At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve meals for 1,300 prisoners while ensuring food safety and quality.
- Company: Join Sodexo, a leader in improving quality of life through innovative services.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, gym access, healthcare, and discounts on over 1,900 brands.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in rehabilitation while developing your catering skills.
- Qualifications: Catering qualification and experience in large-scale catering required.
The predicted salary is between 8650 - 36121 £ per year.
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.
As a resettlement focused establishment, HMP Peterborough offers a wide range of educational, vocational and behavioural programmes, alongside workshops, accredited training and employment opportunities that build practical skills for release. The site also includes dedicated healthcare, family services and faith facilities to support overall well being.
Sodexo has a culture built on three hallmarks: Be Positive, Be Courageous and Be the Difference. We encourage people to be positive by creating hope and respect in every interaction, to be courageous by safely challenging behaviours that don't support a positive environment, and to be the difference by taking actions that improve outcomes for those we support. By living these hallmarks each day, you help build routines, rituals and behaviours that show what good looks like. You recognise and encourage the right actions, and you lead with intention - knowing every moment of connection counts.
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 reoffending.
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.
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 & Sunday - 0700-1630
- Free meals and parking.
- Access to our on-site gym and subsidised gym membership.
- BUPA healthcare scheme.
- Life assurance.
- Many more!
Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater. You'll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you'll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you'll be able to thrive in your own way.
At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Industrial Caterer - HMP 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. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Sodexo
Don't be shy about reaching out to Sodexo 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 - HMP 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 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
✨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!
