Catering Manager

Catering Manager

Ballynahinch Part-Time 28800 - 43200 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a catering team, manage food preparation, and ensure excellent service for children and young people.
  • Company: Join the Education Authority, dedicated to providing quality education and support for young learners.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, training opportunities, and a supportive work environment with flexible options.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives while developing your leadership skills in a vibrant team culture.
  • Qualifications: NVQ level 2 in food preparation or equivalent experience in catering is essential.
  • Other info: Must have access to reliable transport for job-related duties.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.

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 and innovation connected to the full range of menu provisions, for example, preparation of menus, portion control, plating presentation, special dietary meals, including the 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.
  • The role includes the 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.
  • Ensure you are aware of all allergen and special dietary requirements and that the Allergen Matrix is always up to date.”)
  • Make sure that food temperatures are recorded and 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 equipment defects.
  • Report any incident of fire, loss, damage, unfit food, or signs of pest infestation, e.g., mice, etc.
  • Secure premises as required.
  • Actively promote the catering service through parents, principals, pupils and customers to increase the uptake of meals and 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 any feedback, including complaints.
  • Other duties assigned by the Regional Operations Manager from time to time to ensure the smooth running of the kitchen.
  • People Management

  • Efficient management of the teams, ensuring we 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.
  • Actively participate in implementing all policies relating to staff issues, e.g., disciplinary and grievance, managing attendance, monitoring absence levels, and undertaking Return to Work Interviews.
  • Take part in the interviewing and selection of staff as and if required within your catering unit and support the Investigation Officer in investigations as part of the grievance and disciplinary process where needed.
  • Induct all new staff, including relief staff, as per the Induction Checklist and monitor them throughout their probationary period. Report any issues to your Regional Operations Manager.
  • 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.
  • Financial

  • 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., bookwork, ordering of goods, and accident reporting, associated with the efficient running of the kitchen.
  • Handle cash transactions and ensure that accurate cash handling procedures are followed according to EA financial procedures.
  • Responsible for managing all resources, including food, labour, overheads, and equipment and ensuring that the correct financial procedures are followed.
  • General Responsibilities

  • All duties will be carried out to comply with the following:(a) Acts of Parliament, Statutory Legislation and Regulations and other legal requirements. (b) Codes of Practice, HACCP (Hazard analysis of critical control points) regulations and all Health, Safety & Hygiene standards to include COSHH and Natasha\’s Law.
  • Perform all necessary administration as required.
  • Maintain personal hygiene and appearance, and ensure all staff strictly adhere to the EA uniform code on a daily basis.
  • Attend training sessions as scheduled and team meetings as required, including sessions during school closure periods.
  • Promote and adhere to the values and ethos of the Education Authority and always present an image conducive to promoting good customer relations.
  • Follow guidelines on the Education Authorities staff code of conduct at all times.
  • Catering Manager employer: Education Authority

    The Education Authority is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the development and well-being of its staff. As a Catering Manager, you will benefit from comprehensive training opportunities, a commitment to work-life balance, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people in the community. With a focus on teamwork and excellent customer service, this role provides a rewarding environment for personal and professional growth.
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    Contact Detail:

    Education Authority Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Catering Manager

    Tip Number 1

    Make sure you have a solid understanding of HACCP and special diets, as these are key knowledge areas for the role. Brush up on your knowledge and be ready to discuss how you've applied this in previous positions.

    Tip Number 2

    Highlight your leadership and team management skills during the interview. Prepare specific examples of how you've motivated and developed a catering team in the past, as this will demonstrate your ability to lead effectively.

    Tip Number 3

    Be prepared to discuss your experience with stock control and budget management. Think of instances where you've successfully managed costs or improved efficiency in a catering environment, as this will show your financial acumen.

    Tip Number 4

    Familiarise yourself with the Education Authority's values and ethos. Be ready to explain how your personal values align with theirs, as this can significantly impact your chances of being shortlisted.

    We think you need these skills to ace Catering Manager

    NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation and Cooking or equivalent
    Effective Supervision and Management of Catering Teams
    Stock Control
    Budget Management
    Financial Controls
    Knowledge of HACCP
    Understanding of Special Diets (e.g. allergens, ethnic diets)
    Leadership Skills
    Interpersonal Skills
    Effective Communication
    Planning and Organisational Skills
    Decision-Making Skills
    Ability to Work Under Pressure
    Sales Process Management
    Customer Service Skills
    Team Collaboration
    IT Skills (MS Outlook, Excel, Word, Teams)
    Training Delivery Experience

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Demonstrate Your Qualifications: Clearly outline your qualifications and experience in food preparation and cooking. If you hold an NVQ level 2 or equivalent, mention it prominently. If you have relevant experience, detail your roles and responsibilities to show how they align with the essential criteria.

    Address Essential Criteria: Make sure to address each essential criterion listed in the job description. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you meet these requirements, particularly in areas like team management, stock control, and budget management.

    Highlight Desirable Skills: If you possess any of the desirable skills, such as IT proficiency or experience in delivering training, be sure to include them in your application. This can help set you apart from other candidates, especially if the selection panel has a large pool of applicants.

    Showcase Your Values: Reflect on how your personal values align with those of the Education Authority. Provide examples of how your work ethic and approach to catering reflect their ethos and values, as this will be assessed during the interview stage.

    How to prepare for a job interview at Education Authority

    Showcase Your Qualifications

    Make sure to highlight your NVQ level 2 in food preparation and cooking or equivalent qualifications during the interview. If you have relevant experience, be ready to discuss specific examples that demonstrate your skills in food preparation and cooking.

    Demonstrate Leadership Skills

    Prepare to provide examples of how you've effectively managed or supervised a catering team. Discuss your leadership style and how you motivate and develop your team to ensure high-quality service.

    Know Your HACCP

    Familiarise yourself with Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles. Be prepared to discuss how you implement these practices in your work to ensure food safety and compliance with regulations.

    Communicate Effectively

    Excellent interpersonal skills are crucial for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing how you would communicate with team members, management, and parents to promote the catering service.

    Catering Manager
    Education Authority
    Location: Ballynahinch
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