Financial Responsibilities

• Monitor unit-level financial performance.
• Maintain costs within pre-budgeted allocations.
• Implement financial procedures in:
  • Catering service operations
  • Staff training management
• Perform clerical tasks, including:
  • Bookwork
  • Ordering goods
  • Accident reporting
• Handle cash transactions accurately, adhering to EA financial procedures.
• Oversee resource management (food, labour, overheads, equipment) with due financial processes.

General Responsibilities

• Comply with:

  • Acts of Parliament & Statutory Legislation
  • HACCP & food safety regulations
  • COSHH protocols
  • Natasha’s Law
  • Health, safety & hygiene standards

• Maintain:

  • Personal hygiene and appearance
  • Consistent staff adherence to the EA uniform code

• Attend compulsory:

  • Training sessions
  • Team & support meetings (including during school closure periods)

• Promote EA values and uphold staff conduct codes.

• Note on Flexibility: The job description is subject to review and may adapt to evolving operational needs.

• Additional duties may be assigned to align with role demands.

Section 75 Compliance (N. Ireland Act 1998):

• Promote good relations, equality, and workplace dignity throughout employment.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Notes to Job Applicants

1. Candidates must demonstrate on their application how and where they meet each criterion. Failure to do so may result in exclusion from shortlisting.
2. Closing date compliance: Criteria must be addressed by the application deadline (unless explicitly stated otherwise).
3. Evaluation stages are detailed in the assessment tables.
4. Shortlisting is based only on the essential criteria Section 1, using evidence from the application.
5. The Selection Panel retains the right to prioritise only candidates best aligned with the role criteria. If application volumes exceed capacity, desirable criteria (Section 3) may also influence shortlisting in listed order.
6. Be thorough in meeting both essential and desirable criteria—neglecting details may affect shortlisting eligibility.

Section 1 - Essential Criteria

Qualifications & Experience

• Hold:
  • Minimum NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation and Cooking
  • City & Guilds 706-1 & 706-2 equivalent qualification
  • OR demonstrate 2 years of relevant experience in food preparation/cooking within a catering establishment.
• Evidence: Must be supported by proof during the application process.

Added Criteria:

• Proven experience supervising or managing a catering team.
• Demonstrated knowledge of:
  • Stock control
  • Budget management
  • Financial controls

Knowledge

• Must be knowledgeable in:
  • Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP)
  • Providing special diets, e.g.:
    • Allergens
    • Ethnic dietary requirements

Additional

• Ability to attend and commit to job-related training.
• Transport / Mobility Requirements:
  • Either:
    • Own and maintain a suitable and insured vehicle for EA operational needs
    • Provide a valid alternative transport arrangement verified by the employer.

Section 2 - Essential Criteria

Interview Focus (EA’s Game-Changing People Model): Explored during interview stage.

Skills & Abilities

• Leadership / Management:
  • Strong ability to motivate, direct, and develop teams.
• Communication:
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills, including:
    • Managing interactions with:
      • Team members
      • Management
      • School staff
      • Parents
• Organisational Capabilities:
  • Proven planning, organisational and decision-making skills.
  • Adaptability to work independently or under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Driving Sales Initiatives:
  • Ability to shape and implement sales strategies.
• Customer Service Excellence:
  • Excellent service orientation to develop and promote catering services among children and young people.
• Collaborative Mindset:
  • Healthy attitude as a team player, valuing collective processes to deliver results.

Values & Ethical Alignment:

• Align with EA’s ethos and values, displayed through:
  • Work approach management
  • Prior experience

For more details on the Education Authority’s values, see their Statutory Information here.

Section 3 - Desirable Criteria

(Lowest priority for shortlisting)

Experience / Skills:

• IT Literacy (Preferred Tools):
  • Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, Teams.
• Training Delivery:
  • Demonstrable experience in conducting effective training sessions.

Disclosure of Criminal Background

Under the [Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007], positions involving supervised activities with children or young people qualify as "regulated activity."

Our Process:

• In the event of a recommended appointment requiring "regulated activity," the Education Authority will require an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate.
• Candidates will bear all costs associated with acquiring the certificate. Payment instructions will be forwarded upon recommendation.

Resources for Clarification:

• Additional details available at: NI Direct or Department of Justice UK

See Terms & Conditions for the comprehensive benefits of joining the Education Authority. The Education Authority adheres to Equal Opportunities Principles—assignments and career development opportunities are open to all qualified individuals regardless of background or protected characteristics.