Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Manchester (Ref: 12971)

HM Prison and Probation Service; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency is seeking a catering team member to prepare nutritious meals in a professional kitchen setting. The role includes overseeing offenders in the kitchen, ensuring hygiene and safety standards, and supporting offenders in gaining qualifications. Offering a Band 3 salary, pension, and various Civil Service benefits, this position allows for full part-time or job-share arrangements within operational hours. Ideal candidates will have relevant food production qualifications and strong communication skills.

Benefits

Civil Service pension

Access to learning and development

Flexible working options

Annual leave and public holidays

Qualifications

• Experience working in an industrial kitchen preferred.
• Willingness to obtain Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Knowledge of kitchen health and safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and serve meals to the prison population.
• Oversee the work of offenders in the kitchen.
• Ensure food is prepared safely and hygienically.

Skills

Communication skills

Health and safety knowledge

Kitchen competence

Education

Level 2 certificate in Food Production

Food Hygiene Certificate Level 2 or 3

Job description

Overview

This role is part of the prison’s catering team, working in a professional industrial kitchen environment. You’ll prepare quality, nutritious meals for the entire prison and support offenders in developing life‑skills that help reduce re‑offending. The position offers a good salary, pension and Civil Service benefits, including apprenticeship opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and serve meals to the prison population.
• Oversee the work of offenders in the kitchen.
• Ensure food is prepared safely, hygienically and to nutritional standards.
• Support offenders to gain qualifications and improve employability.
• Maintain equipment and kitchen area to health and safety standards.

Working Hours

37‑hour week with shift patterns that may include off‑hours outside 7am–7pm, weekends and public holidays. All roles can be part‑time or job‑share, but full shift coverage is required.

Salary and Benefits

• Band 3 salary inclusive of 20% unsocial hours allowance: £33,746 – £35,533.
• HM Prison & Probation Service contribution to the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme (£9,776).
• Access to learning and development.
• Flexible working options, annual leave and public holidays.
• Season ticket advance.

Qualifications & Experience

• Level 2 certificate in Food Production within Hospitality and Catering or equivalent.
• Food Hygiene Certificate at Level 2 or Level 3, or willingness to work towards it.
• Experience working in an industrial kitchen (preferred).

Mandatory Skills & Competencies

• Knowledge of health, safety and hygiene regulations for kitchen work.
• Competence in an industrial kitchen environment.
• Strong communication skills (English).

Personal Attributes / Behaviours

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

Security Vetting & Checks

Successful candidates must undergo His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service Enhanced Level 2 vetting, Counter‑Terrorism Check (CTC), proof of UK residency for the last 3 years and a criminal record check.

Nationality Requirements

Open to the following groups:

• UK nationals, Republic of Ireland nationals.
• Commonwealth nationals with right to work in the UK.
• EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein nationals and family members with settled or pre‑settled status.
• Those with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020.
• Turkish nationals and certain family members of Turkish nationals with the right to work in the Civil Service.

Application Process

Provide an anonymised CV and answer behavioural questions. Successful applicants will be invited to interview or assessment.

Other Information

Further details on the vacancy, recruitment process, benefits and allowances are available on the candidate information page.