School Catering Manager: Kitchen Leadership & Service

Education Authority; Ballymena; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 24,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Retainer during school holidays

Job summary

Education Authority seeks a Catering Manager to lead the school catering service across designated areas. You will manage the kitchen operations, ensure safe food handling, and maintain records in line with health and safety standards.

The role focuses on delivering high-quality meals to children, young people, and staff, with strong emphasis on teamwork and customer engagement. You will oversee staffing, training, ordering, stock control, and cost management, while promoting dietary inclusivity

Qualifications

• Hold NVQ level 2 in food preparation and cooking or City & Guilds 706-1 & 706-2 or equivalent, OR have two years’ demonstrable experience in food preparation and cooking.
• Experience in supervising a catering team is essential.
• Knowledge of HACCP and food safety standards is required.
• Experience in stock control, budget management and financial controls is desirable.
• Willingness to undertake job-related training and hold a relevant driving vehicle is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage day-to-day catering operations to provide quality meals for students and staff.
• Organise and supervise all aspects of food service, including service points and transportation where needed.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP, allergen management, and dietary requirements.
• Oversee deliveries, ordering, storage, stock-taking and waste minimisation.
• Promote the catering service to increase meal uptake and engage with schools, parents and pupils.

Skills

Leadership

People management

HACCP knowledge

Allergen management

Communication

Education

NVQ level 2 in food preparation and cooking

Tools

MS Outlook

Excel

Word

Teams

Job description

Education Authority seeks a Catering Manager to lead the school catering service across designated areas. You will manage the kitchen operations, ensure safe food handling, and maintain records in line with health and safety standards.

The role focuses on delivering high-quality meals to children, young people, and staff, with strong emphasis on teamwork and customer engagement. You will oversee staffing, training, ordering, stock control, and cost management, while promoting dietary inclusivity