Catering Manager Resume Example and Template

A strong catering manager resume shows your ability to manage the operational and client-facing sides of food service events. Highlight your track record scaling production, managing food costs, coordinating logistics, and delivering consistent quality and service across diverse event sizes and types.

Recruiters look for evidence of your project management capability, vendor coordination, staff leadership, and your ability to balance profitability with exceptional client experiences.

Also searched as

Director of Catering, Catering Coordinator

Thomas Mackenzie: Catering Manager

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Summary

Catering manager with 11 years of experience managing full-service catering operations at high-volume event venues. Managed events ranging from 50 to 800 guests with food cost management and operational excellence. Increased catering revenue by 34% through menu development and corporate account growth. Expert in food safety, staff training, vendor coordination, and event logistics.

Work Experience

Director of Catering, Grand Ballroom Events Chicago

Apr 2021 – Present. 40,000 sq ft event space, 500-person capacity

• Managed $3.2M annual catering revenue across 85+ events ranging from 50 to 800 guests
• Reduced food cost percentage from 32% to 26% through menu engineering and vendor negotiation
• Trained 28-person catering team on food safety, service standards, and upselling techniques
• Increased corporate account base by 41% through customized menu proposals and service excellence

Catering Manager, Ashton Conference and Event Center

Aug 2018 – Mar 2021. 15,000 sq ft facility, 350-person capacity

• Managed catering for 40 to 50 events per year with budgets ranging from $2,000 to $75,000
• Coordinated kitchen production and 12-person catering staff across simultaneous events
• Developed 6 themed menu packages that increased average event spend by $18 per person
• Maintained 98% client satisfaction rating through proactive communication and service recovery

Catering Coordinator, Elite Catering Group

Nov 2015 – Jul 2018. Off-site catering service

• Coordinated logistics and on-site setup for 60+ annual catering events
• Managed food safety and HACCP compliance across all events
• Assisted with menu development and pricing strategy for corporate and private events
• Trained new catering staff on food handling and service protocols

Education

Illinois Institute of Technology

Certificate, Food Service Management. Sep 2014 – May 2015

Northern Illinois University

Some College, Hospitality and Tourism Management. Sep 2012 – May 2014

Skills

Event planning and coordination, Food cost management and menu engineering, Food safety and HACCP compliance, Staff training and supervision, Vendor management, Kitchen production coordination, Client relations and upselling, Inventory management, Budget forecasting, Logistics and timing

Languages

English

Certificates and Awards

• ServSafe Food Protection Manager, National Restaurant Association, 2023

Why this look works

Catering management requires both hospitality warmth and operational precision. The resume should convey professionalism, reliability, and your ability to handle complex logistics. Clear structure and quantified achievements project competence and leadership.

Resume tips for this job

• Lead with your event portfolio and revenue impact. Mention number of events managed, budget range, and guest counts.
• Highlight food cost management and menu development achievements. Profitability is central to the role.
• Demonstrate staff leadership through training programs and team size you've managed.
• Include food safety certifications and HACCP compliance emphasis. These are non-negotiable in food operations.

Common questions

What's the difference between a catering manager and an event planner?

Catering managers focus on the food, beverage, kitchen operations, and service logistics. Event planners coordinate the entire event including venue, entertainment, and decor. Some roles overlap, but catering managers are food operations experts.

How do I show my food cost management skills?

Mention specific percentages you've achieved (e.g., reduced food cost from 32% to 26%), menu items you've engineered for profit, and vendor negotiations that improved margins.

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The person, employers and numbers in this example are fictional, written to show what a strong resume for this job looks like.