Chef

OCS; Bedford; On-site; GBP 15,153 - 17,908; Full time

Job summary

OCS UK & Ireland is seeking a chef for night shifts on Saturdays and Sundays from 23:00 to 04:30 to uphold site standards and food quality. You will work at your station, manage cooking processes, and ensure timely delivery of dishes while following all safety and hygiene procedures.

The role requires proven chef experience, a Level 2 in Catering and Hospitality or equivalent, and strong teamwork and communication skills to support the culinary team and maintain high service levels.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a chef, preferably in contract catering.
• Level 2 in Catering and Hospitality or equivalent.
• Demonstrate knowledge of various cooking methods, ingredients, equipment and processes; multitask and work efficiently under pressure.
• Excellent listening and communication skills; able to work well in a team.
• Understand standard policies for receiving, preparation, storage and sanitation, recipes, production and presentation methods.

Responsibilities

• Handle day-to-day food preparation and duties assigned by senior chefs to meet site standards and quality.
• Manage the cooking process at your station to deliver food in a timely manner.
• Follow safety, hygiene and equipment usage policies on site at all times.
• Notify Senior Chefs when inventory is running low to keep the kitchen stocked.
• Work with the culinary team to maintain high-quality food and service during the shift.

Skills

Multitasking

Teamwork

Communication skills

Work under pressure

Education

Level 2 in Catering and Hospitality or equivalent

City & Guilds / BTEC / NVQ (basic level)

Job description

About The Role

Days of Working: Saturday & Sunday - 23:00pm-04:30am

Key responsibilities include:

• Handle day-to-day food preparation and duties assigned by senior chefs to meet the site's standards and quality
• Manage the cooking process at your specific station of several dishes, ensuring that the food is delivered in a timely manner
• Follow and adhere to all safety, hygiene, and correct use of department utensils and equipment on site at all times
• Notify Senior Chefs of inventory when running low so that the kitchen remains adequately stocked with fresh ingredients and catering necessities
• Work with the rest of the culinary team to ensure high-quality food and service is maintained throughout the shift

What We Are Looking For

• Proven experience as a chef is desired, preferably working in a similar role within contract catering
• Possess a Level 2 in Catering and Hospitality or equivalent
• Understand and be able to demonstrate various cooking methods, ingredients, equipment and processes; ability to multitask and work efficiently under pressure
• Ability to work well in a team, with excellent listening and communication skills
• Understand the standard legal policies and procedures regarding receiving, preparation, storage and sanitation of food, and the menu items, fully including the recipes, production and presentation methods

Ideal Candidate

• Must have the Right to Work in the UK
• City & Guilds certification, BTEC, or NVQ at a basic level is required
• Additionally, completing a food hygiene course at Level 2 would be desirable
• Excellent customer service skills are essential
• Good time‑management and organisational abilities

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.

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.