Catering Manager Resume Examples & Templates
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Catering Manager Resume Examples and Templates
Assistant Catering Manager Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Proven revenue and efficiency impact
You show clear financial and operational wins that match the role. For example, you increased catering revenue by 18% at Hilton and cut day-of issues by 45% with standardized run-sheets, which signals you can boost profitability and smooth event delivery for large-scale catering.
Strong leadership and staff development
The resume highlights team supervision and retention improvements that matter for this role. You supervised 35 staff at Hilton and cut voluntary turnover by 22% through mentorship and scheduling changes, so you can lead banquet teams and improve service consistency.
Relevant event scale and food safety credentials
You list experience running events from 50 to 2,500 guests and maintaining 100% ServSafe compliance. That aligns directly with an assistant catering manager's need to manage large functions and meet food-safety standards.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Summary could be more targeted
Your intro gives a solid overview, but it reads broad. Tighten it to name the exact event types and your management scope. Mention target metrics like average event margin or team size to make your value more concrete for this role.
Skills section lacks specific tools and systems
You list strong skills but omit common tech and ATS keywords. Add property management, catering sales, POS, or scheduling tools. Include terms like banquet event order, BEO, and catering CRM to improve ATS matches.
Some bullets lack baseline context for metrics
You use good percentages, but a few lack starting baselines. For example, state the original turnover or revenue figures when claiming percent changes. That gives hiring managers clearer context on the scale of your impact.
Catering Manager Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Strong measurable results
You quantify impact throughout your experience, which helps hiring managers see value quickly. For example, you cite a 28% revenue increase, 12% food-cost reduction, and 4.9/5 client satisfaction. Those metrics show you drive revenue, control costs, and deliver guest satisfaction for large events.
Clear leadership and team development
You show solid people skills and leadership with specifics. You led and trained 35 staff, cut turnover by 18%, and implemented cross-training. That demonstrates you can build reliable teams and sustain service quality across catering operations.
Relevant skills and education alignment
Your skills and training match the role well. You list event operations, menu development, and cost control. Your Cornell hospitality degree and capstone on menu design back your technical knowledge for menu engineering and event budgeting.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Resume summary can be tightened
Your intro highlights strong experience, but it reads long. Trim it to two clear sentences that state your years, core strengths, and a key achievement. That makes your value obvious to recruiters scanning resumes.
Add ATS-friendly keywords and tools
Your skills list is good but misses common systems and keywords. Add event software, POS, and budgeting tools you use, plus phrases like contract catering and banquet operations. That boosts ATS hits and clarifies your technical fit.
Work descriptions could show action variety
You list solid outcomes, yet many bullets focus on operations. Add a few client-facing and menu-development examples that show negotiation, bespoke menu design, or client upsell conversations. That highlights your full catering manager skill set.
Senior Catering Manager Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Clear quantification of results
The resume uses numbers to show impact, like CAD 6M revenue and a 14% margin increase. You also list reductions in errors by 35% and on-time delivery at 98%. Those metrics help hiring managers quickly see your profitability and operational wins for a Senior Catering Manager role.
Strong operational leadership examples
You describe leading a 45-person cross-functional team and rolling out SOPs and digital tools. Those points show you can manage people, process, and tech together. That combination matches the role's need for operational excellence and scaling event volume without extra headcount.
Relevant skills and industry keywords
The skills list and experience use key phrases like P&L, menu engineering, cost control, and event logistics. Those terms align with ATS searches for Senior Catering Manager and reflect the job focus on profitability, client satisfaction, and large-scale catering operations.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Summary could be more targeted
Your intro gives good breadth, but it reads general. Tighten it to highlight the exact outcomes this employer wants, like improving margins, managing accounts of specific sizes, or handling conference logistics. Use one sentence that states your biggest value to the hiring company.
Lack of software and systems detail
You mention a digital ordering rollout but omit system names and tools. Add specific platforms, ERP, or event software you used. That detail helps ATS and shows you can run modern catering tech and integrate with client systems.
Client and contract examples need more context
You note securing long-term contracts and enterprise clients but don’t name sectors or deal sizes. Add brief context, like government, financial services, or annual contract value. That helps employers judge fit for large corporate or public-sector accounts.
Catering Director Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Clear financial and operational impact
You show strong P&L ownership across large portfolios, like directing a £28M regional portfolio with 18% revenue growth and 12% EBITDA uplift. That level of quantification proves you can drive profit and scale operations, which hiring managers for a Catering Director look for.
Demonstrated sustainability and cost savings
You link sustainability to measurable savings, with a 35% cut in food waste and 9% lower food costs via supplier renegotiation. Those outcomes show you can meet corporate sustainability goals while protecting margins, a key expectation for strategic catering leaders.
Strong leadership and client delivery metrics
You list team scale and talent actions, such as leading 220 staff and cutting turnover by 22% through training and succession planning. You also cite event satisfaction and faster transactions, which shows you balance people, client service, and operations well.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Resume contains HTML list formatting
Your experience uses HTML lists. That can break ATS parsing and screen readers. Convert bullets to plain text lines with consistent punctuation, and keep simple section headers so both systems and recruiters read your achievements reliably.
Skills section could target ATS keywords more
Your skills are relevant but fairly high level. Add vendor, tech, and process keywords like vendor management, budgeting, Excel, ERP or catering management systems, and contract negotiation. That will improve ATS hits and match typical Catering Director listings.
Summary could be more concise and outcome focused
Your intro gives a good overview but reads long. Tighten it to one strong sentence that states your core value, years of experience, and two top outcomes. That makes your pitch instant and easier for hiring managers to scan.
1. How to write a Catering Manager resume
Breaking into the catering management field can be tough, especially when you're competing against many candidates with similar backgrounds. How do you ensure your resume catches the hiring manager's eye? Employers want to see your ability to plan events and manage client relationships, not just a list of past jobs. Unfortunately, many job seekers focus on job titles instead of showcasing their actual achievements and impact.
This guide will help you craft a compelling resume that highlights your strengths in event planning and team leadership. You'll learn how to turn basic job duties into impressive accomplishments, like "Coordinated over 100 events, increasing client satisfaction by 30%." We’ll focus on key sections like your work experience and summary. By the end, you'll have a polished resume that tells your unique professional story.
Use the right format for a Catering Manager resume
When crafting your resume for a catering manager role, the chronological format is usually the best choice. This format highlights your work history in reverse order, making your most recent and relevant experience stand out. If you have a steady career progression in catering, this format showcases your growth effectively. On the other hand, if you're changing careers or have gaps in employment, a combination or functional format might be more suitable to emphasize relevant skills over job titles.
Remember to keep your resume ATS-friendly. Use clear section headings, avoid complex graphics, and refrain from using tables or columns. This ensures that your resume can be easily read by applicant tracking systems.
Craft an impactful Catering Manager resume summary
Your resume summary is crucial for catching the hiring manager's attention. For experienced candidates, a resume summary is ideal, while entry-level candidates or career changers should use an objective statement. A strong summary formula is: '[Years of experience] + [Specialization] + [Key skills] + [Top achievement]'. This formula allows you to present a quick snapshot of your expertise and accomplishments.
For a catering manager, highlight your experience in event management, customer service, and team leadership. Make sure to reference any impressive accomplishments, like managing large events or increasing client satisfaction ratings.
Good resume summary example
Summary: Dynamic catering manager with over 7 years of experience in event planning and food service management. Proven ability to lead teams and exceed client expectations, having successfully organized over 100 events with a 95% satisfaction rate.
Why this works: This summary is specific, showcasing years of experience, key skills, and a quantifiable achievement, making it impactful for potential employers.
Bad resume summary example
Objective: Seeking a catering manager position to utilize my skills in event planning and food service.
Why this fails: This objective is vague and fails to highlight specific accomplishments or relevant experience, making it less compelling for hiring managers.
Highlight your Catering Manager work experience
When listing your work experience, always use reverse-chronological order. Include the job title, company name, and dates of employment. Start each bullet point with strong action verbs and focus on quantifiable achievements. For example, instead of saying you were 'responsible for managing events', say 'coordinated 50+ events annually, increasing client retention by 30%'. This not only shows what you did but also emphasizes the impact of your efforts.
Consider using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame your accomplishments effectively. This approach helps you articulate your contributions clearly, which is crucial for a catering manager.
Good work experience example
Bullet Point: Coordinated over 100 corporate events in 2022, resulting in a 25% increase in repeat business and a 30% boost in overall client satisfaction.
Why this works: This bullet point starts with a strong action verb and quantifies the impact of the work, making it clear how the candidate contributed to the company's success.
Bad work experience example
Bullet Point: Managed events and worked with vendors to ensure everything was ready.
Why this fails: This point is too vague and lacks specific results or metrics that demonstrate the candidate's achievements or contributions.
Present relevant education for a Catering Manager
In your education section, list the school name, degree earned, and graduation year. For recent graduates, this section should be more prominent, perhaps even including GPA or relevant coursework if it applies. For those with more experience, keep this section brief and focus on relevant certifications. If you have completed courses in hospitality management or event planning, include those as well.
Make sure to format this section clearly, as it reflects your educational background and qualifications for the catering manager role.
Good education example
Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management
University of Culinary Arts, 2018
Relevant Coursework: Event Planning, Catering Management, Food Safety
Why this works: This entry is clear and showcases relevant education, making it easy for employers to see the candidate's qualifications.
Bad education example
Some College Coursework Completed
Local Community College, 2016
Why this fails: This entry lacks specifics about what was studied and does not convey a clear path towards the catering management position.
Add essential skills for a Catering Manager resume
Technical skills for a Catering Manager resume
Soft skills for a Catering Manager resume
Include these powerful action words on your Catering Manager resume
Use these impactful action verbs to describe your accomplishments and responsibilities:
Add additional resume sections for a Catering Manager
Consider adding sections for certifications, awards, or relevant projects. These can make your resume more impactful by showcasing your commitment to professional development and your achievements in catering. If you've received any accolades for your service or have completed certifications in food safety or event management, include those to differentiate yourself from other candidates.
Good example
Certifications:
Certified Food Safety Manager (CFSM)
Event Planning Certification, Catering Institute
Why this works: Showing relevant certifications highlights your qualifications and commitment to the catering industry, making you a more attractive candidate.
Bad example
Interest in Cooking and Food Events
Why this fails: This section doesn't add value to your application and doesn't relate directly to the skills or qualifications needed for a catering manager role.
2. ATS-optimized resume examples for a Catering Manager
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software tools that help employers manage the hiring process. They scan resumes for keywords and specific formats to determine if a candidate fits the job. For a Catering Manager, optimizing your resume for ATS is key because it can make or break your chances of getting noticed.
To optimize your resume, start with standard section titles like 'Work Experience', 'Education', and 'Skills'. Incorporate keywords from Catering Manager job descriptions, such as 'menu planning', 'event coordination', and 'vendor negotiation'. Avoid complex formatting like tables or columns, as these can confuse the ATS. Stick to readable fonts and use file formats like PDF or .docx to ensure compatibility.
Common mistakes include using creative synonyms instead of exact keywords, relying on formatting that the ATS may misinterpret, and omitting crucial keywords related to your skills. By avoiding these pitfalls, you'll greatly improve your chances of passing the ATS and landing an interview.
ATS-compatible example
Skills:
- Menu Planning
- Event Coordination
- Vendor Negotiation
- Budget Management
Why this works: This skills section uses relevant keywords directly from catering job descriptions. It’s clear and straightforward, making it easy for the ATS to parse and identify your qualifications.
ATS-incompatible example
Abilities:
- Creative menu designs
- Organizing events
- Working with suppliers
- Financial oversight
Why this fails: Using non-standard section headers like 'Abilities' can confuse ATS systems. Additionally, the keywords used here are more creative and less aligned with what employers typically look for in a Catering Manager role, which could lead to missed opportunities.
3. How to format and design a Catering Manager resume
When you're creating a resume for a Catering Manager position, choosing the right template is crucial. Opt for a clean, professional layout that highlights your experience and skills. A reverse-chronological format works best because it showcases your most recent achievements first, making it easier for hiring managers to see your qualifications at a glance.
Your resume should ideally be one page, especially if you're at the entry or mid-career level. However, if you have extensive experience or a long history in catering management, a two-page resume is acceptable. Just remember to keep things concise.
For fonts, go with something professional like Calibri, Arial, or Georgia, and use a size between 10-12pt for the body text and 14-16pt for headers. Make sure to leave enough white space between sections to improve readability. Avoid overly creative designs; they can confuse Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and make your resume harder to read.
Common mistakes include using too many colors or non-standard fonts that can detract from your professionalism. Also, steer clear of complex templates with columns or graphics that ATS might struggle to interpret. And always use clear, standard section headings to guide the reader through your resume.
Well formatted example
Wallace Hahn
Catering Manager
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number] | [Your Email Address]
Experience
Catering Manager
Kozey Group, [Location] | [Dates]
- Managed catering services for events up to 500 guests.
- Developed menus in collaboration with clients to meet dietary preferences.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management
[Your University], [Year]
This layout is effective because it’s clean and structured, allowing hiring managers to easily read through your qualifications and experience. It also remains ATS-friendly, ensuring your resume gets through initial screenings.
Poorly formatted example
Mozelle Conroy
Catering Manager
[Your Address] | [Your Phone Number] | [Your Email Address]
Experience
Catering Manager
Sporer and Lehner, [Location] | [Dates]
- Oversaw catering operations for various events.
- Created visually appealing menus that attracted clients.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
[Your University], [Year]
This format has issues because it doesn’t provide enough white space, making it look cluttered. The use of too many graphics or creative elements can also confuse ATS, potentially leading to your resume being overlooked.
4. Cover letter for a Catering Manager
A tailored cover letter is essential for a Catering Manager position. It complements your resume and shows your genuine interest in the role. This is your chance to stand out by showcasing your personality and relevant skills.
Your letter should start with your contact information and the company's details. Then, include the date. This sets a professional tone right from the beginning.
The first paragraph needs to grab attention. State that you're applying for the Catering Manager position. Share your enthusiasm for the company and highlight your most compelling qualification. Mention how you found the job opening, whether through a job board or a referral.
- Body Paragraphs: Connect your experience directly to the job requirements.
- Highlight key projects you've managed, especially in catering or events.
- Showcase specific technical skills like budgeting and vendor negotiation.
- Mention relevant soft skills, such as leadership and communication.
- Include quantifiable achievements, like increased customer satisfaction or successful events.
Make sure to tailor your content for the company and role, using keywords from the job description.
For the closing paragraph, reiterate your strong interest in the Catering Manager role. Express confidence in your ability to contribute positively. Include a call to action, like requesting an interview, and thank the reader for their time.
Maintain a professional yet enthusiastic tone throughout. Customize your letter for each application to avoid sounding generic.
Sample a Catering Manager cover letter
Dear Hiring Team,
I am excited to apply for the Catering Manager position at Gourmet Events. I discovered the opening on your company’s website, and I believe my experience in managing high-profile events makes me a perfect fit for your team.
In my previous role at Elegant Affairs, I successfully coordinated over 50 large-scale catering events, which included weddings and corporate functions. My ability to negotiate with vendors led to a 15% reduction in costs while maintaining quality service. I excel at budgeting and ensuring that all aspects of an event run smoothly.
I pride myself on my strong leadership and communication skills, which help me manage teams effectively and maintain client relationships. In my last position, I increased customer satisfaction ratings by 20%, a testament to my dedication to exceeding client expectations.
I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring my expertise to Gourmet Events. I am confident that my background in catering management will allow me to contribute positively to your team. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my application further. Thank you for considering my application!
Sincerely,
Emma Johnson
5. Mistakes to avoid when writing a Catering Manager resume
Creating a solid resume is essential for a Catering Manager. You want to showcase your organizational skills, customer service experience, and ability to manage events effectively. Paying attention to details and avoiding common mistakes can make a significant difference in how employers perceive your application.
Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of while crafting your resume.
Avoid vague job descriptions
Mistake Example: "Responsible for catering events."
Correction: Be specific about your role and achievements. Instead, write: "Coordinated over 50 corporate events, managing logistics and menu planning for up to 500 guests each."
Generic applications
Mistake Example: "I have experience in event planning and food service."
Correction: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience. Instead, say: "Successfully organized a three-day wedding expo, overseeing vendor coordination and food service for 1,000 attendees."
Ignoring typos and grammatical errors
Mistake Example: "Managed caterig for multiple events, ensuring satisfaction"
Correction: Proofread your resume carefully. A better version would be: "Managed catering for multiple events, ensuring client satisfaction and timely service."
Overstating skills or experience
Mistake Example: "Expert in all types of cuisines and catering styles."
Correction: Be honest about your expertise. Instead, try: "Proficient in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, with hands-on experience in event catering for diverse clientele."
Using poor formatting for ATS
Mistake Example: "Catering Manager - 2018 - Present. Duties included managing events, customer service, and food prep."
Correction: Use clear headings and bullet points to enhance readability. A better format could be: "Catering Manager
2018 - Present
- Managed logistics for over 75 events annually.
- Developed menus tailored to client needs.
- Oversaw staff training and scheduling.
6. FAQs about Catering Manager resumes
Creating a great resume as a Catering Manager involves highlighting your organizational skills, event planning experience, and customer service expertise. This section will provide you with helpful FAQs and tips to enhance your resume.
What skills should I include on my Catering Manager resume?
What skills should I include on my Catering Manager resume?
Focus on skills like event planning, budgeting, customer service, and team leadership. Also, include knowledge of food safety regulations and vendor management.
What is the best format for a Catering Manager resume?
What is the best format for a Catering Manager resume?
Use a chronological format to highlight your work history. Start with your most recent job and list your relevant experience and achievements clearly.
How long should my Catering Manager resume be?
How long should my Catering Manager resume be?
Keep it to one page if you have less than 10 years of experience. For more extensive backgrounds, two pages can be acceptable.
How can I showcase my event planning projects on my resume?
How can I showcase my event planning projects on my resume?
List specific events you've managed, detailing your role, the size of the event, and the outcomes. Use metrics to show success, like guest satisfaction or revenue generated.
Should I include certifications on my Catering Manager resume?
Should I include certifications on my Catering Manager resume?
Yes, list any relevant certifications such as food safety, event planning, or management courses. These can help validate your expertise to employers.
Pro Tips
Highlight Your Achievements
Use quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your impact, like the number of events managed or revenue generated. This shows employers what you can bring to the table.
Tailor Your Resume for Each Job
Customize your resume for each application by using keywords from the job description. This helps your resume get noticed by hiring managers and applicant tracking systems.
Showcase Your Soft Skills
Catering Managers need strong interpersonal skills. Mention your ability to work in teams, resolve conflicts, and communicate effectively with clients and staff.
7. Key takeaways for an outstanding Catering Manager resume
Creating an effective resume as a Catering Manager involves showcasing your unique skills and experiences. Here are some key takeaways:
- Use a clean and professional format that's easy to read and ATS-friendly.
- Highlight your relevant skills, like event planning, client relations, and food service management, tailored specifically to catering.
- Employ strong action verbs, and quantify your achievements, such as the number of successful events managed or customer satisfaction ratings.
- Incorporate keywords from the job description to optimize your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems.
Take your time to craft a compelling resume that reflects your expertise and passion for catering. Consider using resume-building tools or templates to help you get started!
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