Catering Manager

Education Authority; Strabane; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Catering Manager to lead kitchen operations and ensure high-quality service delivery. This role involves managing a dedicated team, overseeing food safety compliance, and innovating menu offerings to cater to diverse dietary needs. You will play a crucial role in enhancing the dining experience for children and staff while maintaining financial oversight and promoting a positive work environment. If you are passionate about food service and team leadership, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in catering management with a focus on quality service.
• Strong leadership skills to manage and train kitchen staff effectively.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations and ensure food quality standards.
• Manage staff performance and conduct training sessions.
• Handle financial monitoring and cost control.

Skills

Skilled cooking

Team management

Food safety compliance

Menu planning

Customer service

Education

Catering or Hospitality Management qualification

Tools

Kitchen equipment

Food safety management systems

Job description

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 innovation connected to the full range of menu provisions, including menu preparation, portion control, plating presentation, special dietary meals, texture modification for special diets (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 production kitchens.
• Follow EA policies and procedures for safe cooking and food service to meet current food safety legislation standards.
• Be aware of allergen and dietary requirements, ensuring the Allergen Matrix is always up to date.
• Record food temperatures and complete records as required.
• Manage deliveries, ordering, storage, and stock-take to ensure food safety and minimize wastage.
• Ensure safe operation of kitchen equipment and report defects.
• Report incidents such as fire, loss, damage, unfit food, or pest infestation.
• Secure premises as needed.
• Promote the catering service to increase meal uptake, including theme days and events.
• Establish effective communication with the school regarding service delivery.
• Investigate and report customer complaints to the Regional Operations Manager.
• Manage risk assessments, including Fire Risk Assessment.
• Create a friendly atmosphere and handle feedback and complaints professionally.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Regional Operations Manager.

People Management

• Manage teams effectively to deliver high-quality service.
• Supervise and direct staff, including duties and work rotas, and visit dining centers regularly.
• Implement policies related to staff issues, manage attendance, and conduct Return to Work Interviews.
• Participate in staff recruitment, support investigations, and handle disciplinary matters.
• Induct new staff and monitor their probationary period.
• Conduct training and maintain training records.
• Hold regular staff meetings for effective communication.
• Manage staff performance and conduct appraisals.

Financial

• Monitor financial performance, control costs, and assist with financial procedures.
• Handle clerical duties, including ordering, bookwork, and accident reports.
• Manage cash transactions following EA procedures.
• Oversee resources including food, labor, overheads, and equipment.

General Responsibilities

• Comply with legislation, codes of practice, HACCP, and health and safety standards including COSHH and Natasha's Law.
• Perform administrative tasks as required.
• Maintain personal hygiene and ensure staff adhere to uniform standards.
• Attend training and meetings, including during school closures.
• Promote EA values and ethos, and maintain a professional image.
• Adhere to the EA staff code of conduct.

This job description is subject to review and may include other duties as appropriate. The post-holder is expected to promote equality and good relations in accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998). For more details, see the provided links.