School Catering Manager - Lead Kitchen & Service

National Instruments; Belfast City District; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The Education Authority in Northern Ireland is seeking a Catering Manager to lead the day-to-day management of the kitchen serving children, young people and staff.

Key responsibilities include skilled cooking, menu planning, allergen management, stock control, staff supervision and ensuring compliance with HACCP and food safety standards across dining centres and production kitchens.

Qualifications

• Hold NVQ Level 2 in food preparation and cooking or City & Guilds 706-1 & 706-2 or equivalent.
• Demonstrable supervision/management of a catering team and stock control experience.
• A willingness to undertake job-related training and have access to suitable transport.

Responsibilities

• Execute skilled cooking activities for menus, including special diets and texture modification.
• Organise and supervise all aspects of food service across dining centres and production kitchen.
• Ensure HACCP compliance, allergen management, and accurate food temperature records.
• Manage deliveries, ordering, storage, stock-take, and equipment safety.
• Promote the catering service to parents, pupils and staff; maintain effective school communication.
• Lead staff rotas, appraisals, training, and conduct returns-to-work interviews.
• Support financial controls, budgeting, and cost monitoring within the unit.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Communication

Team supervision

Customer service

Sales processes

Education

NVQ Level 2 in food preparation and cooking

City & Guilds 706-1 & 706-2 or equivalent

Job description

The Education Authority in Northern Ireland is seeking a Catering Manager to lead the day-to-day management of the kitchen serving children, young people and staff.

Key responsibilities include skilled cooking, menu planning, allergen management, stock control, staff supervision and ensuring compliance with HACCP and food safety standards across dining centres and production kitchens.