At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee meal provision and ensure quality for prisoners while managing kitchen operations.
- Company: Join a dynamic team within the Ministry of Justice, focused on impactful catering services.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working options, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative atmosphere with a focus on safety, compliance, and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a difference in a unique environment while honing your leadership and culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Must have Food Safety Level 4 diploma and experience in kitchen management.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Responsibilities
- Ensure the provision of meals for prisoners and for the quality and quantity of meals served.
- Monitor a safe working environment, e.g. request repairs to kitchen equipment, perform ongoing testing and report operating faults on the computer‑aided facilities management system.
- Achieve Service Levels Indicators within the unit, verifying and signing off documentation as appropriate.
- Maintain compliance with all Food Safety Management systems and Hygiene Assessments within the kitchen and associated areas, undertake risk assessments and respond to hazards as and when appropriate.
- Cost the menu requirements and manage the catering budget, including provision of cultural, health, nutrition and special dietary needs.
- Act as point of contact for all external/internal stakeholders visiting the kitchen, including Independent Monitoring Body (IMB) and His Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP).
- Estimate, order and manage resources (generally food and ingredients) to deliver the catering requirements of the establishment, ensuring effective utilisation to maximise waste reduction.
- Maintain security standards in the kitchen area in line with Local Security Strategy (LSS) and National Security Framework (NSF).
- Supervise prisoner workforce in the kitchens, ensuring they are appropriately inducted, trained, supervised, paid and all required documentation is completed.
- Implement national policy and/or contribute to the development of local policy, procedures and practice for catering, ensuring consistency across the unit.
- Collect, collate, analyse and act on data concerning the catering function, including feedback on food choice and quality and weekly individual menu choices from residential areas.
- Train wing food handlers on hygiene standards.
- Carry out kitchen inspections, audit preparation and documentation for audit purposes.
Management Tasks
- Manage devolved budgets in accordance with the financial procedures outlined in the budget delegation.
- Manage all staff within the area, including performance, development, annual appraisal, sickness absence and engagement.
- Ensure all HMPPS standards and Service Delivery Indicators (SDIs) are implemented and managed within the relevant work area.
- Implement all national and local policies and procedures (e.g. NSF, LSS, Finance Manual) and ensure compliance.
- Attend relevant boards/meetings and actively contribute, either as chair or team member.
- Provide leadership and direction to supervisors and staff through briefings, building relationships and effective communication.
- Produce relevant reports as required and ensure all correspondence is replied to within agreed timescales.
- Liaise and form good relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Contribute to the preparation of the prison contingency and emergency plans and ensure implementation when required.
- Manage resources to deliver the activities within the defined work area and contribute to the mid‑to‑long term business planning process.
- Ensure the defined work area complies with Health and Safety legislation, undertake risk assessments and inform staff of personal responsibilities.
Qualifications
- Must hold a Food Safety Level 4 diploma or equivalent Level 4 award in HACCP.
- Must hold a Food Hygiene Level 4 Diploma or equivalent Level 4 award in HACCP.
- Must hold the qualifications and competencies of a Food & Safety Supervisor – Catering.
- Must have familiarity with current health, safety and hygiene regulations in a working kitchen environment.
- Must demonstrate previous competency at supervising or managing staff within a kitchen environment.
- Refresher training in Food Safety (HACCP) should be completed at 3‑year intervals.
- Ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role confidently through English or (where specified in Wales) Welsh.
Working Arrangements
The MoJ offers hybrid working arrangements where business need allows. This informal, non‑contractual form of flexible working blends working from your base location, other MoJ sites and/or from home (role must be carried out in the UK). Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate and subject to regular review. Part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing working patterns will also be considered where they meet the demands of the role and business needs.
Catering Manager employer: Ministry of Justice
As a Catering Manager within the Ministry of Justice, you will be part of a dedicated team that prioritises quality and safety in food provision for prisoners. The role offers a supportive work culture with opportunities for professional development, including training in food safety and management. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to employee well-being, this position not only allows you to make a meaningful impact but also fosters a rewarding career path in a unique environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the catering industry, especially those who work in similar environments. Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect and engage with them; you never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the establishment's catering policies and practices. Show that you understand their needs and can bring value to their team. Tailor your responses to highlight your experience with food safety and managing budgets.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply through job boards; head over to our website and submit your application directly! This way, you’ll stand out and show that you’re genuinely interested in working with us.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them why you’re the perfect fit for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the responsibilities listed in the job description. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to the role of Catering Manager!
Showcase Your Qualifications:Don’t forget to mention your Food Safety and Hygiene qualifications! We’re looking for someone who meets the necessary standards, so make it clear how you fit the bill right from the start.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your food safety and hygiene regulations. Since the role requires a Food Safety Level 4 diploma, be ready to discuss how you've applied these standards in previous roles. It’s all about showing you can keep things safe and compliant!
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Catering Manager, you'll be supervising staff and managing budgets. Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, handled conflicts, or improved processes. This will demonstrate your ability to manage and motivate a team effectively.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of the establishment, including cultural and dietary requirements. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach menu planning and resource management to meet these needs while minimising waste.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since you'll be the point of contact for various stakeholders, think about how you can build relationships. Prepare to talk about your experience in liaising with different parties and how you ensure effective communication and collaboration.
