Chef Manager

OCS Group; Essex; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

OCS UK & Ireland is seeking an experienced Catering Manager to oversee contract catering operations at our Essex site. You will lead a team to design seasonal menus for the client, train staff on procedures and safety standards, and manage budgeting and supplier relationships to deliver high-quality service.

The role requires proven leadership, Level 3 in Catering and Hospitality or equivalent, and strong communication and customer service skills.

Qualifications

• Proven and extensive experience in the management of contract catering operations and teams.
• Level 3 in Catering and Hospitality or equivalent.
• Proven leadership skills with ability to lead, mentor, and motivate a team.
• Experience in building relationships with clients and staff to meet daily expectations.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing demands.

Responsibilities

• Work with the team to create seasonal food and drink menus for the site and any events for the client and its visitors
• Oversee all staff, ensuring that the team’s creations meet the client’s needs and daily legal and company requirements
• Train team members on menus, serving procedures, company etiquette, safety standards, and regulations
• Recruit new staff to meet workload demands
• Work within budgets set by the line manager for planning catering operations, including food, equipment, staffing, and other costs
• Establish relationships with vendors and ensure goods are bought from the correct vendors at best prices

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Excel

Customer service

Communication skills

Right to Work in the UK

Education

Level 3 in Catering and Hospitality or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

About The Role:

As part of your role, your key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Work with the team to create seasonal food and drink menus for the site and any events for the client and its visitors
• Oversee all staff, ensuring that the team’s creations meet the client’s needs. They must also ensure that all legal and company requirements are meet daily
• You will be responsible for training your team members on menus, serving procedures, company etiquette, safety standards, and regulations
• Recruit new staff to meet workload demands
• Work within budgets set by their line manager when planning catering operations, allocating the budget for food, cooking equipment, staffing, and equipment
• Establish relationships with vendors and ensure that food and other supplies are bought from the correct vendor, ensuring the best prices are obtained

What are we looking for?

• Have proven and extensive experience in the management of contract catering operations and teams
• You need to possess a Level 3 in Catering and Hospitality or equivalent
• You should have proven leadership skills, with the ability to lead, mentor, and motivate a team
• Experienced in building relationships with clients and staff, ensuring that the client’s expectations are met every day
• Can work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing demands is crucial

The ideal candidate should meet the following criteria:

• Must have the Right to Work in the UK
• Understand financial management, budgeting, and cost control
• Excellent customer service skills are essential
• Can handle complex situations and find practical solutions
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
• Good time-management and organisational abilities
• Competent with Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel
• While not always mandatory, having a food hygiene certificate (Level 3) is advantageous

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)

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.