School Catering Manager - Dining & Kitchen Lead

Education Authority (Northern Ireland); Coleraine; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Education Authority (Northern Ireland) in Coleraine is seeking a Catering Manager to oversee day-to-day kitchen operations, lead a catering team and ensure a high standard of service for pupils, staff and parents. You will drive menu development, food safety, and compliance with HACCP.

This role requires strong leadership, budgeting, stock control and the ability to communicate across schools. You will promote the service, manage risk assessments, and uphold the Authority's equal opportunities

Qualifications

• Hold NVQ level 2 in food preparation and cooking or City & Guilds 706-1/706-2 or higher, or two years’ catering experience.
• Proven supervision or management of a catering team.
• Experience in stock control, budget management and financial controls.
• HACCP knowledge and ability to handle special diets and allergens.
• Willingness to undertake job-related training.
• Access to suitable transport or mobility to cover multiple dining sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day kitchen operations ensuring quality catering for children, staff and visitors.
• Direct and allocate duties, supervise catering staff, and manage rosters.
• Ensure safety, hygiene standards and food safety compliance, recording temperatures.
• Manage deliveries, stock, ordering, and waste minimisation within budget.
• Maintain effective communication with schools, parents and customers.
• Handle incidents, complaints and reporting to the Regional Operations Manager.

Skills

Leadership & People Management

Interpersonal communication

Planning & Organising

Sales & customer focus

Team player

Education

NVQ level 2 in food preparation and cooking

City & Guilds 706-1 & 706-2

Two years’ catering experience

Job description

Education Authority (Northern Ireland) in Coleraine is seeking a Catering Manager to oversee day-to-day kitchen operations, lead a catering team and ensure a high standard of service for pupils, staff and parents. You will drive menu development, food safety, and compliance with HACCP.

This role requires strong leadership, budgeting, stock control and the ability to communicate across schools. You will promote the service, manage risk assessments, and uphold the Authority's equal opportunities