Catering Manager

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

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking a Catering Manager to oversee kitchen operations and ensure high-quality service delivery. The successful candidate will lead a team, manage financial controls, and adhere to food safety standards. This role requires strong leadership and communication skills, as well as experience in catering management. The Catering Manager will be responsible for menu preparation, staff management, and compliance with health regulations, ensuring a positive dining experience for children and staff alike.

Qualifications

• Experience in supervising or managing a catering team.
• Knowledge of HACCP and special diets, including allergens.

Responsibilities

• Manage teams efficiently to deliver high-quality service.
• Organise and supervise all aspects of food service.
• Monitor financial performance and control costs.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Planning

Organization

Education

NVQ Level 2 in food preparation and cooking

City & Guilds 706-1 & 706-2

Tools

MS Outlook

Excel

Word

Teams

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 (including 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 standards.
• Be aware of allergen and dietary requirements, ensuring the Allergen Matrix is always up to date.
• Record food temperatures and complete required records.
• 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 catering services to increase meal uptake, including theme days and events.
• Establish effective communication with schools regarding service delivery.
• Investigate and report customer complaints to the Regional Operations Manager.
• Manage risk assessments, including Fire Risk Assessment.
• Develop a positive atmosphere and handle feedback and complaints professionally.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Regional Operations Manager.

People Management

• Manage teams efficiently to deliver high-quality service.
• Supervise and assign duties, including managing catering assistants and operational issues at dining centers.
• Implement policies related to staff issues, including disciplinary and grievance procedures, attendance monitoring, and return-to-work interviews.
• Participate in staff recruitment, induction, training, and performance management.
• Conduct staff appraisals and set targets.

Financial

• Monitor financial performance, control costs within budgets, and implement financial procedures.
• Perform clerical duties such as ordering, bookwork, and accident reporting.
• Handle cash transactions following EA procedures.
• Manage resources including food, labor, overheads, and equipment, ensuring proper financial controls.

General Responsibilities

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

This job description is subject to review and may include additional duties to ensure smooth kitchen operations. The post-holder is also expected to promote equality and good relations in accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998). For details of terms and conditions, please click here.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Notes to Applicants

Applicants must demonstrate how they meet both essential and desirable criteria on their application form. Failure to do so may result in not being shortlisted. The criteria will be assessed at different stages, including application and interview. Shortlisting will be based on the application form, and the panel may also consider desirable criteria to refine the candidate pool.

Section 1 - Essential Criteria

• NVQ Level 2 in food preparation and cooking, City & Guilds 706-1 & 706-2, or equivalent, or two years’ experience in catering.
• Experience in supervising or managing a catering team.
• Experience in stock control, budgeting, and financial controls.
• Knowledge of HACCP and special diets, including allergens and ethnic diets.
• Willingness to undertake relevant training and access to suitable transportation or alternative arrangements.

Section 2 - Additional Essential Criteria

• Leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Effective planning, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and independently.
• Ability to promote and develop the catering service.
• Evidence of reflecting EA’s ethos and values in your work.

Section 3 - Desirable Criteria

• Experience with IT tools such as MS Outlook, Excel, Word, and Teams.
• Experience in delivering training.

Disclosure of Criminal Background

Applicants recommended for appointment involving regulated activity will undergo an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. You will bear the cost of this check. Further info is available at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.

Applicant Guidance

Guidance notes and benefits information are available via the provided links. The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.