This article explores the top alternative jobs for Assistant Restaurant Managers, showing how it can be a launchpad for diverse career paths — both within the restaurant sector and throughout the broader hospitality industry.
Top Alternative Jobs for Assistant Restaurant Managers
The skills acquired as an Assistant Restaurant Manager are highly transferable to other careers within the hospitality industry. Explore these nine alternative careers where can leverage your experience and expertise.
1. Restaurant Consultant
Restaurant Consultants are essentially business advisors specializing in the food service industry. They provide expert guidance to restaurant owners and managers on various aspects of running successful restaurant operations.
Their role can cover a wide range of tasks, including:
- Business strategy development
- Menu planning and costing
- Financial analysis
- Marketing and branding
- Staff training and development
Assistant Restaurant Managers make natural candidates for a Restaurant Consultant job with their deep-rooted experience in the intricacies of restaurant operations.
They can effectively analyze restaurant operations, identify areas for improvement and develop strategic solutions for their clients.
2. Hotel Manager
A Hotel Manager role is not much different from an Assistant Restaurant Manager or Restaurant Manager. They manage specific areas of operation or departments within a hotel, like the front desk, housekeeping and food and beverage.
The specific title of a Hotel Manager can vary depending on the size of the hotel, its focus (e.g., luxury, business, resort) and the manager’s area of expertise. Besides the straightforward “Hotel Manager” title, here are some common sub-types:
- Resort Operations Manager
- Front Desk Manager
- Food and Beverage Manager
- Housekeeping Manager
- Night Manager
Many Assistant Restaurant Manager qualities and skills are directly transferable to hotel operations. These include being able to juggle multiple tasks and manage people as well as financial management.
Moreover, their experience in food and beverage operations provides a valuable advantage for when they oversee the hotel’s restaurant. Eventually, the skills acquired from this position can lead to a Hotel General Manager role.
3. Event Manager
An Event Manager is responsible for planning, organizing and executing events from start to finish. This includes everything from conceptualizing the event, setting a budget, choosing the venue, managing vendors and coordinating logistics.
It’s their job to ensure that the event runs smoothly and satisfies the client. They often work in various types of companies, such as corporate, entertainment and hospitality.
Assistant Restaurant Managers have a unique skill set that aligns perfectly with the demands of event management. Their experience in managing staff, controlling costs and delivering exceptional customer service is needed for successful event planning.
4. Event Planner
While Event Managers are often the operational experts, Event Planners are the creative visionaries behind events.
They conceptualize, design and coordinate all aspects of an event from start to finish. Their focus is on the big picture, including:
- Theme development
- Venue selection
- Decor and production design
- Entertainment
- Overall guest experience
The fast-paced, client-focused nature of the restaurant industry prepares Assistant Restaurant Managers to thrive in the dynamic world of events.
So if you’re seeking a role that allows you to unleash your creative potential, event planning might be the perfect fit.
5. Kitchen Manager
The kitchen is the heart of the restaurant and the Kitchen Manager heads its operation. They’re in charge of food quality, kitchen staff supervision, inventory management and adherence to health and safety regulations.
They also work with the management team on menu planning and controlling food costs.
Assistant Restaurant Managers often work closely with Kitchen Managers, gaining exposure in daily kitchen operations. Moreover, their knowledge of inventory control and quality standards is a valuable asset for transitioning into a Kitchen Manager role.
6. Catering Manager
An Assistant Restaurant Manager’s understanding of food preparation, presentation and customer satisfaction makes them a good candidate for a Catering Manager position.
Catering Managers oversee everything, from menu planning and client consultations to staffing and logistics.
This role demands a blend of creativity, organizational skills and operational expertise, which are skills developed by experienced Assistant Restaurant Managers.
7. Training Manager
A Training Manager in the restaurant or hospitality industry is responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating training programs for the staff. Their goal is to enhance employee skills which will result in increased knowledge and better performance.
They work closely with the management to ensure training aligns with business objectives and contributes to the company’s bottom line.
Is this a potential alternative job for Assistant Restaurant Managers? Absolutely!
Assistant Restaurant Managers possess many of the core skills needed for a Training Manager role.
8. Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Managers oversee recruitment, employee relations, and compliance with labor laws. Your experience in hiring, training, and managing restaurant staff provides a solid foundation for this role. Strong interpersonal skills and an understanding of team dynamics are essential.
9. Sales Representative
Sales Representatives promote products or services to clients and negotiate contracts. The persuasive communication and customer service skills developed in restaurant management can be advantageous in sales roles. Understanding client needs and building relationships are key components.
Key Skills for Hospitality Careers: The Assistant Restaurant Manager Advantage
As we’ve mentioned, Assistant Restaurant Managers develop a versatile skill set that will help them seamlessly transition into various restaurant and hospitality roles.
Here’s a quick summary of their transferable qualities and skills:
- Customer focus: Assistant Restaurant Managers are experts at building strong customer relationships and efficiently resolving customer concerns.
- Operational efficiency: Streamlining processes, managing resources and aiming for operational excellence are crucial tasks that Assistant Restaurant Managers usually manage.
- Problem-solving and decision-making skills: They’re trained in analyzing challenges, developing solutions and making informed choices under pressure.
- Cost management: The alternative jobs on our list require understanding budgets, controlling costs and maximizing profitability, all of which also fall under the Assistant Restaurant Manager’s responsibilities
- Adaptability and flexibility: Assistant Restaurant Managers excel in high-pressure and fast-paced environments, and they can effortlessly adjust to change.
Transferable Skills of Assistant Restaurant Managers
Assistant Restaurant Managers develop a versatile skill set that is valuable across various industries. Key transferable skills include:
- Customer Service Excellence: Proven ability to enhance guest satisfaction and address concerns promptly.
- Team Leadership: Experience in managing diverse teams, fostering collaboration, and maintaining high morale.
- Financial Acumen: Proficiency in budgeting, cost control, and financial reporting to ensure profitability.
- Problem-Solving: Aptitude for identifying issues and implementing effective solutions in high-pressure environments.
- Time Management: Skill in prioritizing tasks to ensure efficient operations and meet deadlines.
Recognizing these transferable skills can help in exploring alternative career paths that align with your strengths.
How To Successfully Transition To a New Career
Transitioning to a new career can be a rewarding endeavor. Consider the following steps:
- Self-Assessment: Evaluate your interests, strengths, and career goals to identify suitable alternative roles.
- Skill Development: Pursue additional training or certifications if required for your desired position.
- Networking: Connect with professionals in your target industry to gain insights and uncover opportunities.
- Resume Enhancement: Highlight transferable skills and relevant experiences that align with the new role.
- Interview Preparation: Be ready to discuss how your background as an Assistant Restaurant Manager equips you for the new position.
By following these steps, you can effectively navigate the transition to a new and fulfilling career path.
Industries That Value Restaurant Management Experience
The skills acquired as an Assistant Restaurant Manager are highly sought after in several industries, including:
- Retail Management: Overseeing store operations, managing staff, and ensuring excellent customer service.
- Hospitality: Roles in hotels, event planning, and catering that require team management and guest satisfaction expertise.
- Healthcare Administration: Managing teams, budgets, and logistics in healthcare facilities or senior living centers.
- Corporate Training: Developing and delivering training programs for employees in various corporate settings.
- Logistics and Supply Chain: Managing inventory, ensuring smooth operations, and coordinating deliveries.
Transitioning to these industries allows you to leverage your operational, leadership, and customer service experience in new and exciting ways.
Ready for Your Career Shift?
From operations to customer service, Assistant Restaurant Managers have the expertise and experience that equip them for different alternative jobs within or beyond the restaurant industry.
If you’re thinking about switching careers, consider these top alternative jobs for Assistant Restaurant Managers and see if they align with your career aspirations.
Top Alternative Jobs for Assistant Restaurant Managers FAQs
Assistant Restaurant Managers develop a diverse skill set—like leadership, problem-solving, and financial management—that’s highly transferable. Whether it’s managing events, consulting, or even transitioning to HR, they’re already equipped to handle high-pressure roles that require organization and adaptability.
Event management requires multitasking, customer focus, and the ability to juggle logistics – all things restaurant managers do daily. Their experience coordinating teams, handling budgets and keeping clients happy gives them a head start in the fast-paced world of events.
Managing restaurant staff involves recruiting, training, and handling employee relations – exactly what HR managers do. Restaurant experience builds strong interpersonal skills and a deep understanding of team dynamics, which are essential for excelling in HR roles.
It depends on their passion! If they love operations, becoming a Restaurant Consultant or Kitchen Manager is ideal. For those who enjoy creativity, event planning offers freedom. Hospitality lovers might thrive as Hotel Managers. The options are endless and customizable to their strengths.
First, identify transferable skills like leadership, customer service and cost management. Then, network in the desired industry, take relevant courses if needed, and tailor your resume to highlight your strengths. With their background, most can pivot successfully with the right preparation.
Written by Mitko Terziev
With over eight years of experience in the field, Mitko is a seasoned content specialist who has penned thousands of articles covering a wide array of topics. Before writing, he spent a few months working as a Bartender in one of the best bars in his hometown. In his free time, Mitko enjoys immersing himself in the worlds of gaming and nature.
Reviewed by Marcy Miniano
Marcy is an editor and writer with a background in public relations and brand marketing. Throughout her nearly decade-long career, she has honed her skills in crafting content and helping build brands across various industries — including restaurant and hospitality, travel, tech, fashion and entertainment.
