Catering Manager

Application Process

1. Demonstration of criteria: Applicants must demonstrate how, and to what extent, they meet all essential and desirable criteria on the application form. Failure to do so may result in not being shortlisted.

2. Timing: Candidates must meet the criteria by the closing date (unless stated otherwise).

3. Assessment: Shortlisting will be based on the essential criteria (Section
1). Where an excessive number of applications exists, desirable criteria (Section
3) may be applied at shortlisting.

In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel reserves the right to apply desirable criteria in the order listed. Candidates must clearly demonstrate how they meet any desirable criteria.

• Qualifications and
  
  Experience:
  
  Hold NVQ level 2 in food preparation and cooking or City & Guilds 706‑1 & 706‑2 or equivalent higher qualification, OR have two years’ demonstrable experience in food preparation and cooking within a catering establishment.
• Evidence of effective supervision or management of a catering team.
• Demonstrable experience in stock control, budget management and financial controls.
• Knowledge of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP).
• Knowledge of special diets, e.g. allergens and ethnic diets.
• A willingness to undertake job‑related training.
• Transport: have access to a suitable vehicle, appropriately maintained and insured, for Education Authority business, OR provide sufficient information to demonstrate access to an alternative form of transport.

• Leadership and people management skills: motivate, manage, and develop a team.
• Excellent interpersonal skills: communicate effectively with team members, management, school staff and parents.
• Planning, organisational and decision‑making skills; able to work under pressure and independently to meet deadlines.
• Ability to drive sales processes and initiatives.
• Excellent customer‑service skills and promote the catering service for children and young people.
• Team player willing to collaborate for a quality service.
• Demonstrated alignment with EA’s ethos and values.

• IT skills – MS Outlook, Excel, Word and Teams.
• Experience in delivering training.

Applicants recommended for a post involving regulated activity will require an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. The applicant will be expected to meet the cost.

To view the applicant guidance notes, . To learn about the benefits of joining the Education Authority, .

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Catering Manager

Regional Operations Manager

Catering Team Members

The Catering Manager is responsible for the efficient day‑to‑day management of the kitchen, providing a quality catering service to our children, young people and staff.

• Execute skilled cooking activities and innovations across the menu, including portion control, plating and special dietary meals.
• Organise and supervise all aspects of food service and meal transportation.
• Manage dining centre kitchens and the production kitchen.
• Follow EA policies and food safety legislation.
• Ensure allergen matrix is up‑to‑date and all allergen/special dietary requirements are met.
• Record food temperatures and maintain required records.
• Manage deliveries, ordering, storage and stock‑take to minimize wastage.
• Ensure safe operation of kitchen equipment and report defects.
• Report incidents such as fire, loss, damage, unfit food or pest signs.
• Secure premises as required.
• Promote catering service to increase meal uptake, including theme days and events.
• Maintain communication links with the school on all service delivery aspects.
• Investigate and report local‑level customer complaints.
• Manage internal risk assessments, including Fire Risk Assessment.
• Handle feedback and complaints with a friendly and professional tone.
• Other duties assigned by the Regional Operations Manager to ensure smooth kitchen operation.

• Efficiently manage…