Catering Assistant

OCS; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 17,000; Part time

Job summary

OCS is seeking a Catering Assistant based at Royal Papworth Hospital, working Saturdays and Sundays from 07:00 to 19:30. You will support the delivery of high-quality retail food and beverage service for staff, visitors and customers, with freshly prepared food and drinks in a welcoming, efficient environment.

This hands-on, customer-facing role requires strong communication, attention to detail and the ability to work well in a busy setting while maintaining hygiene and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Right to Work in the UK and DBS check is required
• Experience in retail catering, hospitality or food service is desirable
• Friendly, confident and customer-focused approach
• Good communication with a wide range of customers
• Able to work in a fast-paced, hands-on environment
• Good attention to detail and pride in presentation and service standards

Responsibilities

• Serve freshly prepared food and drinks to customers in a friendly and professional manner
• Prepare and serve hot and cold beverages, including specialty drinks
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene across service, dining and retail areas
• Follow HACCP, food safety and hygiene procedures at all times
• Monitor and record temperature controls as required and work safely with catering equipment

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Food hygiene

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Flexible

Education

Level 2 Food Safety / Food Hygiene Certificate

Job description

About The Role

Days of Working: This position will be based at Royal Papworth Hospital, working Saturday and Sunday from 07:00-19:30.

As a Catering Assistant, you will support the delivery of a high‑quality retail food and beverage service, serving staff, visitors and customers with freshly prepared food and drinks. You will help create a welcoming, efficient and well‑presented retail environment while delivering excellent customer service.

This is a hands‑on, customer‑facing role, requiring strong communication skills, attention to detail and the ability to work efficiently in a busy setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve freshly prepared food and drinks to customers in a friendly and professional manner
• Prepare and serve hot and cold beverages, including specialty drinks where required
• Ensure retail counters, displays and food outlets are fully stocked and attractively presented
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene across service, dining and retail areas
• Wash crockery, cutlery and equipment, ensuring items are clean, safely stored and handled to prevent breakages
• Engage positively with customers, responding to queries politely and professionally in person and over the phone
• Follow HACCP, food safety and hygiene procedures at all times
• Monitor and record temperature controls in line with food safety requirements
• Use catering equipment safely and correctly
• Work as part of a team to ensure smooth service during busy periods

The ideal candidate should meet the following criteria

• Right to Work in the UK and willingness to undergo a DBS check.
• Previous experience in retail catering, hospitality or food service (desirable but not essential)
• A friendly, confident and customer‑focused approach
• Good communication skills and the ability to interact with a wide range of customers
• Understanding of food hygiene and safe handling practices
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, hands‑on environment
• Good attention to detail and pride in presentation and service standards
• Reliable and flexible approach to work

Desirable

• Level 2 Food Safety / Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to complete training)
• Experience working within Facilities Management (FM), healthcare, education or contract catering environments

Why join OCS

OCS are ranked 36th on Glassdoor’s Best Companies to Work For in 2025, reflecting our commitment to supporting and valuing our colleagues.

Through the OCS Academy, we offer training and development opportunities to help you build skills and progress your career.

With the Hapi app, you’ll have access to a wide range of discounts, rewards and wellbeing resources.

About The Company

OCS UK & Ireland is a leading facilities management company with 50,000+ colleagues and a turnover in excess of £2bn. We deliver innovative, award-winning services within facilities management, hard services, cleaning, security and catering.

Our mission is to make people and places the best they can be for our colleagues, customers and the communities we serve. Our commitment to doing business the right way is rooted in our TRUE values - Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment.

Why Work for OCS

• Award‑Winning Employer : Ranked 36th on Glassdoor’s Best Companies to Work For 2025 — we value and motivate our people.
• Digital Learning : The OCS Academy offers digital courses and resources to help you build skills and grow your career.
• Retail Perks : With our Hapi app, you can gain access to exclusive discounts, rewards and wellbeing resources.
• Professional Growth : 600+ live learners across UK&I — Empowering colleagues with further development and qualifications!
• Flexible Pay : Access a portion of earned wages before payday with our Wagestream App! (Contract Specific)

We are an equal opportunities employer and rely on a diverse workforce with a broad range of knowledge, skills, and backgrounds to deliver our goals. We offer an inclusive and welcoming environment and actively encourage applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or age.