Mobile Catering Manager

Education Authority; Derry/Londonderry; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A public education organization is seeking a Catering Manager in Derry/Londonderry. You will be responsible for managing all aspects of food service, ensuring compliance with food safety laws, and supervising catering teams. Candidates should have NVQ Level 2 in food preparation or equivalent experience in a catering role. This position involves innovating menu provisions and managing financial performance. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in supervising or managing a catering team.
• Two years' experience in a catering establishment preferred.
• Familiarity with stock control and budget management.

Responsibilities

• Execute cooking activities and manage menu innovations.
• Organise and supervise food service operations.
• Manage financial performance and costs within budget.

Skills

Supervision of catering teams

Menu innovation

Communication skills

Knowledge of food safety legislation

Education

NVQ Level 2 in food preparation/cooking or equivalent

Job description

JOB TITLE

Catering Manager

REPORTS TO

Regional Operations Manager

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Execute cooking activities and innovate menu provisions, including special dietary meals and theme days.
• Organise and supervise all aspects of food service, manage service points, and travel of meals.
• Overall management of dining centre kitchens and production kitchen.
• Follow food safety legislation, maintain allergen matrix, and record food temperatures.
• Manage deliveries, ordering, storage, and stock‑take to minimise wastage.
• Ensure safe operation of kitchen equipment, report defects, and incident of fire or pest infestation.
• Secure premises, promote catering service, and increase uptake of meals and events.
• Communicate effectively with school and manage customer complaints.
• Conduct risk assessments, including Fire Risk Assessment.
• Provide friendly atmosphere, handle feedback and complaints, and perform other duties assigned.

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT

• Supervise, direct and manage teams, allocate duties and rotas.
• Implement policies relating to staff issues, manage attendance, and conduct return‑to‑work interviews.
• Induct new staff, maintain induction checklist, and monitor probation.
• Carry out staff training, maintain training record cards, and conduct performance appraisals.

FINANCIAL

• Monitor unit financial performance and maintain costs within budget.
• Complete clerical duties, ordering of goods, and accident reporting.
• Handle cash transactions following EA financial procedures.
• Manage food, labour, overheads, and equipment with correct procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• NVQ Level 2 in food preparation/cooking or equivalent, or two years’ experience in a catering establishment.
• Evidence of supervision or management of catering team.
• Experience in stock control, budget management, and financial controls.
• Knowledge of HACCP, provision of special diets, allergens, and ethnic diets.

EEO STATEMENT

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer. This post promotes good relations, equality of opportunity, and pay due regard for equality legislation and dignity at work at all times.