Crafting a CV that effectively showcases your ability to manage fast-paced environments and deliver exceptional customer service can be a daunting task for a restaurant manager. Our guide provides expert tips to help you highlight your leadership skills and operational expertise, ensuring your CV stands out to potential employers.
- Create an attention-grabbing header that integrates keywords and includes all vital information;
- Add strong action verbs and skills in your experience section, and get inspired by real-world professionals;
- List your education and relevant certification to fill in the gaps in your career history;
- Integrate both hard and soft skills all through your CV.
Discover more industry-specific guides to help you apply for any role in the links below:
Resume examples for restaurant manager
By Experience
Assistant Restaurant Manager
- Structured and Concise Presentation - The CV is exceptionally well-organized, featuring clearly defined sections such as experience, education, skills, achievements, and more. Each bullet point within the experience section is concise yet informative, highlighting key responsibilities and accomplishments in a clear manner that is easy for the reader to digest.
- Progressive Career Growth and Promotions - The career trajectory demonstrates a natural progression from a Bartender to a Shift Leader, and then to an Assistant Restaurant & Bar Manager, reflecting both ambition and the acquisition of broader responsibilities. This growth trajectory indicates strong performance and the ability to adapt and excel within the hospitality industry.
- Robust Leadership and Team Development Skills - The CV highlights the candidate's leadership abilities through examples of team management, staff training, and maintaining operational standards. These points suggest a focus on nurturing talent and optimizing team dynamics, which are crucial for an Assistant Restaurant & Bar Manager.
Senior Restaurant Manager
- Effective Use of White Space and Visual Hierarchy - The CV utilizes an aesthetically pleasing layout with sufficient white space, making it easy to navigate. Sections are clearly delineated with headers that stand out, allowing readers to quickly find and focus on the most pertinent information regarding the candidate's skills and experiences.
- Consistent Career Progression in Project Management - The CV reflects a steady career trajectory, progressing from junior roles to senior project manager positions. The path indicates a clear growth in responsibilities and capability, showing the candidate's ability to handle increasingly complex projects within the tech industry.
- Integration of Data Analytics Tools and Insights - The CV highlights industry-specific expertise by detailing the candidate's proficiency with data analytics tools like Tableau and R. This demonstrates their ability to derive insights and drive data-driven decision-making in operations, a crucial skill in today's data-centric business environment.
Casual Dining Restaurant Manager
- Strategically crafted career narrative - Joshua Patel’s CV presents a compelling career trajectory that showcases a consistent rise through hospitality management roles. Starting as a Restaurant Supervisor at The Savoy and progressing to Hospitality Manager at Hilton, Joshua's promotions highlight his capacity for leadership and dedication to professional growth within the industry.
- Integration of industry-specific methodologies - The CV details effective use of structured training sessions and systematic event planning processes specific to the hospitality sector. This not only highlights Joshua’s technical depth but also his ability to adapt and implement strategies that enhance operational efficiency and client satisfaction.
- Substantial impact through achievements - The achievements section emphasizes Joshua’s direct contributions to business success, such as increasing guest satisfaction scores and reducing staff turnover. These accomplishments underscore a focus not only on numbers but on enhancing the overall client experience, critical in the hospitality industry.
Fine Dining Restaurant Manager
- Clear and Structured Presentation - The CV is organized in a clean and logical manner, facilitating an effortless reading experience. Key sections such as experience, education, skills, and achievements are clearly delineated, ensuring that all pertinent information is readily accessible. The concise bullet points effectively highlight significant accomplishments without overwhelming the reader.
- Strong Career Progression - James Lewis's career trajectory demonstrates a clear path of professional growth and advancement within the restaurant industry. Starting as a Restaurant Supervisor at Harrods and advancing to Restaurant Manager at The Ivy Collection, each role showcases increased responsibility and leadership, underscoring his ability to take on more complex challenges successfully.
- Industry-Specific Acumen and Innovations - The CV showcases a deep understanding of the fine dining sector through the implementation of strategic operational changes, training programs, and guest satisfaction initiatives. Innovations such as personalized service and advanced use of reservation systems highlight James's ability to leverage industry-specific tools and methodologies to enhance business operations dramatically.
Junior Restaurant Manager
- Clarity in Content Presentation - William Hall's CV is clearly structured, allowing easy navigation through sections that detail his professional journey. By using concise bullet points for job responsibilities and achievements, it offers a quick yet comprehensive snapshot of his capabilities and impact within the fine dining industry.
- Progressive Career Trajectory - William's career advancement from a Hospitality Intern to an Assistant Restaurant Manager at prestigious establishments like The Ritz London and The Savoy Hotel underscores a strong upward trajectory. This progression highlights both his professional development and increasing levels of responsibility in the restaurant management field.
- Emphasis on Business Impact through Achievements - The CV quantifies William's accomplishments, demonstrating his significant contributions to business goals. For instance, his role in increasing guest satisfaction scores and profitability, reducing waste, and enhancing service efficiency are all linked to measurable improvements, illustrating his direct impact on the business operations.
By Role
Restaurant Operations Manager
- Exceptional clarity and organization in the presentation - The CV is meticulously structured, featuring distinct sections with clear headings that make it easy to navigate. Each segment provides essential information concisely, ensuring that key achievements and qualifications are immediately visible to the reader. This clarity aids in understanding the candidate's career path swiftly, showcasing their proficiency across various roles.
- Dynamic career progression underscores adaptability - The candidate's career trajectory shows a clear pattern of growth, progressing from entry-level roles to more advanced positions with increasing responsibilities. This progression is indicative of a proactive approach to career development, and the seamless transitions between various companies and industries highlight their adaptability and eagerness to embrace new challenges.
- Expertise in cutting-edge industry-specific tools and methodologies - The CV lists an impressive array of industry-relevant tools and methodologies, demonstrating technical depth. The candidate possesses expertise in specialized software and analytical tools pertinent to their field, underscoring their capability to leverage technology efficiently. This technical acumen allows them to implement innovative solutions that are crucial for industry advancements.
Restaurant General Manager
- Strategic Career Growth - Charlotte Powell's career trajectory reflects a clear pattern of growth within the restaurant industry, moving from a Food and Beverage Supervisor to an Assistant Restaurant Manager and finally attaining the role of a Restaurant General Manager. This progressive advancement demonstrates her ability to take on increasing levels of responsibility and leadership.
- Effective Presentation of Key Competencies - The CV is structured effectively to highlight Powell's operational management skills and guest satisfaction expertise. The use of bullet points for professional experiences succinctly presents her contributions and efficiency improvements, such as reducing costs by 10% and maintaining high guest satisfaction scores.
- Impactful Achievements with Specific Outcomes - The accomplishments listed in the CV don't just enumerate responsibilities; they highlight business impact. For example, a 20% improvement in service ratings and a 25% increase in operational efficiency underscore her capacity to lead significant positive changes that enhance both customer experience and operational performance.
Restaurant Floor Manager
- Well-structured progression in food retail management - Lucas Adams' CV outlines a clear and logical career trajectory, advancing from a Team Leader position to a Food Manager role. This progression demonstrates consistent growth, increased scope of responsibility, and aptitude for leadership in the food retail sector, showcasing his capability to take on more complex challenges over time.
- Effective blending of soft skills and technical expertise - The CV illustrates a harmonious integration of people management skills and operational proficiency. Lucas successfully boosted team productivity and customer satisfaction through tailored training programs and innovative customer feedback initiatives, indicating his ability to lead teams effectively while optimizing operational processes.
- Achievement-driven impact in retail environments - Lucas stands out significantly through specific accomplishments that reflect business impact, such as reducing wastage by 20% and enhancing sales performance by aligning inventory management with strategic insights. These highlight his role in driving profitability and operational improvements, which would be of interest to potential employers in similar industries.
Hotel Restaurant Manager
- Structured Presentation and Clarity - The CV is excellently structured, presenting each section with clarity and cohesion. It concisely illustrates Daisy Shaw's professional journey with clear headers and logically grouped entries, making it easy to locate key information at a glance. This organization aids in highlighting her strengths in management and hospitality.
- Continuous Career Progression - Daisy has shown a consistently upward trajectory in her career, moving from Senior Supervisor roles to Assistant Manager and then to Restaurant Manager positions. This progression not only signifies her dedication and capability in her field but also demonstrates her ability to take on increased responsibilities, manage larger teams, and drive business results.
- Industry-Specific Certifications - The inclusion of certifications like the Advanced Restaurant Management Certification and Guest Service Gold Hospitality Certification provides a unique depth to her CV. These credentials show her commitment to staying updated on industry standards and enhancing her ability to create exceptional guest experiences, a crucial element in the hospitality sector.
Restaurant Service Manager
- Clear structure and effective segmentation - The CV is well-organized with distinct sections that effectively highlight Amelia’s competencies in leadership, experience, skills, education, and achievements. This clear delineation allows readers to swiftly navigate through her professional profile and grasps her qualifications without unnecessary complexity.
- Demonstrated leadership and growth - Amelia’s career progression is a testament to her leadership capabilities. She swiftly moved from a Restaurant Manager to a General Manager role within prominent restaurant chains, showcasing her ability to lead large teams, develop strategies, and drive substantial business impact. Her ascent exemplifies her dedication and competence in the food and hospitality industry.
- Integration of community engagement in business strategy - A unique element within the CV is the focus on community engagement, which demonstrates Amelia’s ability to integrate local community partnership into the restaurant’s growth strategy. This approach not only enhances the restaurant's local profile but also builds solid relationships, reflecting her innovative thought process in creating mutually beneficial arrangements.
Restaurant Kitchen Manager
- Clear and Structured Presentation - The CV is presented with clarity and structure, making it easy for the reader to quickly identify key sections such as experience, education, and achievements. Each section is well-defined, and bullet points are used effectively to convey essential points concisely, ensuring that important information stands out.
- Progressive Career Trajectory - The career trajectory depicted in the CV demonstrates solid growth within the restaurant industry, progressing from a Senior Restaurant Supervisor to a General Restaurant Manager. This upward movement highlights the individual’s ability to take on increasing responsibility and leadership roles over time.
- Focus on Sustainability and Innovation - A unique aspect of this CV is its emphasis on sustainability and culinary innovation. The inclusion of initiatives related to sustainable operational practices and a commitment to eco-friendly business operations underscores the individual's dedication to modern industry standards while adding a distinct competitive edge.
Restaurant Catering Manager
- Impressive Career Progression - Edward Mitchell's career trajectory is well-documented, showcasing his upward movement through roles of increasing responsibility and complexity. From a Catering Assistant Manager to Catering & Events Manager at notable organizations like Compass Group and Sodexo, his growth signifies a deepening expertise and dedication to the catering and events industry.
- Diverse Skill Set in Event and Sales Management - The CV highlights a robust array of skills including Event Planning, B2B & B2C Sales, and Financial Acumen. This diverse skill set is further enhanced by his completion of specialized courses in Advanced Sales Strategies and Event Management Essentials, positioning him as a well-rounded professional adept in both strategic and operational aspects of the industry.
- Strategic Impact Through Measurable Achievements - The document effectively communicates Edward's capability to drive tangible results, such as boosting annual catering revenue by £300,000. His achievements in enhancing customer satisfaction to 95% and increasing lead conversions through improved CRM processes underscore his aptitude for delivering substantial business value and improving operational efficiency.
Restaurant Training Manager
- Strategic Advancement in Hospitality Management - Elsie Murray's CV clearly outlines her upward mobility within the luxury hospitality industry, progressing from a Food and Beverage Supervisor to a Restaurant Manager role at prestigious establishments such as The Ritz London. This trajectory showcases her growing expertise and leadership capabilities within high-end culinary environments.
- Comprehensive Skill Set for Luxury Dining - The CV highlights a robust array of skills tailored to high-end hospitality, including menu planning, guest relations, and event planning. These skills, combined with a focus on improving service efficiency and compliance with health standards, suggest her ability to deliver exceptional dining experiences while managing operations effectively.
- Notable Achievements with Quantified Impact - The document places strong emphasis on Elsie's achievements in driving business outcomes. Noteworthy accomplishments include a 25% increase in service efficiency and a 15% boost in guest satisfaction at The Ritz London. These metrics illustrate her capacity to not only manage but also enhance the performance of her team and the restaurant's operational success.
Regional Restaurant Manager
- Effective Clarity and Structure - The CV is well-organized, with clearly defined sections, making it easy for the reader to quickly identify key areas such as experience, education, and skills. The concise bullet points provide clarity, helping to emphasize significant achievements and responsibilities.
- Career Growth and Industry Expertise - Amelia Murphy's career trajectory demonstrates progressive growth from a Shift Supervisor to a Restaurant Manager, illustrating her capacity for leadership and increased responsibility. Her movement through reputable establishments in the hospitality sector underscores her expanding expertise and skill set.
- Significant Achievements with Business Impact - The CV highlights industry-specific accomplishments with notable impact, such as reducing operational costs by 15% and exceeding sales targets by 20%. These achievements not only showcase her ability to enhance business profitability but also reflect strategic thinking and effectiveness in her role.
Chain Restaurant Manager
- Clarity and Structured Presentation - The CV excels in clarity and structure, making it easy to navigate through various sections. Each segment is clearly labeled, and bullet points are used effectively to present key responsibilities and achievements. The logical flow from professional summary to educational background ensures a streamlined reading experience, presenting information concisely while highlighting significant details.
- Strong Career Trajectory and Growth - Freddie Hughes demonstrates a strong career trajectory with clear growth and promotions within high-end restaurant establishments. Starting as a Head Waiter at The Savoy and advancing to Restaurant Manager at The Ritz London, the progression underscores not only a dedication to the field of fine dining but also a clear recognition of leadership capabilities and industry expertise.
- Unique Achievements and Business Impact - The CV is distinguished by its emphasis on achievements that have a tangible business impact. For instance, the introduction of a new private dining experience led to a 30% increase in event bookings, while implementing innovative service strategies resulted in a 22% increase in customer satisfaction. These accomplishments are not just numbers but are illustrative of strategic initiatives that enhance the restaurant's reputation and profitability.
Independent Restaurant Manager
- Structured Presentation and Clarity - The CV is organized with clear sections such as experience, education, skills, and achievements, providing a straightforward structure. This makes it easy to quickly identify key information, ensuring the applicant’s qualifications stand out without overwhelming the reader with excessive detail.
- Progressive Career Trajectory - Rosie Gray's career path shows significant growth, starting as a Shift Supervisor and advancing to Restaurant Manager within just a few years. This progression indicates strong development of skills and capabilities, as well as recognition in her field. The shift to managing larger teams and higher responsibilities underscores her leadership qualities.
- Impactful Achievements - Each achievement listed has a direct business relevance, not only featuring impressive numbers but also demonstrating tangible impacts, such as increased sales, reduced costs, and improved customer retention. These accomplishments are indicative of her ability to drive growth, efficiency, and positive customer experiences.
Restaurant Night Manager
- Structured and Coherent Presentation - The CV is well-organized, offering clear and concise sections that present Joshua Patel's experience and achievements effectively. Each role and responsibility is detailed in bullet points, making it easy to quickly understand the scope of his accomplishments and skills.
- Impressive Career Growth - Joshua's career trajectory shows significant advancement, progressing from a Store Manager at Tesco to a Restaurant General Manager at Nando's. This progression reflects not only ongoing professional development but also his ability to adapt and grow within different operational environments in the hospitality industry.
- Demonstrated Impact with Tangible Results - The CV effectively highlights Joshua's ability to produce measurable business outcomes. For instance, surpassing sales targets by 20% annually and reducing food waste by 25% at Nando's not only underline his capacity to enhance operations but also his strategic capability in contributing to financial improvements.
Restaurant Day Manager
- Clarity and Structure - The CV is organized in a clear, structured manner, effectively compartmentalizing information into sections such as experience, education, and skills. This clarity allows easy navigation and ensures that the reader can quickly grasp the professional narrative of the candidate.
- Impressive Career Trajectory - Rosie Gray's career progression demonstrates significant growth, moving from a supervisory role to a managerial position within prestigious establishments. Such advancement reflects her capability to adapt and thrive, confirming her suitability for higher responsibility roles.
- Industry-Specific Methodologies - The CV highlights Rosie’s expertise in using strategic changes in menu offerings and efficient scheduling systems to enhance operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. This showcases her deep understanding of the hospitality industry’s nuances and her innovative approach to solving operational challenges.
Structuring and formatting your restaurant manager CV for an excellent first impression
The experts' best advice regarding your CV format is to keep it simple and concise. Recruiters assessing your CV are foremost looking out for candidates who match their ideal job profile. Your white space, borders, and margins. You may still be wondering which format you need to export your CV in. We recommend using the PDF one, as, upon being uploaded, it never alters your information or CV design. Before we move on to the actual content of your restaurant manager CV, we'd like to remind you about the Applicant Tracker System (or the ATS). The ATS is a software that is sometimes used to initially assess your profile. Here's what you need to keep in mind about the ATS:
- All serif and sans-serif fonts (e.g. Rubik, Volkhov, Exo 2 etc.) are ATS-friendly;
- Many candidates invest in Arial and Times New Roman, so avoid these fonts if you want your application to stand out;
- Both single and double column CVs can be read by the ATS, so it's entirely up to you to select your CV design.
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 restaurant manager CV
- Professional Summary highlights key managerial skills and restaurant experience, enticing the recruiter to keep reading.
- Work Experience section provides a chronological list of previous roles, emphasizing leadership and management abilities in the food service industry.
- Key Achievements section showcases your specific contributions to past restaurants, like sales growth or reduced costs.
- Relevant Skills encompass both soft and hard skills pertinent to managing a restaurant, such as team leadership, inventory management, and customer service proficiency.
- Professional Development includes any additional training or certifications that reinforce your capability as a restaurant manager, such as safe food handling or hospitality management courses.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Highlight your experience with managing restaurant operations, detailing specific roles and responsibilities that showcase your ability to oversee front-of-house and back-of-house activities effectively.
- Demonstrate your proficiency in financial management by including examples of budgeting, cost-control measures, and profit enhancement strategies you implemented in past roles.
- Show your leadership skills by mentioning how you've developed staff, implemented training programmes, and maintained high levels of team morale and customer service standards.
- Provide evidence of your ability to maintain compliance with health and safety regulations, including any certifications you might have in food safety management or hygiene practices.
- Emphasise your aptitude for fostering positive customer experiences, detailing events or initiatives you've led that boosted satisfaction and loyalty.
Recommended reads:
How to present your contact details and job keywords in your restaurant manager CV header
Located at the top of your restaurant manager CV, the header presents recruiters with your key personal information, headline, and professional photo. When creating your CV header, include your:
- Contact details - avoid listing your work email or telephone number and, also, email addresses that sound unprofessional (e.g. koolKittyCat$3@gmail.com is definitely a big no);
- Headline - it should be relevant, concise, and specific to the role you're applying for, integrating keywords and action verbs;
- Photo - instead of including a photograph from your family reunion, select one that shows you in a more professional light. It's also good to note that in some countries (e.g. the UK and US), it's best to avoid photos on your CV as they may serve as bias.
What do other industry professionals include in their CV header? Make sure to check out the next bit of your guide to see real-life examples:
Examples of good CV headlines for restaurant manager:
- Restaurant Manager | Service Excellence | Health & Safety Certified | 5+ Years Culinary Leadership
- Senior Dining Manager | Revenue Growth Specialist | Food Hygiene Level 3 | 10-Year Industry Veteran
- Assistant Restaurant Manager | Staff Training & Development | WSET Level 2 | Emerging Hospitality Leader
- Head of Dining Operations | Strategic Planning Expert | Michelin Star Experience | 15 Years in Gastronomy
- F&B Management Professional | Menu Innovation | Cost Control Expertise | 7 Years Progressive Experience
- Lead Restaurant Supervisor | Customer Satisfaction Champion | Advanced Diploma in Hospitality | 3+ Years Management
Opting between a restaurant manager CV summary or objective
Within the top one third of your restaurant manager CV, you have the opportunity to briefly summarise your best achievements or present your professional goals and dreams. Those two functions are met by either the CV summary or the objective.
- The summary is three-to-five sentences long and should narrate your best successes, while answering key requirements for the role. Select up to three skills which you can feature in your summary. Always aim to present what the actual outcomes were of using your particular skill set. The summary is an excellent choice for more experienced professionals.
- The objective is more focused on showcasing your unique value as a candidate and defining your dreams and ambitions. Think about highlighting how this current opportunity would answer your career vision. Also, about how you could help your potential employers grow. The objective matches the needs of less experienced candidates, who need to prove their skill set and, in particular, their soft skills.
Still not sure about how to write your CV opening statement? Use some best industry examples as inspiration:
CV summaries for a restaurant manager job:
- Seasoned Restaurant Manager with 12 years’ experience adept at overseeing operations in high-volume establishments, reducing costs by 25% in previous role while maintaining excellent customer service. Specialises in staff training and menu development, significantly increasing repeat business through strategic marketing and stellar service.
- Dynamic former Hospitality Coordinator making a transition to Restaurant Management, bringing a fresh perspective and 5 years of exceptional customer service experience. Successfully managed events for up to 500 guests, aiming to leverage interpersonal skills to cultivate a memorable dining experience and boost restaurant reputation.
- Accomplished Sales Manager with a decade of experience in customer relations, looking to bring a vigorous leadership style and innovative marketing strategies to the restaurant industry. Passionate about developing a loyal customer base by driving a culture that thrives on exceeding guest expectations.
- Expert Restaurant Manager with 15 years in the field, known for elevating dining experiences through carefully curated wine programs, which increased sales by 40%. Expertise in team leadership and financial management, committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and staff empowerment.
- Seeking to apply my enthusiasm for gastronomy and customer service as a trainee in Restaurant Management. Eager to develop practical expertise in restaurant operations and contribute to creating outstanding guest experiences while progressing towards management responsibilities.
- Recent Business Administration graduate, aiming to leverage knowledge of business processes and customer service acumen to excel in a Restaurant Manager Trainee role. Aspiring to implement innovative strategies that enhance dining satisfaction and promote operational efficiencies.
More detailed look into your work history: best advice on writing your restaurant manager CV experience section
The CV experience is a space not just to merely list your past roles and responsibilities. It is the CV real estate within which you could detail your greatest accomplishments and skills, while matching the job requirements. Here's what to have in your experience section:
- Prove you have what the job wants with your unique skill set and past successes;
- Start each bullet with a strong, action verb, and continue with the outcome of your responsibility;
- Use any awards, nominations, and recognitions you've received as solid proof of your skill set and expertise;
- align your experience with the role responsibilities and duties.
For more help on how to write your CV experience section, check out the next section of our guide:
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Directed daily operations, ensuring smooth service for up to 200 customers daily while maintaining high standards of food quality and guest satisfaction.
- Implemented a new inventory management system that reduced food waste by 20% and improved the cost-effectiveness of the kitchen operations.
- Trained and managed a team of 30 staff members, including front-of-house and kitchen personnel, enhancing teamwork and service delivery through regular performance evaluations.
- Orchestrated the redesign of the restaurant layout, improving flow and increasing seating capacity by 15%, significantly boosting evening service revenue.
- Negotiated with suppliers to secure more favourable pricing, resulting in a 10% reduction in monthly operation costs without compromising on quality.
- Designed and launched a successful marketing campaign that increased weekend footfall by 25%, leveraging social media and local food events.
- Led the restaurant to garner a regional award for "Best Overall Dining Experience", underscoring the commitment to excellence in service and cuisine.
- Implemented staff development programmes, including wine and food pairing courses, that raised the team's expertise and enhanced the dining experience.
- Analysed customer feedback to continually refine the menu offerings and special events, driving a customer return rate increase of 30% over one year.
- Oversaw a 20% increase in the restaurant's annual revenue by introducing innovative menu items and enhancing customer service training.
- Reduced staff turnover by 35% through the implementation of a comprehensive employee development program and a performance-based incentive scheme.
- Spearheaded the adoption of a new restaurant management software, improving reservation handling and dining experience personalisation.
- Managed a team of 50+ employees, ensuring top-notch service in a fast-paced environment, leading to a consistent 4.5 TripAdvisor rating.
- Negotiated with suppliers to cut down costs by 10%, allowing for reinvestment into staff training and facilities upgrades.
- Implemented a customer loyalty program that grew our repeat customer base by 25%.
- Organised and executed a complete restaurant renovation, with minimal disruption to service, ultimately enhancing guest experience and attracting a new demographic.
- Directed a successful marketing campaign involving social media and local events, resulting in a 40% increase in off-peak business.
- Coordinated the launch of a new seasonal menu, contributing to a 30% uplift in sales of featured items.
- Implemented cost-control measures that reduced waste by 25%, significantly improving profit margins.
- Cultivated a strong front-of-house team who improved service times by 15%, greatly enhancing customer satisfaction scores.
- Established partnerships with local businesses for cross-promotions, increasing visibility and footfall during seasonal events.
- Initiated staff training protocols that elevated the restaurant’s fine dining experience, recognized by a prestigious industry award.
- Led the restaurant through a critical period of rebranding, maintaining customer loyalty and staff morale.
- Devised a streamlined inventory system that reduced excess stock by 20%, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Optimized supplier contracts which led to a 15% reduction in food costs without compromising on quality, directly boosting profitability.
- Mapped out employee career progression plans, which cut down on recruitment costs by promoting internal staff to leadership roles.
- Curated a series of community events that doubled as marketing opportunities, resulting in a significant increase in weekday sales.
- Managed the transition to a farm-to-table menu, increasing customer visits due to interest in sustainable and locally-sourced food options.
- Developed a multi-lingual staff training program to cater to our diverse clientele, which improved communication and customer service ratings.
- Led an initiative to enhance the outdoor dining space, which accounted for an additional 25% seating capacity and increased summer revenue.
- Championed a shift to digital ordering systems to streamline operations, yielding a 30% reduction in average table turnover time.
- Forged a partnership with a renowned mixologist to revamp the cocktail menu, driving a 50% increase in bar sales over six months.
- Implemented a waste management system that was environmentally friendly and resulted in a 10% annual cost saving on disposal services.
Swapping your professional experience (when you have none) with skills and more
Never underestimate the importance of relevancе when it comes to your restaurant manager CV. Even if you don't happen to have much or any standard (full-time contract) professional experience, this doesn't mean you shouldn't apply for the role. Instead of a bespoke CV experience section:
- Showcase more prominently any internships, part-time roles, and volunteer experience that are applicable to the role and have taught you job-crucial skills;
- Feature a strengths or achievements section with your transferrable skills or talents you've obtained thanks to your work or life experience;
- Write an objective statement that clearly outlines your values as a candidate and defines your career ambitions;
- List your education or certificates that match the job profile closer to the top of your CV.
Recommended reads:
PRO TIP
Describe how each job helped you grow or learn something new, showing a continuous development path in your career.
Key restaurant manager CV skills: what are hard skills and soft skills
Let's kick off with the basics. You know that you have to include key job requirements or skills across your CV. For starters, take individual skills from the job description and copy-paste them into your CV, when relevant. Doing so, you'll ensure you have the correct skill spelling and also pass the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment. There are two types of skills you'll need to include on your CV:
- Hard skills - technical abilities that are best defined by your certificates, education, and experience. You could also use the dedicated skills section to list between ten and twelve technologies you're apt at using that match the job requirements.
- Soft skills - your personal traits and interpersonal communication skills that are a bit harder to quantify. Use various CV sections, e.g. summary, strengths, experience, to shine a spotlight on your workspace achievements, thanks to using particular soft skills.
Remember that your job-winning CV should balance both your hard and soft skills to prove your technical background, while spotlighting your personality.
Top skills for your restaurant manager CV:
Food and Beverage Management
Inventory Control
POS Systems Proficiency
Financial Reporting and Budgeting
Menu Planning and Optimization
Health and Safety Regulations
Staff Training and Development
Customer Service Management
Marketing and Promotions
Supply Chain Management
Leadership
Communication
Problem-Solving
Attention to Detail
Time Management
Decision Making
Adaptability
Stress Management
Teamwork
Conflict Resolution
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 restaurant manager 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 restaurant manager CV:
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.
Recommended reads:
Key takeaways
Your successful job application depends on how you well you have aligned your restaurant manager CV to the job description and portrayed your best skills and traits. Make sure to:
- Select your CV format, so that it ensures your experience is easy to read and understand;
- Include your professional contact details and a link to your portfolio, so that recruiters can easily get in touch with you and preview your work;
- Write a CV summary if you happen to have more relevant professional experience. Meanwhile, use the objective to showcase your career dreams and ambitions;
- In your CV experience section bullets, back up your individual skills and responsibilities with tangible achievements;
- Have a healthy balance between hard and soft skills to answer the job requirements and hint at your unique professional value.