School Catering Manager

Compass Group UK; Belfast; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering services provider is recruiting an experienced Catering Manager in Northern Ireland. The role requires overseeing all catering and service operations, ensuring exceptional food quality and customer service. Ideal candidates will have at least two years in catering management, strong team management skills, and relevant qualifications such as NVQ Level 1 & 2. The position offers a full-time contract with 37.5 hours per week. Join an inclusive team dedicated to exceptional service and personal development.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

• A minimum of two years of catering experience.
• Experience managing teams in a similar role.
• Demonstrated ability to train and support teams.

Responsibilities

• Preparing delicious food to the highest standards.
• Supervising culinary and catering teams for quality.
• Overseeing in-unit catering operations efficiency.
• Monitoring budgets and managing inventories.
• Communicating regularly with line manager on KPIs.
• Identifying new food concepts to drive sales.
• Liaising between customers and service teams.
• Implementing Health & Safety standards compliance.

Skills

Passionate about great-tasting food

Exceptional customer service

Excellent communication skills

Organisational skills

Financial acumen

Team management

Education

NVQ Level 1 & 2 or City & Guilds 706/1 and 2

Basic Food Hygiene certificate

Job description

We're recruiting an experienced Catering Manager who is passionate about exceptional food and world-class customer service, and who can confidently oversee all Compass Group UK&I catering and service operations for Northern Ireland on a full time basis, contracted to 37.5 hours per week.

As a Catering Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring our kitchens and service counters run smoothly and helping to deliver truly incredible food experiences. In return, you'll have the opportunity to progress your catering career with a company that invests in its people, celebrates individuality, and rewards and recognises employees who go beyond the plate.

Shift Pattern

• Mon: Full-time (Days)
• Tues: Full-time (Days)
• Weds: Full-time (Days)
• Thurs: Full-time (Days)
• Fri: Full-time (Days)
• Sat:
• Sun:

Please note: This role is contracted to 43.2 weeks per year.

About the Role

Could you shine as Northern Ireland's next Catering Manager? Here’s what you need to know before applying:

Key Responsibilities

• Preparing delicious food to the highest standards
• Supervising our culinary and catering teams to ensure we continue to deliver impeccable food and customer service
• Overseeing the efficiency of all in‑unit catering operations, including managing inventories, monitoring budgets, and implementing action plans
• Communicating regularly with your line manager to monitor KPIs and targets
• Representing Compass Group UK&I and maintaining a positive brand image
• Identifying opportunities for new food or service concepts to drive sales
• Liaising between customers and our culinary and service teams to ensure we continue to exceed expectations
• Supporting and training our teams, leading from the front to make sure everyone can excel in their role
• Implementing and reviewing Health & Safety standards to ensure compliance across all catering and service teams.

Ideal Candidate

• Be passionate about great‑tasting food and exceptional customer service
• Have a minimum of two years of catering experience
• Have experience managing teams in a similar role
• Hold an NVQ Level 1 & 2 or City & Guilds 706/1 and 2
• Hold a Basic Food Hygiene certificate
• Demonstrate brilliant financial acumen
• Have excellent communication and organisational skills
• Be an ambitious and motivated individual who is always looking to upskill

At Compass Ireland, our people are our business. When you join the Compass Group you will be joining a supportive network of incredible individuals, each united by their passion for going the extra mile for the organisations we partner with. We are building a team who care about providing a great customer experience and want to grow and develop as we do. We are dedicated to investing in every colleague joining us. We are an equal opportunity employer, we celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive environment for all employees. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

Job Reference: com/1812/40904001/52781524/NI #Northern Ireland

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive – because diversity is our strength!