Mobile Catering Manager (South & East Belfast) - 3 Posts
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JOB TITLE: Catering Manager
REPORTS TO: Regional Operations Manager
RESPONSIBLE FOR: Catering Team Members
Job Purpose
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.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
* Service Delivery
o Execute skilled cooking activities and innovation connected to the full range of menu provisions, e.g. preparation of menus, portion control, plating presentation, special dietary meals (including texture modification of food for special diets - IDDSI), theme days/events and function catering where appropriate.
o Organise and supervise all aspects of food service, including service points and the transportation of meals, if required.
o Manage dining centre kitchens and the production kitchen.
o Follow EA policies and procedures for safe cooking and food service to meet current food safety standards.
o Be aware of allergen and special dietary requirements; keep the Allergen Matrix up to date.
o Record food temperatures and maintain required records.
o Manage deliveries, ordering, storage, and stock-take to ensure food safety and minimise wastage.
o Ensure safe operation of kitchen equipment and report defects.
o Report incidents of fire, loss, damage, unfit food, or pest infestation; secure premises as required.
o Promote the catering service to parents, principals, pupils, and customers to increase uptake of meals, including theme days and events.
o Establish effective communication with the school on service delivery.
o Investigate and report local-level customer complaints to the Regional Operations Manager.
o Manage internal risk assessments, including Fire Risk Assessment.
o Develop a friendly and helpful atmosphere and professionally handle feedback and complaints.
o Other duties assigned by the Regional Operations Manager to ensure smooth kitchen operations.
* People Management
o Efficient management of teams to deliver a high-quality service.
o Supervise and direct employees, allocate duties and rosters; include visiting dining centres if applicable.
o Implement policies on staff issues (disciplinary, grievance, attendance, returns to work).
o Participate in interviewing and selection where required; support investigations as needed.
o Induct new staff and monitor probationary periods; report issues to the Regional Operations Manager.
o Provide essential training and maintain training records; ensure regular staff meetings and effective communication.
o Manage staff performance and conduct appraisals with appropriate targets.
* Financial
o Monitor unit financial performance, manage costs within budget, and support financial procedures in the catering service.
o Complete clerical duties (bookwork, ordering, accident reporting) related to kitchen operations.
o Handle cash transactions according to EA procedures.
o Manage all resources (food, labour, overheads, equipment) and follow financial procedures.
* General Responsibilities
o Comply with Acts, regulations, codes of practice, HACCP, health, safety & hygiene standards (COSHH, Natasha’s Law).
o Perform necessary administration and maintain personal hygiene and EA uniform standards.
o Attend training and team meetings; promote EA values and good customer relations.
o Follow Education Authority staff code of conduct.
This job description is subject to review and may include other duties as appropriate to the grade. It is not intended to be rigid or inflexible. It may be adapted to changing circumstances.
To view the summary of terms and conditions for this post, click here.
Person Specification
Notes to Job Applicants: Please demonstrate on your application how you meet the essential and desirable criteria. Shortlisting will be based on the criteria below and may include interview stages.
Section 1 - Essential Criteria
* Hold 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. Demonstrable experience in stock control, budget management, and financial controls.
* Knowledge of HACCP and provision of special diets (e.g., allergens, ethnic diets).
* A willingness to undertake job-related training. Access to a suitable vehicle (or alternative transport) for mobility requirements.
Section 2 - Essential Criteria
* Effective leadership and people management skills; ability to motivate and develop a team.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with team members, management, school staff, and parents.
* Strong planning, organisational, and decision-making skills; ability to work under pressure with minimal direction.
* Ability to drive sales processes and initiatives; excellent customer service.
* Team player with commitment to delivering a quality service; values alignment with EA.
Section 3 - Desirable Criteria
* Demonstrable IT skills (Outlook, Excel, Word, Teams).
* Experience in delivering training.
Disclosures: TheSafeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children as regulated activity. Enhanced Disclosures may be required if appointed to a post involving regulated activity, with costs payable by the applicant. More information at NI Direct or DoJ.
Equal Opportunities: The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Employment type: Full-time
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
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