Chef

Manchester Arndale; Welwyn Garden City; Hybrid; GBP 22,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wagestream wage access

OCS Academy learning resources

Hapi app discounts

Job summary

OCS UK & Ireland is recruiting for a chef to join our contract catering team. The role runs Monday to Thursday, 7:00am to 4:30pm with a 30-minute lunch, focusing on daily food prep and timely service across kitchen stations.

The ideal candidate will have Level 2 in Catering & Hospitality (or equivalent), and a proven cooking background. Right to work in the UK and excellent customer service are essential.

Qualifications

• Must have the Right to Work in the UK.
• Level 2 in Catering and Hospitality or equivalent.
• City & Guilds certification, BTEC, or NVQ at a basic level is required.
• Level 2 Food hygiene would be desirable.
• Excellent customer service skills and strong time-management abilities.
• Proven experience as a Chef in contract catering is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Handle day-to-day food preparation and duties assigned by senior chefs.
• Manage the cooking process at the designated station to deliver dishes promptly.
• Adhere to safety, hygiene, and correct use of utensils and equipment on site.
• Notify Senior Chefs when inventory is running low and keep stocks stocked with fresh ingredients.
• Collaborate with the culinary team to maintain high-quality food and service during shifts.

Skills

Chef experience

Teamwork

Communication

Multitasking

Education

Level 2 in Catering & Hospitality

City & Guilds / BTEC / NVQ (basic level)

Food hygiene Level 2 (desirable)

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

This role is Monday to Thursday, from 7:00am to 4:30pm, with a 30-minute lunch break.

Key Responsibilities

• Handle day-to-day food preparation and duties assigned by senior chefs to meet the sites standards and quality
• Manage the cooking process at their 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 always
• Notify Senior Chefs of inventory when running low by ensuring 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 are we looking for?

• Proven experience as a Chef is desired. Candidates should have experience 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 is essential. Candidates should also be able to multitask and work efficiently under pressure
• The ability to work well in a team is crucial. Candidates should have 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

The ideal candidate should meet the following criteria:

• Must have the Right to Work in the UK
• City & Guilds certification, BTEC, or NVQ at a basic level is require
• Additionally, completing a food hygiene course at Level 2 would be desirable
• 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.