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- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen team, ensuring high-quality meals for students and staff.
- Company: Join Sullivan Upper School, a prestigious grammar school with a strong community ethos.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive environment, generous holiday entitlement, and access to health and wellness schemes.
- Why this job: Make a daily impact through nutritious food in a lively school setting.
- Qualifications: Minimum 1 year in a senior catering role; strong leadership and culinary skills required.
- Other info: Flexible hours during term time with opportunities for training and development.
The predicted salary is between 22803 - 23936 £ per year.
Are you a passionate catering professional ready to lead a busy kitchen team in a vibrant school environment? Join us and make a daily difference through nutritious, high-quality food!
Holywood, BT18 9EP
32.5 hours per week, 7:45am – 2:45pm (term time only)
Salary: £22,803 – £23,936 per annum (NJC Scale Points 11–14, £14.53–£15.25/hr, DOE)
Permanent, term time position
Please Note: Applicants must be authorised to work in the UK.
Sullivan Upper School is a prestigious, co-educational grammar school set in 25 acres overlooking Belfast Lough. Home to over 1,250 pupils, including 170 in the preparatory department, the school is proud of its inclusive ethos and high standards. The Silver Robin Restaurant plays a vital role in the daily life of the school, serving over 550 nutritious meals every day to students and staff alike.
The Role
As Unit Catering Supervisor, you will oversee the day-to-day operations of The Silver Robin, ensuring that all meals are prepared and served to the highest standards. This is a hands-on supervisory role ideal for a catering professional with strong leadership, planning, and culinary skills.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead a team of up to 15 catering staff to deliver a high-quality catering service
- Oversee food preparation, portion control, and menu planning
- Maintain compliance with food safety and health and safety legislation
- Promote the service within the school community to boost meal uptake
- Manage budgets for food, labour, and equipment effectively
- Deputise for the Catering Manager when required
- Organise staff rotas and ensure team training and development
- Complete necessary clerical and administrative tasks
Benefits
- You’ll be joining a supportive team in a well-resourced school setting, with excellent facilities and a strong community ethos.
- NILGOSC pension scheme
- Access to the Cycle to Work scheme
- Corporate membership of Benenden Healthcare
- Free onsite parking
- Staff meal option (£0.30 daily deduction)
- Retainer paid during school holidays; Generous holiday entitlement (22–26 days annual leave + 13 statutory days)
- Training and development opportunities
The Ideal Candidate
We’re looking for someone passionate about food, people-focused, and thrives in a fast-paced environment. You’ll be an enthusiastic team leader with an eye for quality and detail.
About you:
- Minimum 1 year’s experience in a senior catering role in a large establishment
- Strong knowledge of hygiene, health & safety, nutrition, and dietary needs
- Excellent cooking skills and experience with Healthy Nutritional Balanced Menus
- Proven leadership and team management skills
- Organisational, budgetary, and menu planning capabilities
- A flexible, proactive attitude and ability to work under pressure
Desirable (but not essential):
- 2+ years’ senior catering experience
- NVQ Level 2 or City & Guilds in Catering
- Food Hygiene or Trainer Skills Certificate
- Marketing experience for event promotion
- Knowledge of Nutritional Standards for NI schools
Join a catering team that truly makes a difference!
How to apply for the role:
If you have the skills and experience required for this position, click “apply” today and check your inbox for an email providing more information on how to complete your application and provide any other supporting documents.
You must be authorised to work in the UK. No agencies please.
Contact Detail:
Sullivan Upper School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Unit Catering Supervisor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of a school catering environment. Understanding the dietary requirements and nutritional standards for schools in Northern Ireland will give you an edge in demonstrating your expertise during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed a team in a busy kitchen. Be ready to discuss how you motivate staff and ensure high-quality service, as this role requires strong team management.
✨Tip Number 3
Research Sullivan Upper School and its community ethos. Being able to articulate how your values align with the school's mission can set you apart from other candidates and show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with budget management and menu planning. Highlight any innovative ideas you have for promoting meal uptake within the school, as this is a key responsibility of the Unit Catering Supervisor.
We think you need these skills to ace Unit Catering Supervisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in catering, especially any leadership roles. Emphasise your skills in food safety, menu planning, and team management, as these are crucial for the Unit Catering Supervisor position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and your ability to lead a team. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your culinary skills and your commitment to high-quality service in a school environment.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Include any relevant qualifications such as NVQ Level 2 or City & Guilds in Catering, as well as any food hygiene certifications. This will strengthen your application and show you meet the essential criteria.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've successfully led a team in a busy kitchen setting. Discuss your approach to training staff and managing budgets, as these are key responsibilities of the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sullivan Upper School
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for food and catering during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've created nutritious meals or improved menu options in previous roles, as this aligns with the school's commitment to high-quality food.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Unit Catering Supervisor, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed a team in a busy kitchen environment. Highlight any training or development initiatives you've implemented.
✨Know Your Health and Safety Regulations
Familiarise yourself with food safety and health regulations relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in your current or past positions, as this is crucial for maintaining the standards expected in a school setting.
✨Prepare for Budget Management Questions
Since managing budgets is part of the role, think about your experience with budget planning and cost control. Be ready to share examples of how you've effectively managed food and labour costs while still delivering quality service.
