JOB TITLE: Catering Manager
REPORTS TO: Regional Operations Manager
RESPONSIBLE FOR: Catering Team Members
Overview
The Catering Manager is responsible for the efficient day-to-day management of the kitchen. Leadership and team participation are essential to provide a quality catering service to our children, young people, and staff.
Responsibilities
* Execute skilled cooking activities and innovation connected to the full range of menu provisions, including preparation of menus, portion control, plating presentation, special dietary meals (including texture modification for IDDSI), theme days/events, and function catering where appropriate.
* Organise and supervise all aspects of food service, including service points and transportation of meals if required.
* Manage dining centre kitchens and the production kitchen.
* Follow Education Authority policies and procedures for safe cooking and service to meet current food safety standards.
* Be aware of all allergen and special dietary requirements and keep the Allergen Matrix up to date.
* Record food temperatures and maintain required records.
* Manage deliveries, ordering, storage, and stock-take to ensure food safety and minimise wastage.
* Ensure safe operation of kitchen equipment and report defects.
* Report incidents of fire, loss, damage, unfit food, or signs of pest infestation.
* Secure premises as required.
* Promote the catering service to increase uptake of meals through parents, principals, pupils, and customers; include theme days and events.
* Establish effective communication with schools on all aspects of service delivery.
* Investigate and report local-level customer complaints to the Regional Operations Manager.
* Manage internal risk assessments, including Fire Risk Assessment.
* Develop a friendly and helpful atmosphere and professionally handle feedback and complaints.
* Other duties assigned by the Regional Operations Manager to ensure smooth kitchen operations.
People Management
* Efficient management of teams to deliver a high-quality service.
* Supervise and direct employees, including duties and rotas; for transporting kitchens, include management of Catering Assistants and dining centre visits.
* Implement staff-related policies (discipline, grievance, attendance, returns to work).
* Participate in interviewing and selection; support investigations as needed.
* Induct new staff and monitor probationary periods; report issues to the Regional Operations Manager.
* Provide essential training and maintain training records.
* Ensure effective communication through regular staff meetings.
* Manage staff performance and conduct appraisals.
Financial
* Monitor financial performance, keep costs within pre-budgeted targets, and assist with financial procedures in the catering service.
* Perform clerical duties (bookwork, ordering, accident reporting) for kitchen operations.
* Handle cash transactions according to EA procedures.
* Manage resources (food, labour, overheads, equipment) and follow financial procedures.
General Responsibilities
* Comply with Acts of Parliament, statutory regulations, codes of practice, HACCP, health, safety, and hygiene standards (COSHH, Natasha’s Law).
* Perform necessary administration and maintain personal hygiene and uniform standards.
* Attend training and team meetings, including during school closure periods.
* Promote EA values and maintain professional customer relations.
* Follow Education Authority staff code of conduct.
This job description is subject to review and may include other duties as required. The post-holder is expected to promote good relations and equality of opportunity under the Northern Ireland Act (1998).
Qualifications and Essential Criteria
* NVQ level 2 in food preparation and cooking or City & Guilds 706-1 & 706-2 or equivalent, or two years’ demonstrable experience in food preparation and cooking within a catering establishment.
* Evidence of effective supervision or management of a catering team.
* Experience in stock control, budget management and financial controls.
* Knowledge of HACCP and provision of special diets (e.g., allergens and ethnic diets).
* A willingness to undertake job-related training.
* Access to a suitable vehicle or provide evidence of appropriate alternative transport to meet mobility requirements.
Desirable Criteria
* IT skills (MS Outlook, Excel, Word, Teams) and experience in delivering training.
Equal Opportunities The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
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