Catering is an industry which has enjoyed a great deal of prominence throughout the United Kingdom (and indeed around the world). Managers within this field have always been in high demand, and applicants who are properly qualified will enjoy a great deal of success over time.

Not only must you be equipped with the most pertinent skills, but presenting your qualifications in a decidedly efficient manner is important during the hiring process. Before putting pen to paper, we recommend looking at a CV template to get a better idea of what information employers are looking for – plus, the below catering manager CV sample that we have constructed is meant to point you in the right direction. 

Please spend some time to appreciate the basic points that should always be mentioned, including:

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    Sample catering manager CV

    Martin Jones CV 2

    Martin Jones

    84 Round Walk, Glasgow G1 3GU

    07912345678

    Martin.Jones@example-example.co.uk

    Professional summary

    Efficient Catering Manager with extensive knowledge of fine dining and training in leadership. Adept at detailed event planning and upselling while listening to client desires. Successful at innovative and quick problem solving with an outstanding eye for detail and organised scheduling.

    Work history

    March 2020 – Current

    Royal Palace Hotel – Glasgow

    Catering Manager

    • Hired and trained both permanent and temporary staff members.
    • Coordinated with event planners for floor and table layouts, guest numbers and overall catering needs.
    • Handled day-to-day processes of catering including scheduling, ordering food and planning events.

    February 2018 – January 2020

    Art Hotel – Glasgow

    Assistant Catering Manager

    • Worked with chefs to plan menus according to client needs and budgets.
    • Coordinated with event planners for floor and table layouts, guest numbers and overall catering needs.
    • Designed catering packages to increase sales and customer experience.

    Skills

    • Marketing knowledge
    • Gather software expertise
    • Inventorying knowledge
    • Event planning proficiency
    • Nutrition expert
    • Certified Catering Associate

    Education

    Glasgow University Glasgow – 2017

    Bachelor of Arts Strategic Tourism and Hospitality Management

    What is the best format for your catering manager CV?

    Choosing the correct CV format for your catering manager CV is key to your success – some are better at illustrating your tangible experience, while others spotlight your transferable skills and personal qualities. Recruiters suggest using either the reverse chronological CV or the skills-based CV.

    The reverse-chronological structure is the most popular among employers, recruiters, and CV reading software. As well as being easy to scan through, it clearly highlights your career progression over time. It’s the most logical option for catering managers as they must demonstrate experience in similarly fast-paced and high-pressure roles.

    As the name indicates, the reverse-chronological CV outlines your work background starting from your current or most recent position. You can discuss internships, volunteering, temporary contracts, and part-time roles alongside traditional full-time employment.

    If you’re a recent graduate hoping to break into the management side of the catering industry, you could use a skills-based CV instead. A comprehensive skills section replaces work history, convincing employers that you possess the right qualities for the job, even without experience.

    Top tips for catering manager CV writing

    • Write an eye-catching cover letter 

      If you want your application to stand out, you must include a well-structured cover letter that showcases your skills in the best light, presents your proudest achievements, and convinces the employer that you’re a good fit for the company.

    • Mention any specialisms

      Catering is an umbrella term encompassing many specialisms, like weddings, corporate events, and hospitality. Document your niche in your personal statement so employers can better understand your strengths. Focusing on one area of catering – and doing it really well – will give you the edge when job-seeking.

    • Spotlight your soft personal qualities

      Any managerial position requires a confident personality and impressive leadership qualities. Give examples of the times you’ve embodied both throughout your catering manager CV to reassure employers that you can hit the ground running.

    • Double-check for errors and repetitiveness

      Giving a good first impression is as easy as running your CV through a spellchecker. Correct any errors before sending your application.Additionally, ask a friend, family member, or colleague to check your writing for repetitiveness.

    • Research the company

      No matter the job, candidates should always research the company before crafting their cover letter and CV – this reveals the type of person a company is looking for, alongside their preferred communication style. Learn everything you can about the business’s ethos, and reflect their values back to them in your application.

    How to write a CV for a catering manager

    It can feel daunting applying for a brand-new job – let alone creating a tailored catering manager CV that sets you apart from the competition. However, there’s no need to worry because we’re here to explain how to write a CV that’ll win over the trickiest hiring managers.

    In the subsequent sections, we’ll cover everything you need to know about crafting a convincing curriculum vitae, including:

    Outlining education on a quantity surveyor CV

    To work as a quantity surveyor, individuals typically need a degree in a relevant subject such as building and construction, engineering, or geography. Entry-level positions such as technical surveyor or surveying technician don’t always require a degree, but further study is needed to progress in your career.

    The education section should show your most recent qualification first and then any relevant courses after, as follows:

    • School, college, university or training provider
    • Year of qualification
    • Level of qualification, for example, BA (Hons), Master’s
    • Subject or course title – you don’t need this for high school courses

    Example education section for a quantity surveyor

    University of Examples, Anytown, 2004-2006 MSc in Quantity Surveying Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors accreditation

    Example University, Anytown, 2002-2004 HND in Building Survey Practice

    Example College, Anytown, 2000-2002 A levels: Maths (B), Technology (B) and English (C)

    How to add contact details to your catering manager CV

    Many job applications get separated from their original correspondence, so it’s essential to note your most up-to-date contact information at the top of your CV – this allows employers and recruiters to arrange the next steps. List:

    • Your Full Name
    • Your Current Address
    • Your Phone Number
    • Your Email

    Remember to keep your details appropriate. You’d be surprised how many candidates make a poor first impression because of an unprofessional-sounding email address!

    Example of contact section for a catering manager CV

    Danielle Brookes
    72 Highview Avenue
    London, HD29 7SP
    07912345678
    danielle.brookes@examplemail.com

    Start your catering manager CV with a personal statement

    Your personal statement summarises what makes you unique, such as technical skills, professional achievements, and academic qualifications. It’s a fantastic opportunity to reveal more about your personality while impressing employers with hard facts and figures. Above all else, you want to keep the reader engaged and wanting more!

    So, how can you do this? In three to four sentences, ignite the hiring manager’s interest by:

    • Sounding confident – use plenty of positive adjectives and action verbs, like “dedicated”, “passionate”, and “pioneered”
    • Writing in the third person – this makes your CV sound a touch more formal and polished
    • Re-read the job advertisement – tailor your personal statement (and catering manager CV in general) to what employers are looking for
    • Keeping sections brief – busy decision-makers don’t have time to pore over pages upon pages of text

    Most importantly, substantiate claims with statistics. For example, if you mention that you possess brilliant organisation skills, qualify this with how many events you typically manage per year – numbers are powerful because they speak for themselves.

    Example of personal statement for a catering manager CV

    Qualified catering manager who’s worked within the hospitality industry for just over ten years. Adopted numerous roles during the past decade and recently filled managerial positions for two separate firms. Experienced in all forms of catering, particularly when the task revolves around client relations and handling important events such as weddings and corporate seminars.

    OR

    Experienced food and hospitality graduate who works well under pressure while still attending to every detail. Certified under the City & Guilds scheme and able to provide my own form of transportation. Eager to partner with a trailblazing company that can enable me to satisfy my desire for success.

    How to present your work history on a catering manager CV

    The work experience section is a goldmine for employers and recruiters, revealing how long you typically stay at a company (your reliability), your strengths, and your weaknesses (via what you don’t mention). Although all CV sections are essential, it’s here that hiring managers spend the most time – as such, every word counts.

    When outlining your employment background, include:

    • Job title
    • Employment dates
    • Company name and location
    • Primary responsibilities 
    • Promotions, achievements, and awards

    The more in-depth you can be, the better. Instead of saying you were “responsible for several employees”, highlight how you “oversaw a diverse team of 50 chefs, kitchen assistants, and servers”. Then, make your prose more persuasive by incorporating punchy action verbs, such as “orchestrated”, “headed, and “directed”.

    Of course, the information you provide must be relevant to the catering manager job description – a love of food definitely helps, but employers don’t care about your favourite recipes! Avoid mindlessly repeating phrases in the advertisement, but use them to guide the writing process.

    Lastly, double-check for repetitiveness. While you might’ve “ordered supplies for the kitchen” in every job, there’s no point in going over old ground. It’s better to showcase the breadth of your abilities by including brand-new details underneath each role.

    Example of work experience for a catering manager CV

    2010-Present Catering and Transportation Manager (London) at Black Tie Events.

    • All aspects of food handling and preparation
    • Coordinating delivery times with clients.
    • Providing speciality menus upon request.
    • Overseeing a team of 10 employees.

    2008-2010 Assistant Catering Manager (Manchester) at the Royal Hotel.

    • Responsibilities included:
    • Meeting daily work demands.
    • Stock and inventory control.
    • Liaising with corporate clients.

    2006-2008 Junior Caterer at Down Hall.

    • Planning weddings and similar private events.
    • Transporting perishables between locations.
    • Monitoring all relevant health and safety guidelines.
    • Part-time bartender.

    Great skills to add on your catering manager CV

    Successful CV skills sections blend hard skills that demonstrate your technical abilities and soft skills that speak to your personality. Presenting an eclectic medley of your best bits will give employers a well-rounded view of your capabilities.

    Examples of hard skills might include “food handling”, “menu design”, and “stocktaking”. Soft skills are often transferable – think “goal-oriented”, “highly organised”, and “communicative”. We suggest adding around 12 skills in total, split evenly between the above.

    Our top advice is to avoid listing dozens of hard skills that have been lifted from the job description – it sounds too robotic and impersonal. Even if you’re the most qualified candidate, hiring managers still need reassurance that you’ll fit in with the existing team, embody the company ethos, and be an all-around pleasant person! Stuck? Here are a few ideas to help:

    Essential skills for a catering manager

    • Proficiency in addressing the needs of high-demand positions
    • Full UK standard driving licence (goods vehicle operator)
    • Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate
    • Experience in leadership positions and the ability to motivate others
    • Financial and budgeting knowledge

    Desirable aptitudes to set you apart

    • Ability to remain calm under pressure
    • Background in nutrition
    • Kitchen experience and a talent for cooking
    • Excellent customer service style
    • Exceptional communication skills

    How to add education to your catering manager CV

    An exhaustive education section is the foundation on which your catering manager CV stands. Certain qualifications will set you apart from equally experienced applicants, making you shine in a highly competitive job market. How do you become a catering manager? There are several routes into the industry to match every individual’s learning preferences and circumstances.

    Some top hotel chains and contract companies run graduate schemes for degree holders. However, a university education isn’t essential for most employers. If you want to enhance your knowledge, consider a course in catering and culinary management, hospitality, leisure and tourism, or business studies.

    Most of the time, GCSEs are enough – paired with several years of managerial experience in restaurants, pubs, and hotels. School leavers could even train on the job through apprenticeships or take a part-time college course in hospitality and catering skills. The possibilities are endless!

    Whatever avenue you choose, ensure to note:

    • Name of school, college, university, or other awarding body
    • Study start and end dates
    • Course title – not applicable to GCSEs
    • Qualification level – e.g. GCSE or postgraduate degree
    • Qualification result

    Finally, the education section is the perfect place to reiterate relevant training courses, alongside the core and professional qualifications summary at the top – treat these like any other academic achievement, following the format above.

    Example of education for a catering manager CV

    City & Guilds: 2007 – 2009 Hospitality and Catering Principles Level 3 (7091).

    Food Safety and Catering/Healthy Foods and Special Diets Level 2 (7150). Hospitality and Catering Apprenticeship Level 2.)

    Coventry University: 2003 – 2006 Strategic Tourism and Hospitality Management BA (Hons.): 2:1

    Coventry High School: 2003 – 2001 Food Technology (A), Business Studies (A), and English (B)

    Coventry High School: 1996 – 2001 10 GCSEs at grades A-C

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    Your catering manager CV questions answered

    What is the role of a catering manager?

    Catering managers supervise a team of talented chefs, kitchen assistants, and servers within the events, leisure, and tourism industries. While the setting varies, the day-to-day operations are similar, including:

    • Maintaining high-quality food and service standards
    • Hiring, training, and supervising staff
    • Creating catering budgets and ordering stock
    • Implementing health and safety regulations
    • Organising staff rotas and shift patterns

    What skills do you need for catering?

    A love of good food is essential if you’d like to enter the catering industry. As well as understanding the ins and outs of how a kitchen operates, you must have a discerning palate and an eye for detail to guarantee exceptional food standards. The ideal applicant possesses:

    • Knowledge of nutrition, food hygiene, and meal preparation
    • Excellent time management skills
    • Ability to work as part of a team
    • Keen attention to detail
    • Refined palate for taste testing

    What skills do you need to be a manager?

    Above all else, managers must be motivational leaders and empathetic listeners. It’s tricky to inspire a diverse team of personalities, ages, and abilities, which is why employers prioritise:

    • Confidence under pressure
    • Approachable nature and brilliant communication skills
    • Someone who leads by example
    • Good business understanding
    • Problem-solving capabilities

    How do I get a manager job with no experience?

    Most employers prefer experienced candidates, but it’s not impossible to become a manager without a managerial background – after all, everyone has to start somewhere! If you can demonstrate leadership qualities and a watertight understanding of the catering business in your CV, hiring managers might invite you to the interview stage. You could also bolster your chances by taking a course, such as an NVQ in Management Skills.

    Cook up an excellent catering manager CV

    This catering manager CV sample is meant as an aid when structuring your professional curriculum. However, this is only one example of the many other tools that can be found by browsing through our website at your convenience, including CV examples and pre-made CV templates. Use both to help your craft an award-winning catering manager CV.

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