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
* Execute skilled cooking activities and innovate across the menu range, including portion control, plating, and special dietary meals.
* Organise and supervise all aspects of food service, including service points and meal transportation.
* Manage the dining centre kitchens and the production kitchen.
* Follow EA policies and food safety legislation, maintaining allergen records and the Allergen Matrix.
* Record food temperatures and maintain required documentation.
* Manage deliveries, ordering, storage, and stock‑take to minimise waste.
* Ensure safe operation of kitchen equipment and report defects.
* Report incidents such as fire, loss, damage, unfit food, or pest sightings.
* Secure premises as required.
* Promote the catering service to increase meal uptake, including theme days and events.
* Maintain effective communication with schools on all aspects of service delivery.
* Investigate and report local complaints to the Regional Operations Manager.
* Manage internal risk assessments, including the Fire Risk Assessment.
* Handle feedback and complaints in a friendly and professional manner.
People Management
* Efficiently manage teams to deliver high‑quality service.
* Supervise and direct employees, allocating duties and work rotas.
* Implement staff policies, manage attendance, absence, and return‑to‑work interviews.
* Participate in staff interviews, selections, and investigations when required.
* Induct new staff, monitor probationary periods, and report issues to the Regional Operations Manager.
* Deliver required training and maintain training records.
* Conduct regular staff meetings to maintain communication.
* Manage staff performance, complete appraisals, and set targets.
Financial
* Monitor unit financial performance and keep costs within pre‑budgeted targets.
* Carry out clerical duties, bookwork, ordering goods, and accident reporting.
* Handle cash transactions according to EA financial procedures.
* Manage resources, including food, labour, overheads, and equipment, ensuring adherence to financial procedures.
General Responsibilities
* Comply with statutory legislation, codes of practice, HACCP, COSHH, and other regulations.
* Perform necessary administration as required.
* Maintain personal hygiene, appearance, and EA uniform code.
* Attend scheduled training sessions and team meetings, including during school closures.
* Promote EA values and maintain a professional image.
* Follow EA staff code of conduct at all times.
Qualifications and Experience
* NVQ Level 2 in food preparation and cooking or City & Guilds 706‑1 & 706‑2 or equivalent, or higher qualification.
* Two years of 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.
* Knowledge of provision of special diets, including allergens and ethnic diets.
* Willingness to undertake job‑related training.
* Access to a suitable vehicle for mobility requirements, or alternative transport that meets EA business needs.
Additional Essential Criteria (Skills & Abilities)
* Effective leadership and people management skills to motivate, manage, and develop a team.
* Excellent interpersonal skills for communication with team members, management, school staff, and parents.
* Strong planning, organisational, and decision‑making skills, with the ability to work under pressure and independently.
* Ability to drive sales processes and initiatives.
* Excellent customer service skills and the ability to promote the catering service for children and young people.
* Team player willing to collaborate with colleagues to deliver a quality service.
Desirable Criteria
* Experience with IT skills, including MS Outlook, Excel, Word, and Teams.
* Experience in delivering training.
Disclosure of Criminal Background
The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people as “regulated activity”. If appointed to a post involving regulated activity, an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background will be required. The candidate will be responsible for the cost of the certificate.
Equal Opportunities Statement
The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Summary of Terms and Conditions
This job description is subject to review and may be adjusted as circumstances change. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.
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