Catering Assistant/Relief Cook

Partner Services Scotland Ltd; Greenock; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A catering services provider in Greenock is seeking a reliable and enthusiastic Catering Assistant / Relief Cook to join their team. The role involves assisting with food preparation and service, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations, and taking over kitchen operations during the Chef's absence. Ideal candidates will have catering experience and a food hygiene qualification. The position offers daytime hours, competitive pay, and additional benefits such as a company bonus and enhanced holiday allowance.

Benefits

Uniform and meals on duty

Access to on-site gym

Enhanced holiday allowance (33 days per year, pro rata)

Bike2Work Scheme

Company Pension Scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a catering environment, ideally as a Cook or Chef.
• Food hygiene qualification (Level 2 minimum).
• Strong understanding of food safety and allergen management.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation and service of breakfast and lunch.
• Take responsibility for kitchen operations in the absence of the Cook/Chef.
• Prepare hot and cold dishes, sandwiches, and snacks.

Skills

Catering experience

Food hygiene qualification (Level 2 minimum)

Cooking from scratch

Food safety understanding

Communication skills

Teamwork skills

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a reliable and enthusiastic Catering Assistant / Relief Cook to join our friendly team at a busy manufacturing site in Greenock. This role involves supporting the day‑to‑day catering operation, ensuring the smooth running of breakfast and lunch service for approximately 60 customers daily, as well as a range of sandwiches and snacks.

The successful candidate will primarily assist with food preparation, service, and general kitchen duties, but will also step up to cover the Chef’s role during absences, holidays, or busy periods. Experience working in a catering or kitchen environment as a cook or chef is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation and service of breakfast and lunch to a high standard.
• Step up and take full responsibility for kitchen operations in the absence of the Cook/Chef, including menu planning, ordering, and food production.
• Prepare a range of hot and cold dishes, sandwiches, and snacks.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, hygiene, and health & safety regulations.
• Maintain cleanliness and organisation of kitchen and service areas, including washing dishes, utensils, and equipment.
• Hospitality set‑up – set up for on‑site hospitality events.
• Operate tills and serve customers efficiently and professionally.
• Reporting – report defects and breakdowns, and ensure daily checklists are correct.
• Support the catering team in stock rotation, deliveries, and waste management.
• Provide excellent customer service and represent the catering team in a positive manner at all times.

Skills and Experience Required

• Proven experience in a catering environment, ideally as a Cook or Chef.
• Food hygiene qualification (Level 2 minimum).
• Confident cooking from scratch and following set menus.
• Strong understanding of food safety and allergen management.
• Ability to work independently when required and take initiative.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Reliable, punctual, and professional approach.

What We Offer

• Monday to Friday daytime hours (no evenings or weekends).
• Supportive working environment with opportunities for development.
• Uniform and meals on duty provided.
• Competitive hourly rate depending on experience.
• Access to on‑site gym.
• Enhanced holiday allowance (33 days per year, pro rata).
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Bike2Work Scheme.
• Company Bonus.
• Company Pension Scheme.
• Company Saving Scheme.