How to become a Catering Manager

Organises and controls the operations of a catering business to provide catering services to clients, including for special events and functions.

Main tasks

• Manages event schedules and food preparation timelines to ensure the smooth operation of a catering business
• Manages budgets and financial aspects of a catering business and promotes catering services to attract new clients
• Liaises with clients to determine specific food requirements and preferences
• Oversees the preparation of food and beverages, and purchases supplies for catering events according to dietary requirements
• Arranges for the timely delivery of catering services to a function or event, including setting up equipment to serve food and preserve its temperature
• Manages and supervises staff, including hiring, training and performance evaluation, and ensures compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations
• Maintains records of events, expenses and client information, and finalises transactions between customers and the business

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management (SIT60322); Certificate IV in Catering Management (SIT40621); Certificate IV in Asian Cookery (SIT40821); Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420); Certificate III in Catering (SIT30921); Certificate III in Events (SIT30522); Certificate III in Hospitality (Restaurant Front of House) (SIT30722); Certificate IV in Kitchen Management (SIT40521)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $85,488 a year
• About 64,500 people work in this job group now, and about 69,100 are projected by 2035. (+7.2%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Related jobs

• Cafe or Restaurant Manager
• Hosted Accommodation Operator
• Accommodation Service Manager
• Amusement Centre Manager
• Betting Agency Manager
• Cinema or Theatre Manager

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Catering Manager?

Ways in include: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management; Certificate IV in Catering Management.

How much does a Catering Manager earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $85,488 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Catering Manager a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 7% by 2035, from about 64,500 to about 69,100 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Catering Manager?

Not always. 28% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management; Certificate IV in Catering Management.

Will AI change the work of a Catering Manager?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04