Mobile Catering Manager

Education Authority Northern Ireland; Lisburn; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional education authority in Northern Ireland is seeking a Catering Manager to oversee the efficient day-to-day management of the kitchen. Responsibilities include supervising a catering team, executing cooking activities, and monitoring financial performance. The ideal candidate should hold relevant qualifications in food preparation, show demonstrable experience in management and stock control, and possess good IT skills. This role offers an opportunity to impact the quality of catering services for children and staff.

Qualifications

• Evidence of effective supervision or management of a catering team.
• Demonstrable experience in stock control and budget management.
• Willingness to undertake job-related training.

Responsibilities

• Execute skilled cooking and innovation connected to menu provisions.
• Organise and supervise all aspects of food service.
• Monitor financial performance and assist in financial procedures.

Skills

Food preparation and cooking

Supervision or management of a catering team

Stock control

Budget management

Knowledge of HACCP

Knowledge of special diets

IT skills (MS Outlook, Excel, Word, Teams)

Delivering training

Education

NVQ level 2 in food preparation and cooking

City & Guilds 706-1 & 706-2

Job description

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.

Responsibilities

• Execute skilled cooking activities and innovation connected to the full range of menu provisions, for example, preparation of menus, portion control, plating presentation, special dietary meals, including the texture modification of food.
• Organise and supervise all aspects of food service, including service points and the transportation of meals, if required.
• Efficient management of the teams, ensuring we deliver a high-quality service.
• Supervise and direct employees, including allocating duties and work rotas. Where employed at a transporting kitchen, duties also incorporate the Catering Assistants' work routine and the dining centres' operational issues, including regular visits.
• Monitor the unit's financial performance, maintain costs within pre-budgeted targets, and assist in implementing financial procedures and activities within the catering service.

Skills and Qualifications

• Hold NVQ level 2 in food preparation and cooking or City & Guilds 706-1 & 706-2 or equivalent or higher relevant qualification Or have 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 Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP).
• Knowledge of the provision of special diets, e.g. allergens and ethnic diets.
• A willingness to undertake job-related training.
• Have access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for Education Authority business) that will enable you to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner.
• Or: provide sufficient information to satisfy the employer that you have access to an appropriate alternative form of transport that will enable you to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner.
• Demonstrable experience in IT skills, including MS Outlook, Excel, Word, and Teams.
• Demonstrable experience in delivering training.

Further Information

Full details can be found on the Education Authority website.

Area: All of Northern Ireland
Closing date: 09 Jan 2026

Area: All of Northern Ireland
Closing date: 16 Jan 2026