At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a catering team in a unique prison environment, preparing nutritious meals.
- Company: Join the innovative catering team at HMP Manchester.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension, and apprenticeship opportunities while you earn.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with excellent career development in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by helping offenders learn skills and gain qualifications.
- Qualifications: Level 2 food production certificate and food hygiene certification required.
The predicted salary is between 33746 - 35533 € per year.
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.
Responsibilities
- Work in a professional industrial kitchen environment
- Oversee the work of offenders to prepare and cook quality, nutritional meals for the entire prison
- Help offenders learn new skills and support them in gaining qualifications
- Adhere to all food production, hygiene, health and safety regulations
- Work a 37‑hour week, including shifts outside 7 am to 7 pm Monday to Friday, weekends and public holidays, with a 20% unsocial hours payment
Qualifications & Experience
- 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
- Ability to demonstrate competency within an industrial kitchen environment
- Confidence speaking in English
All roles can be open to part‑time and job‑share arrangements, subject to business needs and operational requirements, but you will still be required to undertake the full range of shifts.
Pre‑Employment Checks
Successful candidates must undergo and clear:
- His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service Enhanced Level 2 vetting
- Counter‑Terrorism Check (CTC) vetting – required due to the security status of the establishment
- Proof that you have been a resident in the UK for the last three years is required to complete the CTC vetting process.
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
To apply, provide an anonymised CV and answer behavioural questions. If your application is successful, you will need to undergo the pre‑employment checks mentioned above.
17679 - Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Manchester employer: Ministry of Justice
At HMP Manchester, we offer a unique catering role that goes beyond traditional kitchen work, allowing you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of offenders while honing your culinary skills in a professional industrial kitchen. With competitive salaries, comprehensive Civil Service benefits, and opportunities for personal and professional growth through apprenticeships, our supportive work culture prioritises employee development and work-life balance, making us an excellent employer for those seeking a rewarding career in catering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 17679 - Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the prison catering environment! Research what it’s like to work in a professional kitchen within a prison setting. Understanding the unique challenges and rewards can help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for helping others! When you’re chatting with potential employers, highlight your commitment to supporting offenders in learning new skills. This role is about more than just cooking; it’s about making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice those behavioural questions! Since you’ll need to answer them during the application process, think of examples from your past experiences that showcase your skills and how you’ve handled challenges in a kitchen.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application and get noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the benefits of working with us right there.
We think you need these skills to ace 17679 - Prison Catering: Caterer - HMP Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Tailored CV:Make sure your CV highlights your catering qualifications and experience. We want to see how your skills fit the unique environment of a prison kitchen, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Nail the Behavioural Questions:When answering those behavioural questions, think about specific examples from your past. We’re looking for how you’ve handled challenges, worked in teams, and made an impact – so be ready to share your stories!
Show Your Passion for Impact:This role is all about making a difference. In your application, let us know why you’re excited about helping offenders learn new skills and turn their lives around. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about this mission!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we get all your details right and can consider you for this amazing opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your catering qualifications and relevant experience. Be ready to discuss how your skills can be applied in a prison kitchen environment, especially when it comes to food hygiene and safety regulations.
✨Show Your People Skills
This role involves overseeing offenders, so it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and support others. Think of examples where you've helped someone learn a new skill or overcome a challenge.
✨Understand the Impact
Be prepared to talk about how your work can positively affect the lives of offenders. Show that you understand the importance of helping them gain qualifications and skills that can lead to better job prospects after their release.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since the job requires working various shifts, including weekends and public holidays, highlight your availability and willingness to adapt. Mention any previous experience with shift work to show you're comfortable with the schedule.
