In today’s competitive hospitality industry, the role of a Catering Manager is more important than ever. Responsible for overseeing food service operations, managing staff, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards, and maintaining budgets, a Catering Manager is the linchpin that ensures every event and service runs smoothly. In the UK, the average salary for a Catering Manager ranges from £25,000 to £40,000 annually, with senior positions commanding upwards of £50,000 depending on experience and the size of the organisation. This makes crafting a standout CV not just a formality but a critical step toward securing your next career move.
A Catering Manager is expected to combine leadership, logistical acumen, and a flair for customer service. From menu planning to staff management, procurement, and liaising with clients, the responsibilities are varied and demanding. Highlighting these skills effectively on your CV can significantly increase your chances of landing interviews with top employers in the catering and hospitality sector.
Why a Strong CV is Essential
Your CV is your first impression. A well-structured, professional CV can make the difference between securing an interview and being overlooked. Employers want to see a clear record of your achievements, relevant experience, and the competencies that match their needs. By using a strategic approach and leveraging a cv template, you can ensure that your Catering Manager CV stands out among dozens of applicants.
Key Sections to Include in a Catering Manager CV
Professional Summary
Begin with a compelling professional summary that highlights your experience, skills, and career achievements. Keep it concise, ideally between 3-5 sentences, showcasing your leadership capabilities and your success in managing catering operations. Include specific metrics if possible, such as the size of events managed or percentage improvements in operational efficiency.
Key Skills
Create a bullet-point section that emphasizes your core skills. For a Catering Manager, these may include:
Staff management and training
Budgeting and cost control
Event planning and coordination
Food safety and hygiene compliance
Vendor negotiation and procurement
Customer service excellence
Professional Experience
List your work history in reverse chronological order. For each role, provide your job title, employer, dates of employment, and a detailed description of your responsibilities and achievements. Focus on measurable accomplishments, such as:
Reduced catering costs by 15% through supplier renegotiation
Managed events with up to 500 guests successfully
Improved customer satisfaction scores by 20%
Using strong action verbs like ‘managed’, ‘implemented’, and ‘streamlined’ will make your CV more compelling.
Education and Qualifications
Include any relevant qualifications, such as NVQs, diplomas in hospitality management, or a degree in food service management. Highlight certifications in food hygiene or health and safety, which are particularly valued in the catering sector.
Additional Information
Consider including languages spoken, IT skills (e.g., Microsoft Office, catering software), and membership in professional organisations.
Catering Manager CV Template Example
Below is a simple cv template structure you can adapt to your experience:
[Full Name]
[Address] | [Phone Number] | [Email Address] | [LinkedIn Profile]
Professional Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented Catering Manager with over [X years] of experience managing large-scale events and catering operations. Proven track record in staff leadership, cost management, and delivering exceptional customer experiences. Adept at streamlining operations to maximise efficiency and ensure compliance with food safety standards.
Key Skills
Staff leadership and team training
Budgeting and cost management
Event planning and coordination
Food safety and hygiene compliance
Vendor management
Client relationship management
Professional Experience
Catering Manager | [Company Name] | [Dates]
Oversaw catering operations for events hosting up to [X] guests.
Reduced food waste by [X]% through efficient inventory management.
Led a team of [X] catering staff, providing training and development programs.
Implemented new menu strategies that increased client satisfaction scores by [X]%.
Education and Qualifications
NVQ Level 4 in Hospitality Management | [Institution] | [Year]
Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene Certification | [Institution] | [Year]
Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management | [University] | [Year]
Additional Information
Fluent in [Languages]
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and catering management software
Member of [Professional Organisation]
You can view another cv example
of a Catering Manager to get inspiration and ensure your CV aligns with best practices.
Tips for Graduates
If you are a recent graduate, focus on transferable skills and internships. Highlight volunteer work, part-time roles, or event experience gained during your studies. Use strong action words and quantify achievements wherever possible. Even if you haven’t held a managerial role yet, demonstrate leadership potential and organisational skills.
Tips for Mid-Level and Senior Management
For experienced professionals, your CV should showcase strategic thinking, leadership achievements, and quantifiable successes. Highlight the size of teams managed, budgets controlled, and specific initiatives that improved operational efficiency or client satisfaction. Incorporating metrics such as revenue growth, cost savings, or customer retention rates strengthens your profile.
CV Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
Tailor your CV to the specific job and company
Use a clean, professional layout with clear headings
Include quantifiable achievements
Keep it concise, ideally 2 pages
Proofread carefully to avoid typos
Don’t:
Include irrelevant personal information
Use overly complex language or jargon
Lie or exaggerate qualifications and experience
Submit a generic CV without customization
CV Structure Advice
A strong CV structure ensures recruiters can easily find the information they need. Follow this logical flow:
Contact Information
Professional Summary
Key Skills
Professional Experience
Education and Qualifications
Additional Information
Consistency in formatting, font choice, and bullet points helps maintain readability. Remember, clarity and professionalism are critical.
Optimising Your CV for Google and Recruiters
Including relevant keywords is essential for SEO and applicant tracking systems (ATS). Terms like “Catering Manager”, “event management”, “food safety”, “budget management”, and “staff leadership” should appear naturally throughout your CV. Using hyperlinks to a cv template like this Catering Manager
example can also improve your online visibility.
Final Thoughts
Crafting an interview-winning Catering Manager CV requires a combination of clear structure, compelling content, and strategic keyword placement. Whether you are a graduate entering the field or an experienced professional looking to advance, focusing on measurable achievements, relevant skills, and professional presentation is crucial. Using a high-quality cv template and reviewing examples can significantly enhance your chances of standing out in a competitive job market.
To maximise your career potential, consider professional support to refine your CV and LinkedIn profile. With over 25 years of experience in career coaching, I’ve helped countless professionals transform their applications and secure their dream roles. Book an appointment today to have your CV and LinkedIn profile optimised for success: Book Your Appointment
. Let’s make your next career move your best one yet!
