Caterer - Prison Catering

Hmp Grendon; England; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A correctional facility in the UK seeks a Catering Manager to oversee kitchen operations. This role involves managing offenders in food preparation and cooking quality meals. Ideal candidates will have relevant food production qualifications and a strong understanding of safety regulations. The position offers a salary ranging from £33,746 to £35,533, with benefits including a pension and training opportunities. Working hours may include evenings and weekends, enabling impactful work beyond traditional catering settings.

Benefits

Pension Plan

Training opportunities

Civil Service benefits

Qualifications

• Competency within an industrial kitchen environment.
• Familiarity with health, safety, and hygiene regulations.
• Completion of refresher training in food safety every three years.

Responsibilities

• Oversee offenders in meal preparation and cooking.
• Support offenders in learning skills and gaining qualifications in catering.

Skills

Ability to oversee food preparation

Effective communication in English

Knowledge of health and safety regulations

Education

Level 2 certificate in food production

Food hygiene certificate at Level 2

Job description

Overview

This is not your average catering job. It is a great chance to put your catering qualifications and skills into practice and make an impact far beyond the kitchen. As part of the prison's catering team, you'll be working in a professional industrial kitchen environment, with a good salary, pension and Civil Service benefits including apprenticeship opportunities 'earn while you learn'. Unlike traditional restaurant jobs, you won't have to work late into the evening.

You’ll oversee the work of offenders to prepare and cook quality, nutritional meals for the entire prison. Plus, you'll play your part in helping them turn their lives around – supporting them to learn new skills and work towards gaining qualifications to increase their chances of employment and reduce their likelihood of reoffending when they leave prison.

Hours & Salary

You will work a 37‑hour week and shift patterns are in place which include hours outside of 7 am to 7 pm Monday to Friday, weekends and public holidays. You will receive a 20% unsocial hours payment in addition to your basic pay, subject to working these hours.

All roles can be open to part‑time and job‑share arrangements subject to the business need/operational requirement. However, you will still be required to undertake the full range of shifts. As a new recruit, you will start on the minimum salary.

Band 3 salary minimum inclusive of 20% unsocial hours allowance – £33,746

Band 3 salary maximum inclusive of 20% unsocial hours allowance – £35,533

Qualifications

• Level 2 certificate in food production within hospitality and catering or equivalent
• Food hygiene certificate at Level 2
• Familiar with all current health, safety and hygiene related regulations for working in a kitchen
• Able to demonstrate competency within an industrial kitchen environment
• Able to speak with confidence in English

Please note refresher training in food safety (HACCP) should be completed at three‑year intervals.

Behaviours

• Developing self and others
• Managing a quality service
• Communicating and influencing
• Making effective decisions
• Working together

Tips for applying

You will need to provide an anonymised CV and answer questions which outline your past experience. You will also need to answer specific ‘behavioural’ questions. We will ask you how you would react in your job.