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- Tasks: Prepare and cook meals for up to 1,400 residents while supervising and training others.
- Company: Join Sodexo, a company dedicated to rehabilitation and personal development.
- Benefits: Enjoy gym access, a Blue Light card, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale catering and a passion for rehabilitation.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diversity and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 981 - 1207 £ per month.
HMP Forest Bank is recruiting a Chef to support catering services within a prison environment. This role combines large-scale food production with the supervision, training and development of residents, helping to improve skills, employability, and reduce re-offending.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in the preparation and cooking of meals for up to 1,400 residents, twice daily.
- Ensure all food is prepared and handled in line with food safety, allergen, and health & safety legislation.
- Supervise, instruct, and manage the daily workload of prisoners in the kitchen.
- Support residents to achieve Food Safety Level 2 and NVQ Level 1 & 2 Catering qualifications.
- Ensure cleaning standards, stock rotation, portion control, and meal timescales are met.
- Maintain secure receipt, storage, and issue of food and equipment, including knife control (training provided).
- Complete required paperwork and liaise with other departments as needed.
- Maintain high standards of security, safety, and behaviour at all times.
Essential Criteria
- City & Guilds 7132/06–07 or 706/2 (or equivalent).
- Experience in industrial or large scale catering.
- Good communication skills and a flexible, motivated approach.
- Interest in rehabilitation and resettlement of offenders.
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Ability to obtain security clearance and DBS check.
Desirable
- Experience working with challenging behaviour.
- Experience in a prison, forces, or similar environment.
- Experience supporting disadvantaged groups or young offenders.
Why Join Us? At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better every day for everyone to build a better life for all. Sodexo’s vision for HMP Altcourse is to develop a safe, stable, and progressive environment with modern facilities dedicated to reducing re-offending and enabling individuals to fulfil their potential. Every aspect of the prison is designed to help prisoners make meaningful progress in their sentence and personal development goals within a surrounding culture of rehabilitation. Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions. And for that you’ll receive an excellent benefits package including access to gym facilities on site and a Blue Light card. We’re all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome and can be the best versions of themselves. If you have the ambition to build a successful career and the people skills to build successful relationships, apply now for a career that’s too good to miss.
Chef in Manchester employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
Contact Detail:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on HMP Forest Bank and Sodexo. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect your skills and experiences to what they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your past experiences relate to the role of Chef, especially in a large-scale catering environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for rehabilitation! Be ready to discuss why you’re interested in working in a prison environment and how you can contribute to the residents' development. This will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that shows you’re genuinely interested in the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your culinary skills and any relevant experience in large-scale catering. We want to see how you can whip up meals for a crowd and manage a busy kitchen!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send the same old CV everywhere! Tailor your application to fit the role at HMP Forest Bank. Mention your interest in rehabilitation and how your background aligns with our mission to support residents.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and we love seeing applications come directly from interested candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of the Chef role at HMP Forest Bank. Understand the importance of food safety, allergen management, and health & safety legislation. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your commitment to maintaining high standards in a challenging environment.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to talk about your previous experience in large-scale catering or similar environments. Highlight any relevant qualifications, like City & Guilds, and be ready to discuss how you've managed teams or trained others, especially in challenging situations. This will demonstrate your ability to supervise and develop residents effectively.
✨Emphasise Your People Skills
Since this role involves working closely with residents, it's crucial to showcase your communication skills and your approach to rehabilitation. Be prepared to share examples of how you've supported individuals in their development or dealt with challenging behaviour in the past. This will illustrate your commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the training opportunities for residents or how the kitchen team collaborates with other departments. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation's mission to reduce re-offending and support personal development.
