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Food Service Supervisor: Occupations in Alberta - alis
Do you like being in kitchens? Do you like to coordinate schedules and inventory? Do you have the ability to remain composed when faced with unexpected problems and stressful situations? Then you may want to manage a career as a food service supervisor.
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Occupations in Alberta

Food Service Supervisor

Food service supervisors are responsible for the day-to-day management of food services in health care facilities, cafeterias, catering and hospitality establishments.

Contents Expand All
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 18, 2021

Food service supervisors work under the direction of food service managers. Duties vary from one position to another but, in general, food service supervisors:

  • Direct and coordinate the activities of workers operating kitchen equipment and preparing, portioning and serving food
  • Forecast menu requirements based on a master menu and prepare production sheets or orders for food preparation workers
  • Estimate requirements and order food, equipment and supplies
  • Supervise and direct the assembly of special diet and regular trays, and the delivery of food carts
  • Ensure that food safety regulations are followed
  • Maintain food and equipment inventories
  • Develop equipment maintenance schedules, arrange for repairs as needed and evaluate new products
  • Supervise cafeteria services and catered events
  • Conduct audits regarding patient or client satisfaction, food waste, sanitation and safety
  • Set up work schedules and train food service workers

Depending on the size of the food service department, supervisors also may help to:

  • Develop departmental objectives, budgets, policies, procedures and strategies
  • Select and supervise food service staff

In continuing care centres and nursing homes, food service supervisors may work with dietitians to visit incoming residents to determine their nutritional needs and preferences.

Working Conditions
Updated May 18, 2021
  • Strength Required Lift up to 10 kg

Shift work usually is required, including weekends and holidays.

Food service supervisors spend long periods of time on their feet in warm and sometimes noisy kitchens. They may be required 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 18, 2021

Food service supervisors need:

  • Emotional maturity
  • Physical health and stamina
  • Communication and organizational skills
  • Interpersonal skills for dealing with all types of people
  • Problem-solving skills
  • The ability to work effectively in a team environment
  • The ability to remain composed when faced with unexpected problems and stressful situations

They should enjoy coordinating information (for example, schedules, inventory), supervising the work of others and working with people.

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 1938 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 22, 2024 and Dec 21, 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: Address customers' complaints or concerns
Tasks: Prepare and submit reports
Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years
Tasks: Establish work schedules
Tasks: Ensure food service and quality control 1878
Tasks: Supervise and co-ordinate activities of staff who prepare and portion food 1847
Tasks: Maintain records of stock, repairs, sales and wastage 1807
Tasks: Train staff in job duties, sanitation and safety procedures 1731
Tasks: Estimate and order ingredients and supplies 1644
Tasks: Establish methods to meet work schedules 1571
Tasks: Address customers' complaints or concerns 1534
Tasks: Prepare and submit reports 1532
Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years 1410
Tasks: Establish work schedules 1245
Educational Requirements
Updated May 18, 2021
  • Minimum Education High school diploma

Food service supervisors must be familiar with all aspects of food service including:

  • Food production
  • Menu planning and costing
  • Food safety and sanitation regulations
  • Food service activities and policies
  • Effective business practices

Most employers prefer to hire job applicants who have related post-secondary education, certification and computer skills.

Those who wish to advance to management positions in the hospitality industry should obtain related training and certification.

All staff involved in the sale and service of liquor in licensed premises (for example, owners, managers and supervisors, retailers, bartenders and servers, greeters and hosts, and security staff) must have ProServe Liquor Staff Training. This is a provincial government training program designed to ensure liquor service and sales activities are conducted with integrity and in a socially responsible manner. ProServe is available online, as a self-directed program of study using a video and a manual, or by seminar.

In Alberta, food safety courses are offered by:

Visit the Government of Alberta website or contact 780-427-7164 for a listing of approved food and safety training options.

The Government of Alberta awards a Food Sanitation and Hygiene Certification to those who complete approved training and achieve at least 70% on a provincial exam. Food facilities generally must employ at least 1 person who is certified. Where 6 or more people are working on site, at least 1 person present must be certified. Where fewer people are working on site, the certified person may be absent.

Related Education

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

Bay River College
Lethbridge Polytechnic
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Olds College
Red Deer Polytechnic
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Sundance College
Sundance College - Edmonton

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 18, 2021
  • Certification Not Regulated

Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation.

However, Tourism HR Canada (formerly the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council or CTHRC) offers 2 certifications through the emerit website for food and beverage managers on a voluntary basis. These include:

  1. Food and Beverage Manager
  2. Food and Beverage Management International

The Food and Beverage Manager certification leads to the Tourism Certified Manager (TCM) designation, while the Food and Beverage Management International certification leads to the Certified International Foodservice Management (CIFM) designation.

Employment & Advancement
Updated May 18, 2021

Most food service supervisors are employed by:

  • Hospitals and community health centres
  • Continuing care facilities
  • Large organizations that have their own cafeterias
  • Commercial food establishments (including fast food outlets)
  • Contract food companies

Advancement opportunities may be limited for food service supervisors who do not have related post-secondary education.

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.

Look for Work

Think Industries and Sectors When Planning Your Career

Jobs and occupations are changing every day. It can be hard to know what the future of work looks like—but not impossible. Look at industries and sectors for possible inspiration, insights, and opportunities.
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
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iStock.com/filadendron
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Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.

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 18, 2021

Salaries for food service supervisors vary depending on the size and location of the employing organization.

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
ALL INDUSTRIES $31,603
Retail Trade $25,956
Information, Culture, Recreation $35,505
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing $52,641
Health Care & Social Assistance $40,923
Accommodation & Food Services $31,435
Public Administration $65,232

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 High School Subjects
  • Science
  • Business, Administration, Finance and IT
    • Management and Marketing
  • Health, Recreation and Human Services
    • Foods
    • Tourism
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Personal and Food Services
Other Sources of Information
Updated May 18, 2021

Canadian Association of Foodservice Professionals website: cafp.ca

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

HealthCareCAN website: www.healthcarecan.ca

emerit website: emerit.ca

National Restaurant Association [United States] website: www.restaurant.org

ProServe Liquor Staff Training website: proserve.aglc.ca

Restaurants Canada website: www.restaurantscanada.org

Tourism HR Canada website: tourismhr.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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