Education Authority Northern Ireland
Catering Manager
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Catering Manager
Job Title: Catering Manager
Reports To
- Regional Operations Manager
Role
Responsible for the daily management of a Catering Team within an educational setting, ensuring high-quality food services for children, young people, and staff. Leadership, teamwork, and operational excellence are crucial to fulfilling this position.
Job Purpose
The Catering Manager oversees the efficient running of the kitchen, delivering a high-standard catering service to meet the needs of students, teachers, and staff. The role requires a blend of culinary expertise, team leadership, financial oversight, and compliance with food safety regulations.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
Service Delivery
- Execute skilled cooking and innovation across menu provision, including:
- Menu planning and preparation
- Portion control and plating
- Special dietary meals (including IDDSI texture-modified diets)
- Theme days, events, and function catering
- Organise and supervise food service operations:
- Coordinate service points and meal transportation
- Manage dining centre and production kitchens
- Compliance with EA food safety policies to meet legal standards
- Ensure allergen and dietary requirements are met via an up-to-date Allergen Matrix
- Monitor food temperatures and maintain detailed records
- Handle deliveries, ordering, stock management, and stock-takes to minimise wastage
- Verify safe kitchen equipment operation and report defects
- Report unsafe food, pest infestations, or equipment damage
- Secure premises as required
- Promote the catering service to parents, schools, and customers (e.g., through themed events)
- Maintain communication with schools on service delivery
- Investigate and escalate customer complaints to the Regional Operations Manager
- Conduct fire risk assessments and internal risk evaluations
People Management
- Lead a high-performing team with strong service standards
- Supervise and direct staff through duty allocation and work rotas
- For transporting kitchens, manage Catering Assistants’ rotas and dining centre schedules
- Conduct regular visits to dining centres
- Enforce EA staff policies (disciplinary, grievance, attendance)
- Monitor absence levels and facilitate Return to Work Interviews
- Participate in staff interviews and selections
- Assist in grievance and disciplinary investigations
- Induct new and relief staff per EA protocols
- Ensure mandatory training adherence (e.g., annual refreshers) and retain records
- Facilitate regular staff meetings for communication
- Appraise and set targets for catering staff
Financial Responsibilities
- Monitor and maintain catering unit finances within budgets
- Implement financial protocols and manage overheads, labour, and equipment costs
- Record clerical tasks (bookwork, ordering, accident reports)
- Handle cash transactions per EA financial policies
- Accurate cash logging and procedure compliance
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General Duties
- Full adherence to legal obligations (acts, regulations, and EA codes of practice)
- Compliance with HACCP, food safety/COSHH standards, and Natasha’s Law
- Maintain personal hygiene, EA uniform standards, and staff compliance
- Attendance at scheduled training and team meetings
- Demonstrating EA values (customer relations, equality, and dignity at work)
Note: Additional duties may be assigned as needed to support kitchen operations. The Education Authority reserves the right to review this description periodically.
Person Specification
General Guidance
Applicants must demonstrate how they meet the criteria in the application form—failure to do so may result in disqualification during shortlisting.
Section 1: Essential Criteria
Qualifications/Experience
| Factor | Requirement | Assessment Method |
|---|---|---|
| Certification | NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation & Cooking | OR City & Guilds 706-1/706-2 |
| OR equivalent higher qualification | OR 2 years experience in catering | |
| Supervision | Demonstrable experience management of a catering team | Shortlisting by Application Form |
| Financial Control | Budgeting, stock control, and cost management experience | Shortlisting by Application Form |
Knowledge
| Factor | Requirement | Assessment Method |
|---|---|---|
| HACCP Compliance | Knowledge of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points | Application Form |
| Special Diets | Understanding of allergen management, ethnic diets, and dietary legislation | Application Form |
Operational Commitment
- Willingness to participate in job-related training
- Access to suitable transport for role demands (e.g., kitchens, dining centres)
- Alternative transport arrangements must detail sufficiency to perform* mobility requirements**.
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Section 2: Interview-Based Criteria
Interview Requirements (EA Gamester Model Assessment)
| Factor | Requirement | Measured In |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership | Motivates and develops teams; fosters positive workplace culture | Interview |
| Communication | Excellent relations with staff, schools, parents, and management | Interview |
| Organisation | Planning, decision-making, and pressure resilience | Interview |
| Driving Sales | Ability to promote catering initiatives | Interview |
| Customer Service | Exceptional service delivery for children/youth | Interview |
| Team Ethos | Collaborative, adaptable, and service-driven | Interview |
Core Values Alignment
- Evidence of reflecting EA’s ethos in approach and experience (see EA Values Page)
Section 3: Desirable Criteria
Experience/Skills (May Influence Shortlisting)
| Factor | Requirement | Assessment Method |
|---|---|---|
| IT Proficiency | Familiarity with MS Outlook, Excel, Word, Teams | Application Form |
| Training Delivery | Proven experience in providing training | Application Form |
Additional Notes
Disclosure Requirements
- Due to regulated activity (working with children), the Education Authority may seek an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate—candidate costs will apply.
Equal Opportunities
The Education Authority is committed to equal opportunity employment. Applicants credited with transitional accommodations are encouraged to reach out.
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