Catering Assistant

Manchester Arndale; Wesham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading facilities management company in the UK is seeking a General Assistant for food preparation and maintaining kitchen cleanliness. The role involves assisting with food tasks, cleaning utensils, and serving customers. A Catering certificate is preferred, and good time management skills are essential. The position offers a chance for professional development in a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Staff discounts through Hapi app

Access to earned wages before payday through Wagestream

Qualifications

• Must have the Right to Work in the UK.
• Excellent time management and organisational abilities are necessary.
• Ability to stand for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Help with food preparation tasks like peeling and chopping.
• Maintain cleanliness in the kitchen area and equipment.
• Serve food items to customers in accordance with the menu.

Skills

Customer service skills

Organisational skills

Time management skills

Education

Catering and Hospitality certificate

Food Hygiene 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.

About The Role

Shift Pattern: Monday to Wednesday 19:30-23:30

Key Responsibilities

• 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

Why join OCS?

OCS are ranked 36th on Glassdoor’s Best Companies to Work For in 2025, reflecting our dedication to building a supportive workplace where our colleagues feel valued and motivated.

We believe in investing in our colleague’s futures. The OCS Academy provides a range of digital courses and resources that will allow you to grow your personal skills and advance your career.

With our Hapi app, you can gain access to exclusive discounts, rewards and wellbeing resources.

Our values are Trust, Respect, Unity and Empowerment – their TRUE. Guided by these values and principles, we’re on a mission to make people and places the best they can be, this includes our TRUE start Awards.

We now have over 600 live apprenticeships in the UK & Ireland — with a target of 1,000. That means more growth, more careers, more opportunity, allowing our employees to empower themselves with further development and qualifications!

Access a portion of earned wages before payday with our Wagestream App! (eligibility for this benefit can be discussed at interview as this benefit is specific to business contracts)

How to Apply

If you are interested in joining a business that encourages professional development, career progression and the chance to work with inspirational people then please click apply and register your interest! You can also sign up to our job alerts when registering which will notify you when other suitable vacancies are available.

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.