frontline staff to ensure an outstanding service environment is provided to clients
  • Monitor, maintain and improve quality standards through audits, surveys, checks and inspections
  • Maintain safety and sanitation standards
  • Establish, monitor and evaluate customer service plans
  • Purchase food, equipment and supplies to established specifications, and ensure proper receiving and storage
  • Implement budgets and control costs
  • Market food services within their organizations or to the public in general
  • Hire, train and direct the work of food service personnel
  • Keep records of customer information

Food and nutrition managers work as part of a team with representatives of other departments in their organizations. They may work under the direction of dietitians to recommend ways to improve clients' food intake based on client needs and established guidelines. They may also adapt client menus for special nutrient needs or restrictions. For more information, see the Dietitian occupational profile.

Working Conditions
Updated May 17, 2021
  • Strength Required Lift up to 10 kg

Food and nutrition managers may work rotating shifts that include weekends and holidays. They spend long periods of time standing while supervising food production and service in warm, sometimes noisy kitchens. They may need to lift up to 10 kilograms.

Interests & Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Food Service Supervisors

2006 NOC: 6212

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
METHODICAL

Interest in co-ordinating information to establish methods to meet work schedules and maintain records of stock, repairs, sales and wastage; and in ensuring that food and service meet quality control standards; may plan cafeteria menus and determine related food and labour costs

DIRECTIVE

Interest in supervising and checking assembly of regular and special diet trays, and delivery of food trolleys to hospital patients; may participate in the selection of food service staff and assist in the development of policies, procedures and budgets

social

Interest in training staff in job duties and sanitation and safety procedures

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. 

It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.

Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.

A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.

A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

A Quick Guide

You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated May 17, 2021

Food and nutrition managers need:

  • An interest in food and its composition, preparation and service
  • An interest in helping people make healthy choices
  • Organizational and leadership abilities
  • Verbal and written communication skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • The ability to work in a team environment
  • The ability to adapt in an atmosphere of constant change
  • The ability to put clients at ease and instill confidence

They should enjoy directing the work of others and compiling information.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Food service supervisors

2016 NOC: 6311

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 2642 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Sep 10, 2024 and Oct 09, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Ensure food service and quality control
Tasks: Supervise and co-ordinate activities of staff who prepare and portion food
Tasks: Maintain records of stock, repairs, sales and wastage
Tasks: Train staff in job duties, sanitation and safety procedures
Tasks: Estimate and order ingredients and supplies
Tasks: Establish methods to meet work schedules
Tasks: Prepare and submit reports
Tasks: Address customers' complaints or concerns
Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years
Tasks: Establish work schedules
Educational Requirements
Updated May 17, 2021
  • Minimum Education 2 years post-secondary

Food and nutrition managers need computer skills and related post-secondary education. 2 to 3 years of experience in the food service or hospitality environment is preferred.

CHA Learning offers a 6-course program in Food Service and Nutrition Management. The entrance requirements include:

  • Grade 12 or equivalent education
  • English Language proficiency
  • communication and computer skills

For more information, visit the HealthCareCAN website.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Simon Fraser University

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated May 17, 2021
  • Certification Not Regulated

Certification is voluntary in this occupation.

However, graduates of accredited programs are eligible for membership in the Canadian Society of Nutrition Management. CSNM offers a certification program in nutrition management.

Employment & Advancement
Updated May 17, 2021

Food and nutrition managers are employed by organizations that sell food or food products, have food service outlets or provide nutritional services to clients. For example, they may work for:

  • Restaurants or hotels
  • Catering companies
  • Cafeterias in large organizations
  • Schools
  • Correctional institutions
  • Hospitals or community health centres
  • Continuing care centres or nursing homes
  • Food wholesale companies or foodservice equipment companies
  • Grocery stores
  • Food processing companies
Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Food service supervisors
2016 NOC: 6311

90.0% of people in this occupational group work in:

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Food service supervisors
2021 NOC: 62020
High
Demand
9,000
Employed

Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Food service supervisors
2016 NOC: 6311
2.7%
Annual Growth
(Above Average)
258
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated May 17, 2021

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Food service supervisors

2016 NOC: 6311
Average Wage
$17.25
Per Hour
Average Salary
$31,603.00
Per Year
Average Hours
35
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 6311 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $13.15 $18.00 $16.19 $16.00
Overall $14.94 $21.00 $17.25 $16.50
Top $15.75 $36.68 $19.45 $18.00

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Retail Trade
Information, Culture, Recreation
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing
Health Care & Social Assistance
Accommodation & Food Services
Public Administration

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
57%
57%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
74%
74%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
26%
26%
Vacancy Rate
N/A
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Human Ecology, Fashion and Food Sciences
Other Sources of Information
Updated May 17, 2021

Canadian Association of Foodservice Professionals website: cafp.ca

Canadian Society of Nutrition Management website: www.csnm.ca

HealthCareCAN website: www.healthcarecan.ca

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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