School Catering Leader: Menu, Safety & Team

Education Authority (Northern Ireland); Antrim; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Education Authority (Northern Ireland) seeks a Catering Manager to lead the kitchen operations, manage a catering team, and ensure high standards of food safety and service within school settings.

You will oversee menus, portion control, dietary needs, and staff supervision while maintaining records, safety compliance, and cost controls. The role emphasizes teamwork and effective communication with school staff and parents.

Qualifications

• Hold NVQ level 2 in food preparation and cooking or City & Guilds 706-1 & 706-2 or equivalent or higher relevant qualification.
• Evidence of effective supervision or management of a catering team.
• Demonstrable experience in stock control, budget management and financial controls.
• Knowledge of HACCP and ability to handle special diets (e.g. allergens).
• Willingness to undertake job-related training and maintain food safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day kitchen operations and staff performance.
• Organise food service, deliveries, stock control, and waste minimisation.
• Ensure HACCP compliance and allergen management across menus and service points.
• Lead in promoting catering services to pupils, staff, and parents.
• Maintain records, safety inspections, and financial procedures.

Skills

Leadership

Stock control

Budget management

Education

NVQ level 2 in food preparation and cooking

City & Guilds 706-1 & 706-2

Higher relevant qualification

Job description

Education Authority (Northern Ireland) seeks a Catering Manager to lead the kitchen operations, manage a catering team, and ensure high standards of food safety and service within school settings.

You will oversee menus, portion control, dietary needs, and staff supervision while maintaining records, safety compliance, and cost controls. The role emphasizes teamwork and effective communication with school staff and parents.