Job Introduction
Industrial Caterer – HMP Peterborough
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.
HMP Peterborough is the UK’s first purpose‑built prison to house both men and women on the same site. With high levels of physical security, it provides needs‑led personal development services tailored to both populations. As a resettlement‑focused establishment, it 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.
Join Sodexo and be part of something greater.
You belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your own way.
For more information on Sodexo Careers please visit Sodexo Careers
Main Responsibilities
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Assist in the preparation, cooking, and service of meals for approximately 1,300 prisoners in line with agreed menus and operational requirements.
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Ensure full compliance with Food Safety, Health & Safety, Security, and Sodexo policies and procedures at all times.
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Support, mentor, and supervise prisoner workers, helping them develop catering skills and achieve relevant qualifications.
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Assist with prisoner inductions, training, and ongoing development within the kitchen and staff canteen environments.
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Monitor food quality, kitchen standards, stock control, and tool accountability to maintain a safe and efficient operation.
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Promote positive behaviour, challenge inappropriate conduct, and work closely with prison staff to support rehabilitation and reduce reoffending.
Please see attached job description for further information regarding the role requirements
The Ideal Candidate
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Holds a recognised catering qualification, such as City & Guilds 706/2, 7132, or an equivalent food production and cooking qualification.
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Possesses a Food Safety Level 2 qualification and a strong understanding of food hygiene practices.
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Has previous experience working in an industrial, large-scale, or commercial catering environment.
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Demonstrates excellent communication skills and the ability to build positive working relationships with a diverse range of people.
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Has an interest in offender rehabilitation and supporting individuals to develop skills and improve employability.
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Remains professional, resilient, and organised when working in a secure environment and under strict operational deadlines.
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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 & 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.
In addition, we offer 20+ Sodexo benefits such as Sodexo retirement plan, discounts to over 1,900 brands to shop online, Gym discount to maintain a healthy lifestyle, a confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme providing independent support to overcome whenever life has its obstacles including emotional support, legal and financial advice.
For further details regarding our Sodexo benefits please see attached.
Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!
About The Company
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. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be natural, and be the best versions of themselves. We recognise that we’re on a journey with regards to diversity and inclusion and would therefore welcome applications for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds.
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 job.
