School Kitchen & Catering Manager — Operations Leader

Education Authority; Newtownabbey; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Education Authority in Newtownabbey is seeking a Catering Manager to lead day-to-day kitchen operations, oversee service delivery, and ensure food safety and quality for pupils, staff and visitors.

You will supervise teams, manage menus, control costs, and maintain records; collaborate with schools, ensure compliance with HACCP, allergen management, and safety regulations. The role offers a challenging environment with opportunities to improve dining services across the locality.

Responsibilities

• Execute skilled cooking activities, oversee menu prep, portion control, dietary needs, and event catering.
• Organise and supervise all aspects of food service, including service points and transport if required.
• Manage dining centre kitchens and production kitchen, ensure safe operation of equipment and record keeping.
• Follow policies for safe cooking, allergen management, and food safety standards.
• Promote the catering service to parents, principals, pupils and customers to increase uptake of meals.
• Establish effective communication with the school on service delivery and handle customer complaints.
• Oversee risk assessments including Fire Risk Assessment and staff training and appraisals.
• Monitor financial performance, control costs, manage ordering and clerical duties relevant to kitchen operations.

Job description

Education Authority in Newtownabbey is seeking a Catering Manager to lead day-to-day kitchen operations, oversee service delivery, and ensure food safety and quality for pupils, staff and visitors.

You will supervise teams, manage menus, control costs, and maintain records; collaborate with schools, ensure compliance with HACCP, allergen management, and safety regulations. The role offers a challenging environment with opportunities to improve dining services across the locality.