Education Authority Northern Ireland
Mobile Catering Manager - 3 posts
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Catering Manager
JOB DETAILS
Title: Catering Manager Reports To: Regional Operations Manager Responsible For: Catering Team Members
JOB PURPOSE
The Catering Manager is responsible for the efficient day-to-day management of the kitchen. Leadership and team participation are essential to provide a quality catering service to our children, young people, and staff.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Service Delivery
- Execute skilled cooking activities, including menu preparation, portion control, plating, and presentation.
- Ensure compliance with special dietary requirements (incl. IDDSI, allergens, texture modifications) and theme days/events, as well as managing function catering where relevant.
- Organise and supervise all aspects of food service, including meal transportation and dining service points.
- Oversee dining centre and production kitchen operations.
- Adhere to EA policies, food safety regulations, and HACCP standards.
- Maintain comprehensively:
- Allergen Matrix accuracy
- Food temperature documentation
- Up-to-date records and incident reports (fire, loss, spoilage, pests)
- Secure premises protocols
- Promote the catering service through parent engagement, theme days, and events to increase meal uptake.
- Build communication links with schools on all aspects of service delivery.
- Investigate and report local customer complaints to the Regional Operations Manager.
- Manage internal risk assessments, including Fire Risk Assessment leading.
- Promote a friendly, customer service-oriented atmosphere and handle feedback professionally.
* —As appropriate
People Management
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Supervise and direct team members (including working rotas, distributions, and transport logistics).
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Implement policies on:
- Disciplinary/grievance procedures
- Attendance/absence monitoring
- Return-to-work interviews
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Assist in interviewing, selecting, and supporting investigations in grievance/disciplinary matters.
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Conduct new staff induction, probation monitoring, and report any performance issues.
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Train staff, ensure training records are up-to-date, and attend all mandatory training (e.g., annual refreshers).
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Lead regular staff meetings and manage performance appraisals.
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Financial Duties
- Monitor financial performance, meet cost targets, and ensure procedures align with pre-set budgets.
- Handle cash transactions, ordering, and accident reports.
- Maintain accurate records on all resources (food, labour, overheads, equipment).
General Responsibilities
- Comply fully with:
- Statutory legislation (including COSHH, Natasha’s Law).
- EA Uniform Code and Health, Safety & Hygiene standards.
- Conduct personal})/staff** hygiene and attendance standards.
- Promote inclusive workplace values, behavioural standards (Section 75 NI Act), and equality commitments.
- Adapt responsibilities to meet evolving role and organisational needs.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Notes to Applicants
- Clearly demonstrate how you meet criteria on the application. Failure to do so may exclude you from contention.
- Provide evidence before application deadlines or as stated.
- Criteria are measured per the following timeline:
- Shortlisting by Application Form: Qualifications, experience, transport/hygiene.
- Interview: Leadership, skills, values alignment.
SECTION 1: ESSENTIAL CRITERIA (Evaluated in shortlisting/application)
Qualifications and Experience
| Factor | Essential Requirements |
|---|---|
| Education/Experience | Hold relevant qualification in food prep (e.g., NVQ Level 2 or equivalent) OR two years in catering. |
| Supervision/Management | Demonstrated supervision of catering teams. |
| Stock & Financial Controls | Stock control and budget management experience. |
| Factor | Essential Requirements |
|---|---|
| Knowledge & Compliance | HACCP knowledge; familiarity with special diets (e.g., allergens, ethnic diets). |
| Mobility/Grounding | Access to suitable/insured vehicle or specify alternative transport. |
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SECTION 2: ESSENTIAL CRITERIA (Evaluated in interview)
| Category | Required Attribute |
|---|---|
| Leader/People Management | Leadership skills, ability to motivate and develop teams. |
| Communication | Strong interpersonal skills (internal/external stakeholders, customers). |
| Organisational/Administrative | Effective planning, decision-making and selfworkability. |
| Sales/Testimonial | Demonstrated actions that drive sales or initiatives. |
| Customer-Centric Focus | Customer service excellence for children, young people. |
| Collaborator | Committed team player. |
| EA Values Orientation | Experience/projects aligned with EA’s ethos and customer relations. |
SECTION 3: DESIRABLE CRITERIA (Shortlisting priority: applied in order)
Experience/Skills
- IT proficiency in MS Office suite (Outlook, Excel, Teams) .
- Training delivery experience.
Selection Process
- Shortlisted by: Essential criteria (via application form).
- Interviews & Teamworking Challenges checked: Describe projects reflecting EA’s Values.
Disclosure
Applicants will undergo enhanced criminal background checks ((Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups NI Order 2007). Costs charged for disclosure certificates.
Equal Opportunities Employer
The Education Authority is committed to gender equality and diversity. Join a values-driven workplace championing young people and inclusion. Benefits included. Details [here] ([[link placeholder]]) for more information.
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