Resume Writing Tips for Catering Manager

Introduction

In the bustling world of hospitality, a catering manager’s role is pivotal. They orchestrate everything from menu planning and vendor coordination to staff supervision and client communication. Given this multifaceted position, a resume that highlights your unique blend of management savvy, culinary knowledge, and customer service is essential. A strong resume not only gets you noticed but also convinces employers that you have the skills and experience to run successful catering operations.

1. Resume Summary

Your resume summary is the opening statement and should immediately convey your value proposition. As a catering manager, this summary is your elevator pitch—brief, impactful, and tailored to the job.

Example: Results-driven Catering Manager with 8+ years of experience managing large-scale events and corporate catering. Adept at staff leadership, budget management, and client relationship building, delivering exceptional service while increasing profitability by 20% annually.

2. Key Skills

A well-selected skills section helps both ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) and hiring managers quickly identify your strengths. Include a mix of hard and soft skills relevant to catering management.

• Event Planning & Coordination
• Menu Development
• Vendor & Supplier Management
• Budgeting & Cost Control
• Staff Recruitment & Leadership
• Customer Relationship Management
• Quality Assurance & Food Safety
• Inventory Management
• Conflict Resolution
• POS & Catering Software Proficiency

3. Achievements vs. Responsibilities

Rather than simply listing job responsibilities, focus on achievements that quantify your impact. Employers want to see how you improved processes, exceeded goals, or enhanced customer satisfaction.

Example: Increased client retention by 15% through personalized menu consultations and enhanced event feedback systems, leading to a 10% boost in annual revenue.

4. Tailor to Job

Every catering manager position might vary slightly in requirements. Customize your resume to match the keywords and priorities mentioned in each job description. This increases your chances with ATS and makes your resume more relevant to recruiters.

5. Tools

• Cvent (Event Management Software)
• Caterease Catering Software
• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• POS Systems (Toast, Square, Revel)
• Inventory Management Software (Upserve, MarketMan)
• Google Workspace
• QuickBooks (Accounting Software)
• Kitchen Display Systems (KDS)
• CRM software (Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Scheduling Tools (When I Work, Deputy)

6. Metrics

• Cost savings in food and beverage procurement (e.g., 15% reduction year-over-year)
• Number of events managed annually (e.g., 100+ events per year)
• Revenue growth attributable to your initiatives (e.g., $500K increase in annual sales)
• Staff turnover rate reduction (e.g., lowered by 10%)
• Client satisfaction ratings improvement (e.g., from 85% to 95%)

7. Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field
• Certified Catering Professional (CCP) or ServSafe Certification

8. Format

• Use a clean, professional font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, sized 10-12 points
• Keep consistent margins (0.5” to 1”) and avoid clutter—white space improves readability

9. Concise

Keep your resume to two pages maximum. Use bullet points and action verbs to make it easy to scan. Avoid lengthy paragraphs—hiring managers often spend less than 30 seconds on an initial review.

10. Bonus

• Include a LinkedIn profile link and ensure your profile is consistent with your resume
• Add a professional summary of certifications or professional development courses related to catering and hospitality

Examples

• Implemented a new vendor negotiation strategy resulting in a 12crease in supply costs, saving $30K annually.
• Streamlined event setup procedures, reducing staff overtime hours by 20% while maintaining quality standards.

Conclusion

A compelling catering manager resume goes beyond listing duties—it must clearly showcase your leadership, operational excellence, and ability to analyze and improve catering processes. By highlighting measurable achievements, demonstrating your expertise with industry tools, and tailoring your resume to each opportunity, you position yourself as the candidate who not only manages events but drives their success. Remember, a strong resume tells your story of impact, influence, and continuous improvement, capturing the attention of hiring managers and advancing your career in this dynamic industry.