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Catering Manager Resume Examples & Templates

Ready to elevate your career? Our catering manager resume examples showcase how to emphasize your event planning, team leadership, and culinary skills to catch the eye of potential employers.

Gabriela Hernandez
by Gabriela Hernandez CPRW, Career Advice Writer
Last Updated: November 18, 2025

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Olivia Miller

Miami, FL 33103
(555)555-5555
Olivia.Miller@example.com

Professional Summary

Dynamic Catering Manager with 9 years of experience in event planning, budget management, and team leadership. Skilled in boosting client satisfaction and profitability. Fluent in Spanish, French, and Italian.

Work History

Catering Manager
Gourmet Delights Catering - Miami, FL
July 2023 - November 2025

  • Managed 2M catering budget annually
  • Increased client satisfaction by 25%
  • Led team of 20 staff members

Event Catering Director
Elegant Events Hospitality - Miami, FL
June 2019 - June 2023

  • Coordinated 300+ events annually
  • Improved profitability by 15%
  • Trained new catering staff

Banquet Coordinator
The Palace Banquets - Miami, FL
April 2016 - May 2019

  • Managed 100+ weddings per year
  • Reduced costs by 10%
  • Scheduled staff shifts

Languages

  • Spanish - Beginner (A1)
  • French - Beginner (A1)
  • Italian - Beginner (A1)

Skills

  • Event Planning
  • Budget Management
  • Team Leadership
  • Menu Design
  • Client Relations
  • Vendor Negotiation
  • Staff Training
  • Quality Assurance

Certifications

  • Certified Professional in Catering and Events - National Association for Catering and Events
  • ServSafe Certification - National Restaurant Association

Education

Master's Hospitality Management
University of Illinois Chicago, Illinois
June 2016

Bachelor's Culinary Arts
University of Florida Gainesville, Florida
June 2014

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How to Write a Catering Manager Resume Summary

Your resume summary is the first thing employers will see, so making a strong impression is important. As a catering manager, you should highlight your leadership skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple events successfully.

This profession requires showcasing your experience in planning and executing memorable culinary experiences. Emphasize your organizational skills and creativity in menu design to stand out.

To help you grasp what works best in this section, here are some examples that illustrate effective strategies for crafting a compelling resume summary:

Weak resume summary

I am an experienced catering manager who has worked in various settings. I want to find a job that allows me to showcase my skills and help the company succeed. A position with good hours and chances for advancement would be perfect for me. I believe my background will add value to your team.

Why this summary misses the mark:
  • Lacks specific details about the applicant’s achievements or skills in catering management
  • Relies heavily on personal language instead of focusing on professional strengths and contributions
  • Emphasizes what the job seeker desires from the role rather than highlighting how they can benefit the employer

Strong resume summary

Results-oriented catering manager with over 7 years of experience in event planning and food service management. Successfully increased client satisfaction scores by 20% through implementation of customized menu options and exceptional customer service. Proficient in budget management, staff training, and inventory control, ensuring seamless operations for events hosting up to 500 guests.

Why this summary works:
  • Begins with a clear declaration of experience level and specialty within the catering industry
  • Showcases a quantifiable achievement that highlights improvement in client satisfaction, demonstrating effective service delivery
  • Mentions relevant skills such as budget management and staff training that are critical for the role
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PRO TIP

If formal experience isn’t on your side, consider a career objective. It can highlight your goals and enthusiasm more effectively than a summary. Check out numerous resume objective examples tailored specifically for catering positions to guide you in crafting your own.

Showcasing Your Work Experience

The work experience section is important for your resume as a catering manager, where you'll present the bulk of your content. Good resume templates always include a dedicated space for this important section.

In this area, list your past positions in reverse-chronological order, highlighting your key accomplishments. Use bullet points to clearly convey what you've achieved and how you've contributed to each role.

To illustrate effective work history entries for catering managers, we’ve prepared some examples that demonstrate common pitfalls and best practices.

Weak work experience

Catering Manager

Delicious Events Catering – San Diego, CA

  • Oversaw catering events
  • Managed the kitchen staff
  • Handled customer inquiries
  • Coordinated food deliveries
Why this work experience section misses the mark:
  • Lacks specific details regarding event sizes or types managed
  • Bullet points are too general and do not highlight leadership skills
  • No measurable outcomes, like increased customer satisfaction or revenue growth, are mentioned
Strong work experience

Catering Manager

Gourmet Events Catering – San Diego, CA

March 2020 - Current

  • Oversee daily operations of catering services, ensuring seamless execution of events for up to 500 guests
  • Implemented cost control measures that reduced food waste by 30%, increasing overall profitability
  • Trained and mentored a team of 15 staff members, improving service quality and customer satisfaction ratings by 20%
Why this work experience section works:
  • Starts each bullet with strong action verbs that highlight the applicant's contributions
  • Incorporates specific metrics such as percentages to illustrate improvements and impact
  • Demonstrates relevant skills in management and training aligned with industry standards

While your resume summary and work experience are critical components, don’t overlook the importance of other sections that contribute to a well-rounded presentation. For detailed insights on crafting a standout resume, be sure to explore our extensive guide on how to write a resume.

Top Skills to Include on Your Resume

A strong resume must include a well-defined skills section. This technical skills area allows you to showcase your qualifications and demonstrate to employers that you are a perfect fit for the catering manager role.

Hiring managers look for candidates who balance technical proficiency with strong interpersonal abilities. Highlighting both hard and soft skills on your resume demonstrates your effectiveness and versatility in any role.

Hard skills are technical abilities such as menu planning, food safety management, and inventory control that ensure efficient catering operations.

Soft skills are interpersonal qualities like leadership, communication, and problem-solving that foster teamwork and improve the dining experience for clients and guests.

Selecting the right resume skills is important for aligning with employer expectations and passing automated screening systems. Many organizations use software to sift through applications, often eliminating applicants who lack key competencies.

To effectively highlight your skills, thoroughly examine job postings for insights into what employers are seeking. Focus on listing those skills that resonate with both recruiters and ATS algorithms to boost your chances of standing out in the hiring process.

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Elevate your resume's chances of success by using our ATS Resume Checker. This tool highlights over 30 common mistakes, ensuring your application stands out and easily passes through applicant tracking systems.

10 skills that appear on successful catering manager resumes

Improve your resume to grab the attention of recruiters by highlighting high-demand skills for catering managers. You can observe these essential skills featured in our resume examples, allowing you to apply for jobs with the assurance that a polished resume provides.

Here are 10 skills you should consider including in your resume if they align with your experience and job criteria:

  • 1

    Menu planning

  • 2

    Budget management

  • 3

    Team leadership

  • 4

    Customer service

  • 5

    Food safety knowledge

  • 6

    Event coordination

  • 7

    Vendor negotiation

  • 8

    Time management

  • 9

    Problem-solving abilities

  • 10

    Creativity in food presentation

Based on analysis of 5,000+ management professional resumes from 2023-2024

Resume Format Examples

Choosing the right resume format is important for a catering manager, as it effectively showcases your culinary expertise, management experience, and overall career development in the food service industry.

Entry-Level 0 - 2 years

Functional

Focuses on skills rather than previous jobs

Functional

Best for:

Recent graduates and career changers with limited experience in catering

Mid-Career 3 - 7 years

Combination

Balances skills and work history equally

Combination

Best for:

Mid-career professionals eager to highlight their skills and growth potential

Experienced 8+ years

Chronological

Emphasizes work history in reverse order

Chronological

Best for:

Seasoned leaders adept in high-pressure catering environments

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely, including a cover letter can significantly improve your application by showcasing your personality and aligning your skills with the job. It allows you to make a strong first impression. If you need help crafting one, explore our comprehensive guide on how to write a cover letter or use our Cover Letter Generator for quick assistance.

When applying for jobs outside the U.S., a CV is often preferred over a resume. To ensure your CV aligns with international standards, explore our resources on how to write a CV that provide formatting tips and examples to guide you through the creation process effectively. Additionally, reviewing various CV examples can offer valuable insights into crafting an compelling document.

Soft skills such as communication, leadership, and problem-solving are essential for catering managers. These interpersonal skills enable them to effectively coordinate teams, address client needs, and create a positive dining experience, fostering strong relationships with both staff and customers.

When transitioning to a catering manager role, highlight your adaptable skills such as teamwork, organization, and customer service. These transferable skills demonstrate your potential to excel in this field despite limited direct experience. Provide concrete examples that relate your past successes to the demands of managing events and leading a team effectively.

To format a cover letter for catering manager positions, start with your contact details. Follow this by including a courteous greeting and an engaging introduction. In the body, highlight your relevant skills and experiences, ensuring they align with the job requirements. Conclude with a compelling closing statement that encourages further discussion about your application.

Yes, including a personal mission statement on your resume is recommended. It effectively conveys your core values and career aspirations. This approach is particularly beneficial for organizations that prioritize a strong culture or mission-driven principles, as it aligns your goals with theirs.

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About the Author

Gabriela Hernandez large profile photo

Gabriela Hernandez CPRW, Career Advice Writer

Gabriela is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches. She focuses on helping job seekers improve their professional resumes to highlight their unique skills and experience. Gabriela holds a B.A. in journalism from the University of Puerto Rico and offers more than four years of specialized experience helping candidates navigate the complexities of today’s online job market, with a strong focus on resume optimization and effective self-presentation.

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