Catering Manager in Banbridge

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.

Responsibilities

• Execute skilled cooking activities and innovation connected to the full range of menu provisions, including preparation of menus, portion control, plating presentation, and special dietary meals.
• Include 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 transportation of meals, if required.
• Manage 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.
• Ensure awareness of all allergen and special dietary requirements and keep the Allergen Matrix up to date.
• Record food temperatures and complete records as required.
• Manage deliveries, ordering, storage, and stock-take to ensure food safety and minimum wastage.
• Ensure 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 meal uptake, including 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 professionally handle feedback, including complaints.
• Perform other duties assigned by the Regional Operations Manager to ensure smooth kitchen operations.
• Efficiently manage teams to deliver high-quality service.
• Supervise and direct employees, including allocating duties and work rotas.
• Participate in implementing all policies relating to staff issues, including disciplinary and grievance processes.
• Induct new staff as per the Induction Checklist and monitor them throughout their probationary period.
• Carry out relevant training as detailed by the Regional Operations Manager and maintain training record cards.
• Ensure effective communication at all levels through regular staff meetings.
• Manage staff performance, complete appraisals, and set appropriate targets.
• Monitor the unit's financial performance and assist in implementing financial procedures within the catering service.
• Complete clerical duties associated with the efficient running of the kitchen.
• Handle cash transactions and ensure accurate cash handling procedures are followed.
• Manage all resources, including food, labour, overheads, and equipment, ensuring compliance with financial procedures.
• Comply with Acts of Parliament, Statutory Legislation, Regulations, Codes of Practice, HACCP regulations, and Health, Safety & Hygiene standards.
• Perform necessary administration as required.
• Maintain personal hygiene and appearance, ensuring all staff adhere to the EA uniform code.
• Attend training sessions and team meetings as required.
• Promote and adhere to the values and ethos of the Education Authority.
• Follow guidelines on the Education Authorities staff code of conduct at all times.

Skills and Qualifications

• Hold NVQ level 2 in food preparation and cooking or equivalent 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 the provision of special diets, e.g. allergens and ethnic diets.
• A willingness to undertake job-related training.
• Access to a suitable vehicle for Education Authority business or provide sufficient information to satisfy the employer regarding alternative transport.
• Demonstrable experience in IT skills, including MS Outlook, Excel, Word, and Teams.
• Demonstrable experience in delivering training.

Further Information

A full list of responsibilities, essential and desirable criteria can be found on the Education Authority website. The Education Authority is an equal opportunities employer.

Area: All of Northern Ireland

Closing date: 13 Feb 2026