At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve high-quality meals for 1,300 prisoners while ensuring food safety standards.
- Company: Join HMP Peterborough, the UK's first purpose-built prison for both men and women.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, free meals, gym access, and comprehensive healthcare benefits.
- Other info: Work in a secure environment with opportunities for personal development and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in prisoner rehabilitation by developing catering skills and promoting positive behaviours.
- Qualifications: Catering qualification and Food Safety Level 2 required; experience in large-scale catering preferred.
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Industrial Caterer to join our team at HMP Peterborough. In this rewarding role, you will support the preparation and delivery of high‑quality meals for approximately 1,300 prisoners twice daily while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, security and operational excellence. Working within a secure environment, you will play an important part in supporting prisoner rehabilitation by developing catering skills, promoting positive behaviours, and helping individuals improve their future employment prospects.
Main Responsibilities:
- Assist in the preparation, cooking, and service of meals for approximately 1,300 prisoners in line with agreed menus and operational requirements.
- Ensure full compliance with Food Safety, Health & Safety, Security and Sodexo policies and procedures at all times.
- Support, mentor and supervise prisoner workers, helping them develop catering skills and achieve relevant qualifications.
- Assist with prisoner inductions, training and ongoing development within the kitchen and staff canteen environments.
- Monitor food quality, kitchen standards, stock control and tool accountability to maintain a safe and efficient operation.
- Promote positive behaviour, challenge inappropriate conduct and work closely with prison staff to support rehabilitation and reduce re‑offending.
The Ideal Candidate:
- Holds a recognised catering qualification, such as City & Guilds 706/2, 7132 or an equivalent food production and cooking qualification.
- Possesses a Food Safety Level 2 qualification and a strong understanding of food hygiene practices.
- Has previous experience working in an industrial, large‑scale or commercial catering environment.
- Demonstrates excellent communication skills and the ability to build positive working relationships with a diverse range of people.
- Has an interest in offender rehabilitation and supporting individuals to develop skills and improve employability.
- Remains professional, resilient and organised when working in a secure environment and under strict operational deadlines.
- Enhanced Level 2 + Enhanced DBS (processed via site VCP).
Package Description: £35,086.50 to £36,121.50 depending on experience. 40 hours per week, 5 days out of 7. Mon‑Fri – 0600‑1730, Sat & Sun – 0700‑1630. Benefits include free meals and parking, access to on‑site gym and subsidised gym membership, BUPA healthcare scheme, life assurance and many more.
Equal Opportunity: We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the role.
Industrial Caterer in Peterborough employer: Sodexo Group
At HMP Peterborough, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the contributions of our Industrial Caterers in a unique and secure environment. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact on prisoner rehabilitation while enjoying benefits such as free meals, access to an on-site gym, and a supportive work culture that promotes positive behaviours and personal development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Industrial Caterer in Peterborough
✨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 Sodexo Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Sodexo Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to Sodexo Group 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 Industrial Caterer in Peterborough
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 Sodexo Group 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 Sodexo Group
✨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!
