Mobile Catering Manager

Education Authority; Strabane; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional educational service in Strabane is seeking a Catering Manager responsible for overseeing food services and kitchen operations. The ideal candidate will have relevant qualifications in food preparation and experience managing catering teams. Responsibilities include innovating menu provisions, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations, and managing financial performance. This role promotes a collaborative work environment and ensures high-quality catering services to the institution.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 in food preparation/cooking or equivalent.
• Evidence of supervision or management of a catering team.
• Experience in stock control and budget management.

Responsibilities

• Execute cooking activities and manage food service.
• Supervise, direct, and manage kitchen teams.
• Monitor financial performance and maintain budget.

Skills

Supervision

Food safety knowledge

Communication

Risk assessment

Education

NVQ Level 2 in food preparation/cooking or equivalent

Experience in a catering establishment

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.