Catering Assistant

Manchester Arndale; Chippenham; Hybrid; GBP 12,000 - 15,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Hapi app discounts

Wagestream access

Job summary

OCS UK & Ireland is hiring for a part-time kitchen role within a retail catering setup. Mon to Fri, 08:45 to 13:45 (term time only, 39 weeks/year), you will assist with food prep, maintain kitchen cleanliness, receive deliveries, serve items, and top up vending daily.

Commercial kitchen experience is valued but not essential; basic catering certificates like Food Handling are desirable. Basic knife skills and good time management are important for this role.

Qualifications

• Basic catering and hospitality tasks experience preferred but not essential.
• Must have basic knife skills and food preparation abilities.
• Good time-management and ability to stay organised under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Help with food preparation tasks such as peeling, chopping, trimming, and making sandwiches and salads
• Maintain cleanliness in the kitchen area and equipment, including utensils and stations
• Assist with receiving and unpacking deliveries and organise food storage areas
• Serve food items to customers as per the chefs’ menu
• Top up vending services daily

Skills

Knife skills

Food handling

Time management

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Food Handling certificate

Job description

About The Company:

OCS UK & Ireland is a leading facilities management company with 50,000+ colleagues and a turnover in excess of £2bn.

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)

About The Role:

Working Pattern

Mon to Fri 08.45 to 13.45 (may be subject to change)
Term time only working 39 weeks per year

As part of your role, your key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Help with food preparation tasks such as peeling, chopping, trimming, and making sandwiches and salads
• Be responsible for maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen area and equipment. This includes cleaning utensils, tableware, and catering stations
• Assist with receiving and unpacking all deliveries and ensure that the food and storage areas are organised
• Serve food items to customers in accordance with the menu prepared by the Chefs
• Top up the vending services daily

What are we looking for?

• Commercial kitchen experience is highly valued but not essential
• Possess a basic Catering and Hospitality certificate such as Food Handling or equivalent is desired but not essential as we can provide this for you
• Must have basic knife skills, food preparation skills, and time management skills.
• Can work under pressure and excellent organisational skills are also important
• Can stand for extended periods is often necessary due to the physical nature of the job

The ideal candidate should meet the following criteria:

• Must have the Right to Work in the UK
• Must be prepared to undergo a DBS or Enhanced security check
• Good time-management and organisational abilities

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.