Ensuring your catering CV stands out in a saturated market remains a daunting challenge. Referencing our guide will provide tailored strategies to enhance your CV's impact, catching the eye of potential employers in the culinary industry.
In this Enhancv catering CV guide, you'll find out more about how to:
- Answer job requirements with your catering CV and experience;
- Curate your academic background and certificates, following industry-leading CV examples;
- Select from +10 niche skills to match the ideal candidate profile
- Write a more succinct experience section that consists of all the right details.
Do you need more specific insights into writing your catering CV? Our guides focus on unique insights for each individual role:
Resume examples for catering
Explore additional catering cv samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Role
Catering Manager
- Clear Structure and Conciseness - This CV excels in its organization, allowing the reader to easily navigate through the candidate's career history. The use of distinct sections and bullet points ensures that each component is quickly digestible, making it straightforward to identify key skills and experiences.
- Dynamic Career Growth - Noah's career trajectory showcases a strong upward movement from Sous Chef to Catering Manager, reflecting both skill growth and an expansion of responsibilities. This steady progression highlights his capacity for leadership and increasing influence within the industry.
- Focus on Innovation and Industry Practices - The CV reveals Noah's dedication to innovative practices in catering, employing strategies such as new menu concepts and strategic inventory management. These elements underscore his commitment to not only maintaining but advancing industry standards in sustainability and guest satisfaction.
Catering Assistant
- Clear and Logical Presentation - The CV is well-organized, with distinct sections dedicated to experience, skills, education, and achievements, which makes it easy to navigate. Each section provides concise yet comprehensive information that highlights the applicant’s qualifications, ensuring clarity and readability.
- Demonstrated Career Growth - The career trajectory illustrates a clear progression in the food service industry from a Barista and Food Service Assistant to a Catering Specialist. This path demonstrates the candidate's advancing responsibilities and leadership abilities, indicative of a successful and upwardly mobile career.
- Emphasis on Impactful Achievements - The CV effectively uses quantifiable results to emphasize achievements. From reducing food wastage by 30% to improving customer satisfaction ratings by 40%, each accomplishment is linked to significant business impact, showcasing the candidate's ability to drive meaningful outcomes.
Catering Operations Manager
- Strategic Approach in Achievements - Isabella's CV effectively emphasizes her strategic impact by aligning her achievements with business goals, such as the 20% increase in sales through innovative menu development, and a 10% reduction in overhead costs via efficient process implementation. This details how her contributions translate into tangible business benefits.
- Impressive Career Progression - Her career trajectory is clearly defined, showcasing swift promotions from a Catering Supervisor to an Operations Manager. Her roles at established companies like Sodexo and Compass Group reflect both stability and growth, suggesting a robust understanding of the catering industry.
- Robust Skill Set with Relevant Certifications - The inclusion of specialized courses like Advanced Food Safety and Strategic Hospitality Management enhances her qualifications. These industry-specific elements highlight her commitment to ongoing professional development and underscore her competence in strategic and operational aspects of catering management.
Catering Coordinator
- Clear Career Progression - Isaac Scott's CV demonstrates a clear career trajectory with progressive growth from Catering Supervisor to Catering Manager. This logical progression is evidence of his strong performance and ability to take on greater responsibilities within the food service industry.
- Emphasis on Operational Efficiency - The CV highlights Scott's extensive experience in optimizing food service operations. His achievements in stock control and cost management, such as a 15% reduction in waste and consistent budget control, underscore his capability to drive efficiency and profitability.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration and Leadership - Scott's roles have required strong team leadership and collaborative skills, evident from his experience leading a team of 20 at Compass Group and enhancing departmental productivity at Aramark. His ability to improve communication and satisfaction scores by 20% suggests effective cross-functional coordination and relationship management.
Regional Catering Manager
- Structured Career Growth - Rosie Gray's CV showcases a clear trajectory of advancement within the catering industry, starting from a Site Manager role at Compass Group, advancing to Regional Manager at Sodexo. This progression highlights her ability to take on increasing responsibility and leadership, effectively moving up through ranks while gaining valuable, diverse experiences across different locations.
- Diverse and Relevant Sections - The CV includes a comprehensive set of sections that provide a well-rounded profile of the candidate, such as experience, education, skills, achievements, courses, languages, and passions. Each section is aligned with her current role in operations and client relations, offering a holistic view of her qualifications and interests.
- Impactful Achievements with Business Relevance - The achievements listed in Rosie Gray's CV go beyond numerical improvements; they underscore specific business impacts, such as improved client satisfaction, increased sales growth, and enhanced operational efficiency. This demonstrates her capability to drive initiatives that have substantial, positive outcomes on business performance, making her a valuable asset to any organization.
Catering Sales Manager
- Comprehensive Career Progression - The CV notably outlines Ivy Ward's ascension in the sales industry, starting as a Regional Sales Executive and advancing to her current role as a Catering Sales Manager. This trajectory reflects her accumulated experience and increasing responsibilities over the years, emphasizing her leadership capabilities and ability to meet organizational objectives consistently.
- Data-Driven Strategy Execution - Ivy's proficiency in leveraging data analytics for strategic planning is a highlight, demonstrating her analytical capabilities and commitment to data-informed decision-making. Her initiative in integrating data analytics for market trend tracking, which improved reactive sales strategies by 20%, showcases her forward-thinking approach within the catering sales industry.
- Exceptional Collaborative Skills - The CV places significant emphasis on Ivy's ability to work cross-functionally, illustrated by her successful collaborations with marketing teams and her role in training junior sales members. This underscores her aptitude not only as a leader but also as a team player who enhances team productivity and contributes to holistic business development.
Catering Director
- Structured Presentation of Information - The CV is structured clearly, with sections dedicated to profile, experience, education, skills, courses, achievements, languages, and passions. This layout facilitates easy navigation and quick comprehension, allowing potential employers to efficiently identify key qualifications and achievements relevant to their needs.
- Career Trajectory and Growth - Finley Robinson’s career demonstrates significant growth and progression within the catering industry, moving from a General Manager to a Director of Catering over a span of 15 years. This upward trajectory highlights their ability to take on increasing responsibility and showcase leadership in managing large-scale operations, budgeting, and team leadership.
- Impactful Achievements with Business Relevance - The CV emphasizes impactful achievements like increasing student satisfaction scores by 20% and improving meal participation rates by 12%, which showcase Finley’s ability to implement strategies that positively affect service quality and stakeholder engagement. Such metrics not only highlight success but also underscore business acumen and strategic planning capabilities.
Catering Supervisor
- Structured Career Progression with Specialization - Alexander's CV reflects a clear upward career trajectory in the catering and hospitality industry, consistently assuming roles with greater responsibility and leadership. From starting as a Catering Team Leader to becoming a Catering Supervisor, the progression showcases his development as a leader and expert in his field, reinforcing his ability to adapt and grow within the industry.
- Demonstrates Effective Leadership and Compliance - The CV prominently highlights Alexander's leadership capabilities, particularly in team management and health and safety compliance. These skills are reinforced by his successful implementation of new training programs and his achievement of a 100% compliance rating in audits, demonstrating his commitment to ensuring a safe and productive working environment.
- Strategic Achievements with Tangible Impacts - Alexander's achievements underscore his strategic approach to problem-solving and impact on business outcomes. Notable accomplishments such as increasing resident satisfaction by 20%, reducing food waste costs, and receiving a regional award for community dining enhancement illustrate his ability to execute strategies that improve service quality and operational efficiency, ultimately contributing to the organization's goals.
Catering Services Manager
- Clear structure and concise language - The CV is presented in a structured manner, with distinct sections that highlight Jacob's skills, experience, education, and achievements. Each section is succinct, making it easy for recruiters to quickly grasp his qualifications.
- Strong career progression - Jacob's CV illustrates a clear growth trajectory from a Banquet Supervisor to a Catering Services Manager. This progression showcases his ability to take on greater responsibilities and leadership roles over time in the catering industry.
- Impact through achievements - The achievements section goes beyond just numbers, detailing how Jacob's initiatives led to significant business growth, such as increasing customer satisfaction scores by 20% and boosting revenue by 15%, proving his strategies' real-world impact.
Catering Executive
- Structured and Coherent Presentation - The CV is meticulously structured to ensure clarity and ease of reading. It presents a comprehensive overview of the candidate's career trajectory and achievements in a succinct manner. Key sections such as experience, education, and skills are clearly delineated, allowing hiring managers to quickly identify relevant information and assess suitability for the role.
- Growth and Industry Versatility - The candidate’s career shows significant growth, with seamless transitions from a Supply Chain Analyst to a Category Manager role. This progression highlights their ability to not only take on more responsibility but also adapt to new sectors within the business landscape, particularly within the catering and commercial tasks domain.
- Achievements Linked to Business Impact - Each achievement is tied to a tangible business outcome, demonstrating the candidate’s capability to drive strategic initiatives that result in measurable improvements. This includes increasing profitability by implementing a new pricing strategy and achieving substantial savings through optimized vendor contracts, underscoring their value to potential employers.
Catering Administrator
- Structured Presentation for Clarity - The CV is exceptionally well-organized, with clear sections devoted to professional experience, education, skills, and achievements. Each section is concise yet informative, making it easy for potential employers to quickly access key details about the candidate's background. This structured approach enhances readability and ensures that critical information is not overlooked.
- Impressive Career Growth - Archie Clark's career trajectory demonstrates a clear path of progressive responsibility and industry expertise. Starting as an Administrative Assistant, Archie quickly moved up to a Catering Coordinator and then to a Catering Office Manager position. The trajectory showcases natural growth into leadership roles and increased responsibility, reflecting strong professional development and capability.
- Achievements with Substantial Impact - The CV emphasizes significant, quantifiable achievements that illustrate the candidate's impact on business operations. Implementing a new invoicing system to enhance processing efficiency by 30% and instituting cost-saving measures resulting in substantial monthly savings are highlighted. These accomplishments not only demonstrate proficiency in critical skills but also signify the candidate's ability to contribute to operational improvements and cost reductions effectively.
Catering Consultant
- Structured career progression and focus - The CV methodically outlines a clear and focused career progression in recruitment within the hospitality and catering sector. It illustrates a trajectory from a Junior Recruitment Executive to a Recruitment Consultant, which underscores consistent growth in responsibility and expertise in this niche industry.
- Emphasis on quantifiable achievements and their impact - This CV effectively utilizes specific metrics to demonstrate achievements, such as increasing placement rates by 25% and contributing to a £500,000 growth in company revenue. These numbers highlight Matilda's ability to significantly influence business outcomes and affirm her value within the recruitment sector.
- Demonstrates adaptability and comprehensive skill set - The document showcases Matilda's adaptable skill set, spanning from lead generation and account development to mentoring and strategic insight into market trends. Her ability to initiate changes such as the hybrid work model indicates strong adaptability and readiness to take on leadership challenges while maintaining cross-functional capabilities.
Catering Event Planner
- Clear Career Progression - Alice Barnes' CV clearly outlines a strong career trajectory, reflecting growth from a Junior Event Manager to a Senior Event Producer. This progression not only highlights her growing expertise but also her capacity to take on increased responsibility and leadership within her field.
- Emphasis on Client Satisfaction and Retention - A notable aspect of this CV is its focus on client satisfaction and retention. By consistently improving client satisfaction scores and implementing strategies that boost client retention, Alice demonstrates a deep understanding of the importance of fostering long-term client relationships in her industry.
- Adaptability Across Locations and Roles - Alice's experience across different geographical locations and roles underscores her adaptability and cross-functional experience. Having worked in Liverpool, Manchester, and Leeds, she has proven her ability to successfully manage diverse teams and cater to a variety of client needs and expectations.
Catering Equipment Manager
- Effective Presentation and Structured Content - The CV is well-structured, with clearly defined sections that enhance readability and comprehension. Each section—from experience to education and skills—flows logically, providing concise details without being overwhelming. This clear organization allows hiring managers to quickly grasp the candidate’s qualifications and expertise, an essential feature for any job application.
- Proven Career Growth in Hospitality - Isabelle's career trajectory showcases a clear path of growth within the hospitality industry, advancing from an Event Planning Specialist to a Catering Operations Manager. This steady progression illustrates not only her dedication to the field but also her ability to take on increasing responsibilities, ultimately leading teams and managing high-profile projects.
- Impactful Achievements with Business Relevance - The CV highlights significant achievements that go beyond mere numbers, demonstrating tangible business impacts. For instance, overseeing large-scale catering projects and increasing customer satisfaction by substantial margins illustrate her capability to drive results that align with business goals. Her recognition in event leadership and cost-saving initiatives further underscores her valuable contributions to her organizations.
Catering Chef
- Detailed Career Progression and Leadership Skills - The CV effectively outlines Isabella's career progression from Chef de Partie to Head Chef, demonstrating significant growth in responsibility. Her leadership skills are evident, as she has overseen a team of 25 and initiated training programs, showcasing her ability to lead and improve team efficiency.
- Emphasis on Achievements with Tangible Impacts - Isabella's CV goes beyond listing responsibilities by detailing specific achievements. For instance, her role in reducing kitchen operational costs by 20% and enhancing customer loyalty by 25% illustrates her ability to drive meaningful business outcomes.
- Strong Focus on Industry-Specific Skills and Certifications - The inclusion of industry-specific skills like large-scale food production, inventory management, and certifications such as the DC Food Managers Certificate offers a deep insight into Isabella's technical proficiency in culinary arts, ensuring relevance to roles requiring such expertise.
Catering Production Manager
- Clear Structure and Conciseness - The CV is well-organized with clearly defined sections, making it easy to navigate. Each section is concise, providing only the most relevant details without overwhelming the reader, which is crucial in maintaining the attention of hiring managers.
- Demonstrated Career Growth and Industry Expertise - Alexander's career trajectory showcases a clear path of advancement through roles of increasing responsibility. With experience in varied locations and consistent progression from Event Manager to Senior Event Coordinator, and finally to Event Production Manager, this reflects a deepening expertise and leadership capability in the hospitality and event management industry.
- Impactful Achievements with Business Relevance - Noteworthy accomplishments are supported by significant metrics, illustrating the candidate's impact on business performance. Achievements such as a 30% increase in client referrals and a £1.5M revenue boost demonstrate the tangible benefits Alexander brings to the organizations, making his contributions highly relevant to the business objectives in hospitality.
Catering Staff
- Strong career progression in hospitality - Olivia's career trajectory displays impressive growth from a Catering Assistant to a Banquet Captain within a few years, reflecting her increasing responsibilities and leadership skills. This upward movement within reputable companies like Sodexo Prestige and Compass Group underscores her capability and adaptability in the hospitality sector.
- Comprehensive skill set blending technical and soft skills - The CV effectively highlights a blend of technical expertise in areas such as menu planning and event management, alongside essential soft skills like customer service, team leadership, and problem-solving. This combination makes her a valuable asset capable of handling diverse tasks and improving guest experiences.
- Impactful achievements with real business outcomes - Olivia's achievements are presented with quantifiable results that emphasize business impact, such as a 30% increase in client retention and a 25% boost in bar sales through innovative menu designs. These accomplishments demonstrate her proactive approach and effectiveness in driving business success in the hospitality industry.
Catering Team Leader
- Structured and Clear Presentation - The CV is organized in a manner that allows easy navigation through sections such as professional experience, education, skills, achievements, and interests, which contributes to a seamless reading experience. This clarity ensures that the most crucial information is readily accessible to potential employers.
- Progressive Career Trajectory - The CV highlights a clear career progression from a Catering Assistant to a Catering Team Leader, showing the candidate's capability and willingness to take on more responsibility. This professional growth demonstrates their dedication to progressing within the catering industry.
- Impactful Achievements - The achievements are not only quantified with relevant metrics but are also contextualized with their broader business impacts, such as a reduction in kitchen accidents enhancing overall staff safety and implementing sustainable practices driving significant energy and waste reductions.
Catering Operations Director
- Structured and Clarity in Presentation - This CV stands out with its well-organized format, making it easy for hiring managers to navigate through Sophia's qualifications. Each section is clearly labeled and concise, providing specific details without overwhelming the reader. The use of bullet points for key responsibilities and achievements ensures clarity, allowing for quick comprehension of her skills and experiences.
- Career Trajectory Highlighting Growth - Sophia's career progression is evident through her roles from Account Manager to Regional Manager, showcasing significant professional growth. Her ascension within major companies like Sodexo, Compass Group, and Aramark highlights a trajectory characterized by promotions and increased responsibilities, indicating strong performance and leadership capabilities in the operations and client management sectors.
- Impactful Achievements with Business Relevance - The achievements section effectively highlights Sophia's tangible impact on business growth, such as the 30% increase in sales and 25% improvement in employee productivity. These accomplishments are not just numbers but reflect meaningful contributions to company objectives, showcasing her ability to drive business results through strategic planning and execution.
Catering Service Coordinator
- Demonstration of Leadership and Team Management - The CV effectively communicates Louis Wood's leadership skills by detailing his role in managing both small and large teams. His ability to lead a 5-member team at Nando's, ensuring high-quality service and food presentation, exemplifies his capability to enhance brand image and team cohesion.
- Adaptability Across Different Industry Settings - Louis has seamlessly transitioned through various roles and companies, from Costa Coffee to Pret A Manger and Nando's, showing his ability to adapt to different organizational cultures and operational needs while consistently achieving success in each environment.
- Strong Emphasis on Measurable Achievements - The CV provides clear, quantifiable results of Louis's efforts, such as a 30% increase in customer satisfaction and a 15% boost in catering order revenues. These metrics demonstrate not just activity, but significant positive impacts on business performance, highlighting his contribution toward strategic goals.
How complex should the format of your catering CV be?
Perhaps, you decided to use a fancy font and plenty of colours to ensure your catering CV stands out amongst the pile of other candidate profiles. Alas - this may confuse recruiters. By keeping your format simple and organising your information coherently, you'll ultimately make a better impression. What matters most is your experience, while your CV format should act as complementary thing by:
- Presenting the information in a reverse chronological order with the most recent of your jobs first. This is done so that your career history stays organised and is aligned to the role;
- Making it easy for recruiters to get in touch with you by including your contact details in the CV header. Regarding the design of your CV header, include plenty of white space and icons to draw attention to your information. If you're applying for roles in the UK, don't include a photo, as this is considered a bad practice;
- Organising your most important CV sections with consistent colours, plenty of white space, and appropriate margins (2.54 cm). Remember that your CV design should always aim at legibility and to spotlight your key information;
- Writing no more than two pages of your relevant experience. For candidates who are just starting out in the field, we recommend to have an one-page CV.
One more thing about your CV format - you may be worried if your double column CV is Applicant Tracker System (ATS) complaint. In our recent study, we discovered that both single and double-column CVs are ATS-friendly . Most ATSes out there can also read all serif and sans serif fonts. We suggest you go with modern, yet simple, fonts (e.g. Rubik, Lato, Raleway) instead of the classic Times New Roman. You'll want your application to stand out, and many candidates still go for the classics. Finally, you'll have to export your CV. If you're wondering if you should select Doc or PDF, we always advise going with PDF. Your CV in PDF will stay intact and opens easily on every OS, including Mac OS.
PRO TIP
Be mindful of white space; too much can make the CV look sparse, too little can make it look cluttered. Strive for a balance that makes the document easy on the eyes.
The top sections on a catering CV
- Professional Summary provides a snapshot of your expertise.
- Employment History showcases your relevant work experience.
- Culinary Skills section highlights specific catering abilities.
- Food Safety Certifications prove your adherence to health standards.
- Education and Training detail your relevant formal qualifications.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Detail your experience with various types of catering events, such as weddings, corporate functions, and private parties, to showcase your versatility and expertise in handling different scales and styles of catering.
- Highlight specific culinary skills and knowledge of cuisines that are pertinent to catering, such as proficiency in menu planning, food preparation techniques, and presentation, to demonstrate your capability to craft diverse and appealing menus.
- Emphasise your organisational skills by mentioning any experience with event coordination, inventory management, and working with suppliers, as these are crucial for ensuring a seamless catering operation.
- Illustrate your exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills by including any experience in managing staff, client liaising, and customising services to meet individual client needs, reflecting your dedication to providing high-quality service.
- Include any relevant certifications or qualifications, such as food hygiene certificates or formal culinary training, to affirm your commitment to safety standards and professional development in the catering industry.
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Our checklist for the must-have information in your catering CV header
Right at the very top of your catering CV is where you'd find the header section or the space for your contact details, headline, and professional photo. Wondering how to present your the name of the city you live in and the country abbreviation as your address;
- are tailored to the role you're applying for by integrating key job skills and requirements;
- showcase what your unique value is, most often in the form of your most noteworthy accomplishment;
- select your relevant qualifications, skills, or current role to pass the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment. Still not sure how to write your CV headline? Our examples below showcase best practices on creating effective headlines:
Examples of good CV headlines for catering:
- Executive Chef | Menu Development & Staff Management | Culinary Arts Degree | 12+ Years of Experience
- Catering Manager | Event Coordination & Customer Satisfaction | HACCP Certified | 7 Years of Expertise
- Sous Chef | Specialising in French Cuisine | Team Leadership | 5+ Years Culinary Experience
- Pastry Chef | Artisanal Dessert Creation | NVQ Level 3 Patisserie | Expertise 8 Years
- Head Waiter | VIP Guest Relations | Wine Knowledge | Professional Service | 10 Years On-Site
- Catering Coordinator | Logistics & Supply Management | Food Safety Certified | 3 Years Progressive Experience
Choosing your opening statement: a catering CV summary or objective
At the top one third of your CV, you have the chance to make a more personable impression on recruiters by selecting between:
- Summary - or those three to five sentences that you use to show your greatest achievements. Use the CV summary if you happen to have plenty of relevant experience and wish to highlight your greatest successes;
- Objective - provides you with up to five sentences to state your professional aims and mission in the company you're applying for
CV summaries for a catering job:
- With 10 years of culinary expertise at high-end restaurants and a plethora of international events, I have honed a unique blend of menu planning, food preparation, and kitchen management skills, leading to a 30% repeat business rate for my last employer through exceptional service delivery.
- Specialising in patisserie and confectionery arts, my 15 years as Head Pastry Chef enabled the growth of a boutique pastry shop's branding through award-winning dessert creations, culminating in receiving the 'Excellence in Pastry' award at the National Culinary Fare.
- Adept in managing complex projects in the tech sector, I am excited to bring my 7 years of team management and stakeholder coordination to the catering industry, planning to deliver highly memorable culinary experiences and effectively streamline kitchen operations.
- As a former logistics coordinator with robust organisational skills and expert-level knowledge of supply chain logistics, I aim to apply my 5 years of experience towards crafting efficient catering services renowned for precision, reliability, and superior quality control.
- Eager to embark on a culinary career, my objective is to apply an enthusiastic approach to learning and a deep appreciation for gastronomic excellence, whilst leveraging strong interpersonal and communication skills to contribute to a team's success and growth.
- With a great passion for culinary arts and hospitality, yet with no previous experience in the field, I am committed to bringing exceptional work ethic and dedication to grasp new skills swiftly and contribute to creating memorable catering experiences for clients.
The best formula for your catering CV experience section
The CV experience section is the space where many candidates go wrong by merely listing their work history and duties. Don't do that. Instead, use the job description to better understand what matters most for the role and integrate these keywords across your CV. Thus, you should focus on:
- showcasing your accomplishments to hint that you're results-oriented;
- highlighting your skill set by integrating job keywords, technologies, and transferrable skills in your experience bullets;
- listing your roles in reverse chronological order, starting with the latest and most senior, to hint at how you have grown your career;
- featuring metrics, in the form of percentage, numbers, etc. to make your success more tangible.
When writing each experience bullet, start with a strong, actionable verb, then follow it up with a skill, accomplishment, or metric. Use these professional examples to perfect your CV experience section:
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Managed a team of 12 catering staff, ensuring all events were staffed appropriately and that team members were fully trained to provide exceptional service.
- Led the planning and execution of catering services for events of up to 500 guests, maintaining high standards for food quality and presentation.
- Designed over 30 customised menu options for various events, working closely with clients to meet their dietary preferences and allergy requirements.
- Implemented cost-control measures that resulted in a 15% reduction in food wastage, maximising profitability without compromising on quality.
- Collaborated with chefs to develop seasonal menu items, incorporating fresh and local ingredients that enhanced the client's dining experience.
- Utilised advanced booking and scheduling software to manage event calendars, ensuring seamless operations and client satisfaction.
- Maintained strict adherence to health and safety regulations, conducting regular kitchen audits and staff training sessions to promote a safe working environment.
- Orchestrated the logistics of off-site catering services, effectively managing equipment transport and setup, often in challenging venues.
- Nurtured long-term relationships with key vendors and suppliers to secure the best quality ingredients at competitive prices.
Work Experience
Head of Catering Operations
Elegant Occasions Ltd
04/2019-Ongoing
- Managed a team of 10 staff members to provide high-quality catering services at over 30 corporate events, leading to a 15% increase in repeat business.
- Oversaw the successful execution of a prestigious wedding with 200 guests, ensuring all dietary restrictions were accommodated without compromising on the culinary experience.
- Implemented cost-control measures that reduced food waste by 20% while maintaining excellent quality and variety in menu offerings.
Work Experience
Catering Manager
Gourmet Bites Catering Co.
01/2016-12/2019
- Spearheaded a new themed event catering initiative, collaborating with clients to develop custom menus, leading to an increase in sales by 25% within the first year.
- Streamlined kitchen operations by incorporating new cooking technology, which improved service efficiency by 30% and consistently received positive customer feedback.
- Developed strong vendor relationships, negotiating contracts that led to a 10% reduction in ingredient costs while ensuring high-quality products.
Work Experience
Catering and Events Coordinator
Global Feast Events Ltd
05/2013-08/2018
- Orchestrated the catering for international conferences with over 500 attendees, achieving a 95% satisfaction rate from post-event surveys.
- Initiated a partnership with local farms to source organic and sustainable ingredients, enhancing menu options and boosting client interest.
- Created comprehensive staff training programs, resulting in a more knowledgeable service team and contributing to a 10% increase in upselling of premium catering packages.
Work Experience
Catering Services Supervisor
Premier Event Caterers
11/2009-05/2014
- Revitalised a struggling catering department by redesigning the menu offerings and improving service standards, which culminated in a 40% growth in profits over three years.
- Coordinated with event planners to deliver seamless catering services for high-profile events, including government functions and celebrity galas.
- Introduced a customer feedback system that allowed for rapid response to client preferences, significantly enhancing the overall customer experience.
Work Experience
Senior Catering Consultant
Culinary Creations Catering
06/2011-03/2017
- Led a cross-functional team to launch a new outdoor catering service line, increasing overall business revenue by 20% within two years.
- Implemented a dynamic pricing model for events based on seasonality and demand, optimising profit margins while maintaining competitive pricing.
- Pioneered the use of specialised catering software to track inventory and client preferences, which increased operational efficiency by 35%.
Work Experience
Catering Development Specialist
Taste Of The World Catering
02/2012-12/2015
- Masterminded the revamp of the catering menu selection, incorporating international cuisines, which led to a broadened customer base and a 30% uptick in event bookings.
- Trained and mentored a team of 15 new caterers, fostering a culture of excellence in customer service and culinary skill that was reflected in client commendations.
- Conducted regular competitive analysis to stay ahead of industry trends and adjust offerings accordingly, ensuring a top-tier standing in the local market.
Work Experience
Catering Logistics Manager
Green Plate Catering Services
07/2015-02/2020
- Managed logistical elements for off-site catering events, coordinating transportation and setup for up to 25 events per month with unparalleled punctuality and professionalism.
- Launched a sustainable catering initiative, incorporating eco-friendly packaging and waste reduction strategies, which resonated positively with clients and resulted in a 15% increase in customer retention.
- Cultivated an atmosphere of innovation within the catering team, encouraging the creation of signature dishes that became bestsellers and set new standards for creative presentation.
Work Experience
Executive Catering Director
Innovative Catering Solutions
03/2014-01/2021
- Executed large-scale corporate catering events with up to 1000 guests, meticulously planning menu items to meet diverse tastes and managing staff to ensure a smooth operation.
- Introduced a unique fusion cuisine catering line, attracting a new segment of clientele and contributing to a 20% increase in annual revenue for the company.
- Collaborated with the marketing team to create compelling promotional materials for catering services, resulting in a 50% boost in seasonal event inquiries.
What to add in your catering CV experience section with no professional experience
If you don't have the standard nine-to-five professional experience, yet are still keen on applying for the job, here's what you can do:
- List any internships, part-time roles, volunteer experience, or basically any work you've done that meets the job requirements and is in the same industry;
- Showcase any project you've done in your free time (even if you completed them with family and friends) that will hint at your experience and skill set;
- Replace the standard, CV experience section with a strengths or achievements one. This will help you spotlight your transferrable skills that apply to the role.
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PRO TIP
If you have experience in diverse fields, highlight how this has broadened your perspective and skill set, making you a more versatile candidate.
Describing your unique skill set using both hard skills and soft skills
Your catering CV provides you with the perfect opportunity to spotlight your talents, and at the same time - to pass any form of assessment. Focusing on your skill set across different CV sections is the way to go, as this would provide you with an opportunity to quantify your achievements and successes. There's one common, very simple mistake, which candidates tend to make at this stage. Short on time, they tend to hurry and mess up the spelling of some of the key technologies, skills, and keywords. Copy and paste the particular skill directly from the job requirement to your CV to pass the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment. Now, your CV skills are divided into:
- Technical or hard skills, describing your comfort level with technologies (software and hardware). List your aptitude by curating your certifications, on the work success in the experience section, and technical projects. Use the dedicated skills section to provide recruiters with up to twelve technologies, that match the job requirements, and you're capable of using.
- People or soft skills provide you with an excellent background to communicate, work within a team, solve problems. Don't just copy-paste that you're a "leader" or excel at "analysis". Instead, provide tangible metrics that define your success inusing the particular skill within the strengths, achievements, summary/ objective sections.
Top skills for your catering CV:
HARD SKILLS
Food Preparation
Menu Planning
Kitchen Management
Health and Safety Compliance
Inventory Management
Cooking Techniques
Culinary Knowledge
Food Presentation
Cost Control
Equipment Maintenance
SOFT SKILLS
Attention to Detail
Teamwork
Time Management
Communication
Stress Tolerance
Customer Service Orientation
Flexibility
Problem Solving
Leadership
Organisational Skills
PRO TIP
If there's a noticeable gap in your skillset for the role you're applying for, mention any steps you're taking to acquire these skills, such as online courses or self-study.
Education and more professional qualifications to include in your catering CV
If you want to showcase to recruiters that you're further qualified for the role, ensure you've included your relevant university diplomas. Within your education section:
- Describe your degree with your university name(-s) and start-graduation dates;
- List any awards you've received, if you deem they would be impressive or are relevant to the industry;
- Include your projects and publications, if you need to further showcase how you've used your technical know-how;
- Avoid listing your A-level marks, as your potential employers care to learn more about your university background.
Apart from your higher education, ensure that you've curated your relevant certificates or courses by listing the:
- name of the certificate or course;
- name of the institution within which you received your training;
- the date(-s) when you obtained your accreditation.
In the next section, discover some of the most relevant certificates for your catering CV:
PRO TIP
Use mini case studies or success stories in your CV to demonstrate how your skills have positively impacted previous roles or projects.
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Key takeaways
Here are five things you need to remember about writing your catering CV for success:
- Sort your experience based on the reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent career items, to showcase how you've grown your career;
- Include within your CV header your relevant contact details, a headline that could spotlight your unique value, and a photo - if you're applying for roles outside the UK or US;
- Decide to use the CV summary, if you happen to have more professional experience, and an objective, if you want to showcase your career goals;
- Within the experience section, write your bullets using action verbs, skills, and success, instead of just merely listing your on-the-job responsibilities;
- Prove your technical skills, using your education and certificates, and your soft skills, with your achievements and strengths sections.
