Food and Nutrition Manager

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)
• co-ordinate 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.

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.

Food and nutrition managers need to possess:

• an interest in food and its composition, preparation and service
• an interest in helping people make healthy choices
• organizational and leadership abilities
• excellent verbal and written communication skills
• good 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.

Above-average occupational growth is expected in Alberta for 2016 to 2020. Job openings are a result of employment turnover and newly created positions.

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.

Food and nutrition managers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 6311: Food service supervisors. In Alberta, 87% of people employed in this classification work in the Accommodation and Food Services (PDF) industry.

The employment outlook (PDF) in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the Accommodation and Food Services industry)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions)
• size of the occupation.

Over 8,000 Albertans are employed in the Food service supervisors occupational group. This group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.4% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 192 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As food and nutrition managers form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for food and nutrition managers.

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

Canadian Association of Foodservice Professionals website: www.cafp.ca

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

HealthCareCAN website: www.healthcarecan.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.