FOOD BEHIND BARS – Food Programme Lead

Food Behind Bars is a Registered Charity dedicated to transforming the food served in British prisons.
The charity works with prisons across England & Wales on the subject of food, to improve the lives of those eating it and support the people making it. The aim is to positively impact the health and wellbeing of prisoners, by delivering practical food-based education, promoting healthy eating and designing exciting food and drink initiatives.  Good food in prison can create a happier, healthier prison system, with rehabilitation at its heart. This is the backbone of the charity's work.

The team is looking for a dynamic and inspiring individual to play a hands-on role in operating the space and training its learners. As Food Programme Lead, you will be responsible for the everyday smooth running of The Cookout - ensuring it is providing delicious food and drink to the people who come through its door. You will also be responsible for managing its other supply chains - from monthly community meals to weekly food for the visits centres. You will have a real opportunity to develop, shape and establish The Cookout during its relaunch, ensuring its aligning with FBB’s values of good food for everyone in society.

On a day-to-day basis, you will have the opportunity to lead a team of prisoners who are employed to work in The Cookout. You will work closely with them to develop their skills by providing in-kitchen training, and working with partners to establish employment opportunities on release.

You are a passionate chef and food educator who can help develop a training programme that champions the learner’s own ideas and ambitions - whether that’s developing their own street food business or simply sharing the food of their culture. You will play a pivotal role in harnessing each individual’s potential and ensuring The Cookout provides a platform where they can truly learn, develop and shine.

The role will also involve menu development, ordering, implementing health and safety systems, tracking each learner’s progress and developing The Cookout brand. You will manage relationships with all the key stakeholders - the prison, visits team, community food projects, suppliers and partner organisations. You will also be responsible for the supervision of the learners, as well as line managing the Food Programme Assistant too.This is a unique opportunity to be part of a one-of-a-kind initiative that combines training, employment and community impact.

Responsibilities

Oversee the day-to-day running of The Cookout cafe, ensuring smooth service, high food standards and a welcoming environment.
Prepare and deliver fresh, nutritious food for the prison staff restaurant, community meal programme, visits centre and other internal supply streams.
Lead and supervise a team of prisoner learners, supporting them to develop practical kitchen and front-of-house skills.
Deliver hands-on training in food preparation, kitchen operations, hygiene and service standards.
Support learners to develop confidence, creativity and employability.
Work with learners to test and develop menu ideas that reflect their interests, cultures and food ambitions.
Develop seasonal menus and oversee food preparation to ensure quality, nutrition and cost efficiency.
Manage stock, ordering and supplier relationships.
Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene and health & safety in line with prison and food industry regulations.
Track learner progress and contribute to the development of the training programme and learner outcomes.
Build and maintain strong working relationships with prison staff, partner organisations and community food projects.
Coordinate the preparation and distribution of meals for community partners across Greenwich.
Support the development and relaunch of The Cookout brand as a flagship Food Behind Bars project.
Line manage the Food Programme Assistant and support their development within the programme.
Contribute to the ongoing development of The Cookout as a sustainable training kitchen and community cafe.

Requirements
Essential
Professional experience working in a commercial kitchen, café or hospitality environment.
Strong cooking skills and a passion for producing fresh, nutritious food.
Experience training, mentoring or supervising others in a kitchen or educational setting.
Ability to lead a team with empathy, patience and strong communication skills.
Organised and proactive, with the ability to manage multiple operational responsibilities.
Strong understanding of food safety, hygiene and kitchen management systems.
Commitment to social impact and belief in the power of food, training and employment to change lives.
Ability to build positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to work in a structured and secure environment.
Willingness to undergo prison vetting.
Commitment to the values and mission of Food Behind Bars.

Desirable
Experience working in social enterprise, community food programmes or training environments.
Experience working with young people or individuals facing barriers to employment.
Menu development experience, particularly with diverse cuisines or street food concepts.
Level 3 Food Safety certification or equivalent.
Experience managing or launching a cafe, kitchen or food project.

Hours: 8am - 4pm - flexible working options available

Salary: £38K