Job prospects Food Services Manager in Prince Edward Island

Explore current and future job prospects for people working as a "food services manager" in Prince Edward Island or across Canada.

Job opportunities in Prince Edward Island

These outlooks were updated on December 11, 2024.

Prospects over the next 3 years

The employment outlook will be moderate for Restaurant and food service managers (NOC 60030) in Prince Edward Island for the 2024-2026 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

• Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
• A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
• There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
• High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.

Following a strong post-pandemic recovery in 2022, the Island's tourism sector experienced a solid season in 2024 with considerable gains in tourist traffic (particularly by way of the Confederation Bridge and air). Furthermore, the Island welcomed a record number of cruise ships which generated significant economic spin-offs in the sector. Tourism activity is expected to be favourable over the forecast period.

The Island economy is projected to expand at a respectable pace over the forecast period which should support employment growth in this occupation. This is based on the expectation that interest rates will continue to fall which will encourage more consumer spending and business investment. Population growth has been, and continues to be, a key economic driver supporting employment in the sector. However, the announcement by the federal government to reduce immigration targets will mean a slowdown in population growth over the forecast period. Although the impact of this policy is uncertain at this time, it could have a moderating affect on employment growth. Employment demand for this occupation is subject to considerable seasonality, with strongest demand for workers during the busy tourism months.

This is a relatively large occupational group in P.E.I. Continued growth in the province's overall economy will be a driving factor for new employment opportunities. Traditionally, there is considerable movement in this occupation, resulting in some new employment opportunities for restaurant and food service managers. The number of persons employed tends to be higher during the tourist season. Consequently, job openings may be seasonal or for part of the year. Those interested in establishing their own business may wish to explore investment opportunities.

The vast majority of restaurant and food service managers work in full-service and limited-service restaurants and in special food services such as catering companies. Job prospects for restaurant and food service managers are sensitive to consumer spending which is dependent on economic conditions.

The majority of job openings will result from the need to replace workers who leave their jobs due to turnover. Job prospects will be more favourable for individuals with managerial experience working in high volume restaurant operations and who are willing to work various shifts, including weekends and holidays. Generally, employment opportunities within this occupation are less favourable in the winter months.

Here are some key facts about Restaurant and food service managers in Prince Edward Island:

• Approximately 350 people work in this occupation.
• Restaurant and food service managers mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Food services and drinking places (NAICS 722): 92%
  • Arts, entertainment and recreation (NAICS 71): 6%
• 46% of restaurant and food service managers work all year, while 54% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 39 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.
• 35% of restaurant and food service managers are self-employed compared to an average of 13% for all occupations.
• The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
  • Men: 47% compared to 51% for all occupations
  • Women: 53% compared to 49% for all occupations
• The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
  • no high school diploma: 6% compared to 11% for all occupations
  • high school diploma or equivalent: 35% compared to 28% for all occupations
  • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 8% compared to 11% for all occupations
  • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 21% compared to 25% for all occupations
  • bachelor's degree: 21% compared to 17% for all occupations
  • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 9% compared to 8% for all occupations

Job prospects elsewhere in Canada

Explore current and future job prospects for people working as a "food services manager" Restaurant and food service managers (NOC 60030) or across Canada.

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