Catering Assistant

Manchester Arndale; Erith; Hybrid; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

OCS UK & Ireland is seeking a General Assistant to join the kitchen team for night shifts (2030 - 0230), five days from seven. You will assist with food preparation, maintain kitchen cleanliness, receive deliveries, and help serve customers and events as needed.

Ideal candidates will have commercial kitchen experience, a basic catering certificate (food handling) if available, and strong time management and customer service skills. Right to work in the UK is required.

Qualifications

• Commercial kitchen experience is valued but not essential.
• A basic Catering and Hospitality certificate such as Food Handling or equivalent is desirable but not essential; training can be provided.

Responsibilities

• Prepare food tasks such as peeling, chopping, trimming and making sandwiches/salads.
• Maintain cleanliness in the kitchen area and equipment; clean utensils and stations.
• Assist with receiving and unpacking deliveries; organise food and supply storage.
• Serve food items to customers according to the menu; assist as host/waiter at events.
• Top up vending services.

Skills

Customer service

Time management

Organisational skills

Stand for long periods

Right to work in the UK

Education

Food Handling / Catering certificate (Level 2)

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. 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)

About The Role:

Working Pattern

2030 - 0230 5 days from 7

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, ensuring that the food and supply storage areas are organised
• Serve food items to customers in accordance with the menu prepared by the Chefs. Our General Assistants may also act as a host/waiter when needed in events
• Top up Vending services

What are we looking for?

• Commercial kitchen experience is highly valued but not essential
• Ideally you will 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
• Excellent time management skills and can work under pressure
• 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
• A food hygiene course at Level 2 would be desirable but not essential as we can supply this training
• Excellent customer service skills are essential
• 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.