Executive Chef

Main Purpose:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Chef to join our team at HMP Dovegate. As a key member of the catering team, you will be responsible for supervising prisoners and kitchen workers, ensuring the delivery of high-quality catering services to the establishment. You will work closely with the Catering Manager to maintain the highest standards of food safety and hygiene, adhering to all relevant regulations and guidelines.

Main Accountabilities:

• Assist the Catering Manager in the delivery of catering services to the whole establishment, ensuring compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations.
• Prepare varied and healthy menus for residents, including special diets, special events, and religious events.
• Ensure the security and food safety of all foodstuffs during delivery, storage, and distribution within the kitchen area.
• Record and document all relevant paperwork to comply with food hygiene regulations, Health & Safety, HACCP, and Company Policies.
• Provide training and supervision to kitchen workers.
• Perform random quality checks on serveries before, during, and after mealtimes.
• React to complaint issues and trends, working collaboratively with the catering team.
• Work shift work and weekends when operationally required.
• Assist in resident movements and searches to and from the kitchen.
• Train for and carry out any other work reasonably acceptable within the capabilities of the post holder.

Requirements:

• City & Guilds 706/1 & 2 or equivalent NVQ or similar in Food Preparation and Production.
• Literacy and Numeracy Level 2 or equivalent GCSE.
• Food Safety level 3.
• Awareness of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP).
• Awareness of Allergen Control within Catering.
• A strong commitment to the rehabilitation of residents.
• Basic computer skills, including knowledge of Excel, Word, and Outlook applications.
• Good supervisory skills, with strong interpersonal skills, including good oral and written communication.
• Able to demonstrate resilience, with a basic understanding of conflict resolution and de-escalation, and risk and conflict management.
• Commitment to working effectively in a socially diverse environment, with a good team ethic.
• Excellent time management.
• Assertive, creative, and progressive, with good problem-solving skills.
• Good working knowledge of a large catering operation, ideally with a minimum of 3 years' experience in a similar post, preferably within a custodial environment.

About Serco:

At Serco, we deliver essential public services around the world, including defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare, and citizen services. We are a diverse team of 50,000 people, committed to making a positive impact in the communities we serve. We are dedicated to providing excellent services, while promoting a culture of respect, inclusivity, and social responsibility. Our team is passionate about delivering high-quality services, and we are seeking like-minded individuals to join us in our mission to make a difference.

---