At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to deliver high-quality food services in a secure environment.
- Company: Join Serco, a top international employer with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Access to employee networks and community support initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on rehabilitation while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale catering and strong people skills required.
The predicted salary is between 29878 - 29878 £ per year.
Location: HMP Doncaster, Marsh Gate, Doncaster DN5 8UX
Salary: £29,878.49 per annum plus excellent benefits
Schedule: Full time 40 hours per week
As a Catering Team Leader in our Catering team, you’ll play a vital role in delivering a safe, high-quality food service in a secure environment. You’ll lead colleagues and support prisoner training while ensuring every meal meets required standards for quality, safety and dignity.
In this role, your work has real purpose. You’ll help support rehabilitation by developing skills, maintaining structure, and ensuring consistent catering provision that touches lives every day. By leading with care, professionalism and pride, you’ll help create a positive impact on our community and contribute to a better future.
What you’ll do as a Catering and Hospitality Team Leader:
- Lead the day-to-day operational management of the kitchen and hospitality services
- Ensure meals are prepared, produced and served in line with prison service standards and set times
- Supervise, support and train colleagues and prisoners in food preparation and catering practices
- Maintain high standards of hygiene, safety, security and food quality at all times
- Manage meal planning, ordering, stock control and production levels
- Support audits, manage complaints proactively and uphold local catering procedures
Does this sound like you?
You’ll be a great fit for this role if you have:
- Experience working in large-scale catering or a similar high-volume environment
- A good understanding of food hygiene, health and safety, and HACCP principles
- Strong people skills, with the ability to lead, delegate and coach others
- Confidence working within structured procedures and security-focused environments
- Basic IT skills and the ability to maintain accurate records
Vetting and checks:
This role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance, which involves verifying your identity, employment history, nationality, and criminal record to meet government security standards. In addition, depending on the nature of the role, you may need to obtain formal Security Clearance (such as CTC or SC), which includes more detailed background checks on employment, criminal record, and financial history to ensure suitability for working in secure environments. Please note that UK residency requirements may apply for certain levels of clearance. You will also complete an Occupational Health Questionnaire so we can identify and provide any support you may need to undertake the role effectively.
What we offer:
- Competitive salaries with annual reviews
- Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
- 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays
- A wide range of learning opportunities with over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships, mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, BUPA Anytime Healthline, wellbeing app, simply health cash plans to claim back money towards healthcare costs, 30% off at Serco-managed leisure centres
- Save across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel
- Dedicated networks where colleagues can come together to find support, share challenges, discuss ideas, network and be part of a community
- Support a charity or organisation with a paid volunteering day each year. You can also choose to donate to your favourite charity tax-free, through our Payroll Giving Scheme
Let’s impact a better future, together. Apply today.
Catering Team Leader employer: Serco
At Serco, we pride ourselves on being a top international employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. As a Catering Team Leader at HMP Doncaster, you will not only lead a dedicated team in delivering high-quality food services but also have access to extensive training opportunities, competitive salaries, and a range of wellbeing benefits, all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of others in a secure environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Team Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Serco and their values. This will help you connect your experience with what they stand for, making you a more appealing candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your skills in large-scale catering and team leadership can shine in this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the role! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've led teams and maintained high standards in previous jobs. Let them see your enthusiasm for making a positive impact.
✨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 shows you're keen and keeps you fresh in their minds!
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Team Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Catering:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for catering shine through! Share any relevant experiences that highlight your love for food service and how you can make a positive impact in our team.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Catering Team Leader, you'll be guiding others. Make sure to showcase your leadership experience in your application. Talk about times you've successfully led a team or trained others, as this will resonate with us.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well. This helps us see your communication skills right from the start!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco
✨Know Your Catering Standards
Familiarise yourself with the prison service standards for food preparation and safety. Be ready to discuss how you would ensure these standards are met in your role as a Catering Team Leader.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in high-pressure environments. Highlight your ability to train and support others, especially in catering practices, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Understand the Importance of Rehabilitation
Be prepared to talk about how your work in catering can positively impact the rehabilitation of prisoners. Think about how you can contribute to their skill development and overall well-being through quality food service.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of scenarios where you've had to manage complaints or uphold procedures under pressure. Discuss how you would handle similar situations in a secure environment, showing your proactive approach to challenges.