At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and deliver nutritious meals while supervising kitchen staff and ensuring food safety.
- Company: Join Serco, a global leader in delivering essential public services.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, gym access, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with a focus on personal growth and community support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on lives by providing quality meals in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale catering and strong knowledge of food safety required.
The predicted salary is between 27359 - 27359 £ per year.
Location: Doncaster, South Yorkshire, GB, DN5 8UX
Permanent, Full Time (40 hrs p/w – rolling shift pattern: days only, includes weekends)
£27,359 per annum + excellent benefits
As a Chef in our HMP and YOI Doncaster Catering team, you’ll help deliver safe, nutritious, and varied meals that support the wellbeing of prisoners and the smooth operation of the establishment. Your work will have a direct impact on daily life, ensuring high standards of food quality, safety, and service.
Every day, our work touches lives. By providing high-quality catering services in a custodial environment, you’ll contribute to creating a safe, respectful, and supportive setting that helps deliver positive outcomes for individuals and communities. This is a role with purpose, where your expertise, care, and commitment can help impact a better future.
What you’ll do as a Chef:
- Prepare, supervise, and deliver varied, healthy meals, including special diets and meals for religious and special events.
- Work closely with the Catering Manager and wider catering team to deliver catering services in line with all food safety, health and safety, and operational requirements.
- Support and supervise kitchen workers and prisoners involved in food production and food service activities.
- Ensure the security, storage, handling, and distribution of foodstuffs are maintained to the required standards.
- Complete required records and documentation in line with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), food hygiene, health and safety, and company procedures.
- Deputise for the Head Chef or Team Leader when required and support the ongoing delivery of catering services across the establishment.
Does this sound like you?
- Experience working within a large-scale catering operation, ideally with at least three years’ experience in a similar role.
- Strong knowledge of food safety, health and safety, and catering best practice.
- Good supervisory, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Excellent organisation and time management skills, with the ability to maintain standards in a busy environment.
- A commitment to rehabilitation, inclusion, and creating a positive impact through your work.
What we offer:
- Competitive annual leave entitlement
- Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
- Free use of on site gym
- Over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships, mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression.
- Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, 30% off at Serco-managed leisure centres, and 24/7 access to a virtual GP service.
- Discounts across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel.
- Paid volunteering day, tax-free charitable giving through Payroll Giving Scheme.
- Our employee networks support connection by providing spaces for collaboration, learning, and belonging.
Vetting and checks:
An Enhanced DBS check is required for this role. This includes spent and unspent convictions, cautions, and any relevant information held by local police, in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and safeguarding requirements. You will also complete an Occupational Health Questionnaire to allow us to provide any support needed for you to succeed in the role.
A little bit about us:
At Serco, everyone plays a vital part in delivering essential public services that make a real difference. As a global team of 50,000 people across Defence, Transport, Justice, Immigration, Healthcare, Leisure and Citizen Services, we’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the services that communities rely on.
Our inclusive recruitment commitment:
We prioritise your skills and potential. As a Disability Confident Leader, the Top Great British Employer of Veterans 2026, and a Gold Inclusive Employer Standard holder, we champion equal opportunities for all.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme: Applicants with disabilities, veterans and people with convictions, who meet the minimum job criteria, are guaranteed an interview.
Ban The Box: We also support fair access for those with unspent criminal convictions through our ‘Ban the Box’ pledge.
Chef in Doncaster employer: Serco Canada Inc
At Serco Canada Inc, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values innovation and collaboration. Our Birmingham location provides the perfect blend of remote flexibility and access to a vibrant city, while our commitment to employee growth ensures that you will have ample opportunities to develop your skills in the ever-evolving tech landscape of the Defence sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef in Doncaster
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Serco Canada Inc. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Serco Canada Inc
Don't be shy about reaching out to Serco Canada Inc directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef in Doncaster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Serco Canada Inc and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco Canada Inc
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
