Industrial Caterer

Sodexo; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals and parking

On-site gym access

Subsidised gym membership

BUPA healthcare and life assurance

Sodexo retirement plan

Discounts at 1,900 brands

24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Sodexo is recruiting an Industrial Caterer at HMP Peterborough. You’ll prepare and deliver meals for about 1,300 prisoners daily and supervise prisoner workers, helping them gain catering skills and qualifications.

This hands-on role supports rehabilitation, teamwork and food safety. Salary £35,086.50–£36,121.50 per year, 40 hours/week, 5 days out of 7, with free meals, on-site gym access and healthcare; enhanced DBS checks apply.

Qualifications

• A recognised catering qualification, such as City & Guilds 706/2, 7132, or an equivalent food production and cooking qualification.
• Level 2 Food Safety and a sound understanding of food hygiene.
• Experience in industrial, large‑scale or commercial catering.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to work positively with people from different backgrounds.
• A professional, organised and resilient approach, with the ability to meet deadlines in a secure environment.
• An interest in helping others develop skills and improve their employment prospects.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and serve meals in line with agreed menus and operational requirements.
• Supervise and mentor prisoner workers, supporting their training and development in the kitchen and staff canteen.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene, health and safety, and security.
• Monitor food quality, stock levels, kitchen standards and the safe control of tools and equipment.
• Support prisoner inductions and help individuals work towards relevant qualifications.
• Encourage positive behaviour, challenge inappropriate conduct and work closely with prison colleagues to support rehabilitation.

Job description

Industrial Caterer - HMP Peterborough

Put your catering skills to work and help others build a brighter future.

• Salary: £35,086.50-£36,121.50 per year, depending on experience
• Hours: 40 hours per week, working 5 days out of 7
• Shift times: Within 06:00-17:30 Monday to Friday and 07:00-16:30 at weekends
• Benefits: Free meals and parking, on-site gym access, subsidised gym membership, BUPA healthcare scheme and life assurance

A catering role with purpose

Looking for a role where your experience can make a difference beyond the kitchen?

Join Sodexo at HMP Peterborough, where you'll help prepare and deliver meals for approximately 1,300 prisoners twice a day. Alongside producing nutritious, high-quality food, you'll supervise and support prisoner workers, helping them build practical catering skills, gain qualifications and improve their future employment prospects.

It's a busy, hands‑on role that brings together food, teamwork and the opportunity to support positive change.

About HMP Peterborough

HMP Peterborough is the UK's first purpose‑built prison to house both men and women on the same site. With a focus on rehabilitation and resettlement, it offers education, vocational training and employment opportunities to help people prepare for life after release.

As part of the catering team, you'll contribute to that work every day, encouraging positive behaviour and helping people develop confidence through learning new skills.

What you'll do

• Prepare, cook and serve meals in line with agreed menus and operational requirements.
• Supervise and mentor prisoner workers, supporting their training and development in the kitchen and staff canteen.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene, health and safety, and security.
• Monitor food quality, stock levels, kitchen standards and the safe control of tools and equipment.
• Support prisoner inductions and help individuals work towards relevant qualifications.
• Encourage positive behaviour, challenge inappropriate conduct and work closely with prison colleagues to support rehabilitation.

Please see the attached job description for full details.

What you'll bring

• A recognised catering qualification, such as City & Guilds 706/2, 7132, or an equivalent food production and cooking qualification.
• Level 2 Food Safety and a sound understanding of food hygiene.
• Experience in industrial, large‑scale or commercial catering.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to work positively with people from different backgrounds.
• A professional, organised and resilient approach, with the ability to meet deadlines in a secure environment.
• An interest in helping others develop skills and improve their employment prospects.

Appointment is subject to Enhanced Level 2 security vetting and an Enhanced DBS check, arranged through the site.

What's in it for you?

Alongside your salary, you'll have access to:

• Free meals while on duty and free parking.
• On‑site gym facilities and subsidised gym membership.
• BUPA healthcare scheme and life assurance.
• Sodexo retirement plan.
• Discounts at more than 1,900 brands.
• A confidential, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, offering emotional support and practical advice, including legal and financial guidance.

Please see the attached benefits information for further details.

Be part of something greater

Our three hallmarks - Be Positive, Be Courageous and Be the Difference - guide how we work. Whether you're supporting a colleague, teaching a new skill or encouraging someone to take their next step, your everyday actions matter.

At Sodexo, you'll join a team where you can act with purpose, feel valued and thrive in your own way.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. As a Disability Confident Leader, we offer an interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the role.