School Kitchen & Catering Leader

National Instruments; Dundonald; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Retainer during school holidays

Job summary

Education Authority in Downpatrick/Dundonald is seeking a Catering Manager to lead the kitchen team and oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring safe, high‑quality meals for pupils and staff.

You will manage menus, portion control, dietary requirements and staff scheduling, while driving improvements in service delivery and customer satisfaction. A retainer during school holidays is offered.

Qualifications

• Hold NVQ Level 2 in food preparation and cooking or City & Guilds 706-1 & 706-2, or two years’ demonstrable catering experience.
• Evidence of effective supervision or management of a catering team.
• Experience in stock control, budget management and financial controls.
• Knowledge of HACCP and provision of special diets (e.g. allergens).
• Willingness to undertake job-related training.
• Must have access to suitable transport for mobility requirements.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day kitchen operations and ensure quality catering for children, staff and visitors.
• Organise all aspects of food service, including dining centres and transport of meals if needed.
• Ensure HACCP compliance, allergen management, and up‑to‑date allergen matrix.
• Monitor food temperatures, stock control, deliveries, storage and waste to minimise risk.
• Promote catering services to parents, principals and pupils; handle complaints with Regional Operations Manager support.

Skills

Leadership

People Management

Communication

Planning & Organisation

Customer Service

Team Player

Sales Processes

Interpersonal Skills

IT Skills

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation and Cooking

City & Guilds 706-1 & 706-2

Tools

MS Outlook

Excel

Word

Teams

Job description

Education Authority in Downpatrick/Dundonald is seeking a Catering Manager to lead the kitchen team and oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring safe, high‑quality meals for pupils and staff.

You will manage menus, portion control, dietary requirements and staff scheduling, while driving improvements in service delivery and customer satisfaction. A retainer during school holidays is offered.