Mobile Catering Manager

Education Authority Northern Ireland; Strabane; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational organization in Strabane is seeking a Catering Manager to efficiently manage kitchen operations and supervise staff. The ideal candidate possesses NVQ level 2 in food preparation or equivalent, along with strong supervisory skills and experience in budget management. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to quality catering services for children and staff, ensuring dietary needs are met in a supportive environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage the kitchen efficiently on a day-to-day basis.
• Supervise and direct kitchen staff while ensuring high-quality service.
• Organize food service, including transportation of meals.
• Monitor financial performance and maintain budget costs.
• Execute skilled cooking activities for menu provisions.

Skills

Food preparation and cooking

Supervision/management

Stock control

Budget management

Knowledge of HACCP

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

Training delivery

Education

NVQ level 2 in food preparation and cooking or equivalent

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.A full list of responsibilities, essential and desirable criteria can be found on the Education Authority website.

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

Base of Location: Strabane Academy, StrabaneA full list of responsibilities, essential and desirable skills can be found on the Education Authority website.The Education Authority is an equal opportunities employer.

Area: Derry or Londonderry
Closing date: 30 Nov 2025

Area: Derry or Londonderry
Closing date: 01 Dec 2025