Catering Manager

Job Title

Catering Manager

Regional Operations Manager

Catering Team Members

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.

• Execute skilled cooking activities and innovation connected to the full range of menu provisions, including preparation of menus, portion control, plating presentation, special dietary meals, texture modification of food for special diets (IDDSI), theme days/events and function catering where appropriate.
• Organise and supervise all aspects of food service, including service points and the transportation of meals, if required.
• Overall management of dining centre kitchens as well as the production kitchen.
• Follow EA policies and procedures for safe cooking and food service to meet current standards of food safety legislation.
• Maintain the Allergen Matrix and ensure allergen and special dietary requirements are up to date.
• Record food temperatures and keep complete records as required.
• Manage deliveries, ordering, storage, and stock‑take to ensure food safety and minimum wastage.
• Ensure the safe operation of kitchen equipment and report any defects.
• Report incidents of fire, loss, damage, unfit food, or signs of pest infestation.
• Secure premises as required.
• Promote the catering service through parents, principals, pupils and customers to increase the uptake of meals and include theme days and events.
• Establish effective communication links with the school on all aspects of service delivery.
• Investigate and report local‑level customer complaints to the Regional Operations Manager.
• Manage internal risk assessments, including the Fire Risk Assessment.
• Develop a friendly and helpful atmosphere and handle feedback, including complaints, professionally.
• Perform other duties assigned by the Regional Operations Manager from time to time to ensure the smooth running of the kitchen.

• Efficient management of the teams to deliver a high‑quality service.
• Supervise and direct employees, including allocating duties and work rotas. Where employed at a transporting kitchen, duties also incorporate the Catering Assistants' work routine and the dining centres' operational issues, including regular visits to dining centres.
• Implement all policies relating to staff issues, e.g., disciplinary and grievance, managing attendance, monitoring absence levels, and undertaking Return to Work Interviews.
• Participate in the interviewing and selection of staff, as required within your catering unit, and support the Investigation Officer in investigations as part of the grievance and disciplinary process.
• Induct all new staff, including relief staff, as per the Induction Checklist and monitor them throughout their probationary period.
• Carry out all relevant and essential training as detailed by the Regional Operations Manager, including annual refresher training, and ensure that all training record cards are maintained.
• Ensure effective communication at all levels through regular staff meetings.
• Manage staff performance, complete appraisals for catering staff, and set appropriate targets.

• Monitor the unit's financial performance, maintain costs within pre‑budgeted targets, and assist in implementing financial procedures and activities within the catering service.
• Complete clerical duties, i.e., bookkeeping, ordering of goods, and accident reporting, associated with the efficient running of the kitchen.
• Handle cash transactions and ensure accurate cash handling procedures are followed according to EA financial procedures.
• Manage all resources, including food, labour, overheads, and equipment, and ensure correct financial procedures are followed.

• Carry out all duties in compliance with Acts of Parliament, Statutory Legislation and Regulations, Codes of Practice, HACCP regulations and all Health, Safety & Hygiene standards, including COSHH.
• Perform necessary administration as required.
• Maintain personal hygiene and appearance, and ensure…