Mobile Catering Manager - 3 Posts

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

Job summary

A public organization in Northern Ireland seeks an experienced Catering Manager to manage kitchen operations and oversee meal services. The successful candidate will innovate menus, supervise staff, and ensure adherence to health and safety regulations. A minimum NVQ Level 2 in food preparation or equivalent is required, along with experience in budget management and team leadership. This role offers an opportunity to impact food services positively within educational settings.

Qualifications

• At least NVQ Level 2 in food preparation or equivalent, or two years of catering experience.
• Proven evidence of managing a catering team effectively.
• Experience in stock control and financial management is essential.

Responsibilities

• Execute cooking activities and innovate menu provisions.
• Supervise kitchen staff, managing duties and rotas.
• Monitor financial performance and maintain costs within budget.

Skills

Supervision skills

Budget management

Knowledge of HACCP

Effective communication

Education

NVQ Level 2 in food preparation/cooking

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.