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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic catering team to deliver delicious meals for children and staff.
- Company: Join the Education Authority, dedicated to providing quality services in schools.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, training opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on young people's lives through nutritious food and teamwork.
- Qualifications: NVQ level 2 in food preparation or equivalent experience required.
- Other info: Passion for food and leadership is essential; training provided.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
JOB 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
People Management
Financial
General Responsibilities
This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.
In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation and dignity at work at all times.
To view the summary of terms and conditions for this post click here .
PERSON SPECIFICATION
NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS
1. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria, where relevant.
2. You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise.
3. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below.
4. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form.
5. Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right toshortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role.
6. In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria asoutlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet any desirable criteria.
SECTION 1 – ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
The following areessentialcriteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and which may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage.
You should therefore make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.
Factor
Essential Criteria
Method of Assessment
Qualifications and Experience
Hold NVQ level 2 in food preparation and cooking or City & Guilds 706-1 & 706-2 or equivalent or higher relevant 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.
Shortlisting by Application Form
Knowledge
Knowledge of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP).
Knowledge of the provision of special diets, e.g. allergens and ethnic diets.
Shortlisting by Application Form
Other
A willingness to undertake job-related training.
Have access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for Education Authority business) that will enable you to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner; OR
Provide sufficient information to satisfy the employer that you have access to an appropriate alternative form of transport that will enable you to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner.
Shortlisting by Application Form
SECTION 2 – ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
The following are additional essential criteria which will be measured during the interview/selection stage in line with EA’s Game Changing People Model .
Factor
Essential Criteria
Method of Assessment
Skills/Abilities
In line with EA’s Game Changing People Model we will look for evidence of:
Effective leadership and people management skills to successfully motivate, manage, and develop a team.
Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively with team members, management, school staff, and parents.
Effective planning, organisational and decision-making skills, and an ability to work under pressure and on own with minimal direction to meet deadlines.
Show ability to drive sales processes and initiatives.
Excellent customer service skills and an ability to promote and develop the catering service for our children and young people.
A team player willing to work with colleagues to deliver a quality service.
Interview
Values Orientation
Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect EA’s ethos and values. You will find information about our Values here
Interview
SECTION 3 – DESIRABLE CRITERIA
Some or all of the desirable criteria may be applied by the Selection Panel in order to determine a manageable pool of candidates.
Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed.
Y ou should make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet the desirable criteria, as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.
Factor
Desirable Criteria
Method of Assessment
Experience/Skills
Demonstrable experience in IT skills, including MS Outlook, Excel, Word, and Teams.
Demonstrable experience in delivering training.
Shortlisting by Application Form
DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND
The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’.
In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background.
Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage.
Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.
APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES
To view the applicant guidance notes, please click here.
To learn about the many great benefits of joining the Education Authority, click here .
The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
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Catering Manager employer: Education Authority
Contact Detail:
Education Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary requirements and allergen management mentioned in the job description. Understanding IDDSI guidelines and how to cater for special diets will show your commitment to providing quality service.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed a catering team in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to motivating staff and handling any challenges that arise.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your financial acumen by being prepared to discuss your experience with budget management and stock control. Think of specific instances where you effectively managed costs or reduced waste in a previous role.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your enthusiasm for promoting the catering service by thinking of creative ideas for theme days or events. Being proactive about increasing meal uptake can set you apart as a candidate who is genuinely invested in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your qualifications and experience align with the essential criteria listed in the job description. Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your skills in food preparation, team management, and financial controls.
Showcase Relevant Experience: Clearly outline your relevant experience in catering management, including any supervisory roles you've held. Mention specific achievements, such as successful menu planning or effective stock control, to illustrate your capabilities.
Demonstrate Knowledge of Regulations: Include your understanding of food safety regulations, particularly HACCP and allergen management. This shows that you are not only qualified but also aware of the legal requirements necessary for the role.
Highlight Leadership Skills: Emphasise your leadership and people management skills. Provide examples of how you've motivated and developed a team in previous positions, as this is crucial for the Catering Manager role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Education Authority
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your cooking experience in detail. Highlight specific dishes you've mastered and any innovative menu ideas you have. This is your chance to demonstrate your culinary creativity and knowledge of special dietary requirements.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Since the role involves managing a team, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led and motivated a catering team in the past. Discuss your approach to staff training, performance management, and how you handle conflicts or complaints.
✨Know Your Food Safety Regulations
Familiarise yourself with HACCP guidelines and food safety legislation. Be prepared to answer questions about allergen management and how you ensure compliance with health and safety standards in the kitchen.
✨Communicate Effectively
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be ready to discuss how you would establish communication links with school staff and parents to promote the catering service.
