School Kitchen & Catering Manager

Education Authority; Larne; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Education Authority is seeking a Catering Manager to lead day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring high-quality meal provision for pupils, staff and families. The role emphasizes leadership, food safety compliance and efficient dining centre management.

You will oversee menu planning, allergen handling, stock control and service delivery across dining facilities, working within school settings and regional guidelines. Strong organisational and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Execute skilled cooking activities and innovation connected to the full range of menu provisions, for example, preparation of menus, portion control, plating presentation, special dietary meals, including the texture modification of food for special diets (IDDSI), theme days/events and function catering where appropriate.
• Organise and supervise all aspects of food service, including service points and the transportation of meals, if required.
• The role includes the overall management of dining centre kitchens as well as the production kitchen.
• Follow EA policies and procedures for safe cooking and food service to meet current standards of food safety legislation.
• Ensure you are aware of all allergen and special dietary requirements and that the Allergen Matrix is always up to date.”)
• Make sure that food temperatures are recorded and complete records as required.
• Manage deliveries, ordering, storage, and stock-take to ensure food safety and minimum wastage.
• Ensure the safe operation of kitchen equipment and report any equipment defects.
• Report any incident of fire, loss, damage, unfit food, or signs of pest infestation, e.g., mice, etc.
• Secure premises as required.
• Actively promote the catering service through parents, principals, pupils and customers to increase the uptake of meals and including theme days and events.
• Establish effective communication links with the school on all aspects of service delivery.
• Investigate and report local-level customer complaints to the Regional Operations Manager.
• Manage internal risk assessments, including the Fire Risk Assessment.
• Develop a friendly and helpful atmosphere and professionally handle any feedback, including complaints.
• Other duties assigned by the Regional Operations Manager from time to time to ensure the smooth running of the kitchen.

Job description

Education Authority is seeking a Catering Manager to lead day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring high-quality meal provision for pupils, staff and families. The role emphasizes leadership, food safety compliance and efficient dining centre management.

You will oversee menu planning, allergen handling, stock control and service delivery across dining facilities, working within school settings and regional guidelines. Strong organisational and communication skills are essential.