Creating successful CV for the food, drink, and FMCG manufacturing sector in the UK requires a strategic approach that highlights both technical expertise and relevant industry experience. A well-structured CV can improve your chances of securing an interview. We spoke to Tracey Fleming, a Senior Consultant who specialises in NPD and Technical roles across the UK to get her advice.

“Your CV needs to be well-structured, informative, and tailored to the role you’re applying for. Employers want to see not only your experience but also how you’ve contributed to business goals.”

It is important to have a strong personal statement. This is your opportunity to introduce yourself, summarise your career aspirations, and highlight why you are a good fit for the role. , Tracey advises, “Tailor this to the role you are applying for by emphasising your skills, experience and why you would be a good fit for the role and the company you are applying to.”

Key skills are imperative for FMCG manufacturing, so it’s essential to highlight technicalities such as HACCP, GMP, and regulatory compliance. Additionally, leadership, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills should not be overlooked. Employers value candidates who can blend technical expertise with strong interpersonal abilities. When it comes to structuring work experience, clarity is key. Listing job roles in reverse chronological order allows hiring managers to quickly see your most recent and relevant experience.

“Structured roles with bullet points outlining responsibilities and key achievements. Include the dates you were at each company and your role within that company.”

Certifications and training are another critical aspect of an FMCG CV. While it might be tempting to list every qualification, relevance is paramount. Tracey states “Only include the ones that are relevant to the role you are applying for. Don’t include anything that isn’t relevant just for the sake of it”

For those with short-term contracts or seasonal work, presenting these roles correctly can make a significant difference. A CV filled with brief stints at various companies may raise concerns about job-hopping. However, Tracey reassures candidates,

“Clearly label whether these roles were temporary, contract roles or seasonal roles helps demonstrate that the variety of jobs reflects short-term employment for a reason rather than a lack of stability.

Employment gaps can sometimes be a point of concern, but honesty and transparency are the best approaches. Rather than leaving gaps unexplained, Tracey advises, “When displaying these on your CV add accurate dates of the gap, keep the reason for the gap informative and add positive about the things you gained during the employment gap.”

One of the most valuable elements of an FMCG CV is showcasing experience with specific brands and products. Given the diversity of the industry, demonstrating hands-on expertise with certain products can set candidates apart. “If you are an NPD professional applying for a new role, highlighting products shows your hands-on experience, understanding of trends and consumer needs with these products and the production processes.” Continuous professional development is another area that can make a CV stand out in a competitive job market. Employers value candidates who take the initiative to further their skills and knowledge. Tracey says “This is very important. Highlighting your continuous personal development shows commitment to growth and employers value candidate who are proactive in their approach to upskilling themselves,”

By structuring your CV effectively, tailoring it to each role, and highlighting key achievements, you can create a document that truly reflects your expertise and potential. As Tracey puts it, A well-crafted CV doesn’t just list experience—it tells the story of your career, demonstrating why you’re the ideal candidate for the job.

If you are looking for a new opportunity within Food, Drink and FMCG reach out to Tracey today!

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