Cook

OCS; Lutterworth; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Award-Winning Employer

Digital Learning

Retail Discounts

Professional Growth

Flexible Pay

Job summary

OCS UK & Ireland is seeking a capable cook to support day-to-day food preparation, manage cooking at their station, and uphold site standards under senior chefs. You will be responsible for safe, efficient kitchen operations and maintaining quality across dishes.

Weekend shifts are available, and you will lead the culinary team, ensuring hygiene, stock control, and high-quality service. Strong organisation and Excel proficiency are beneficial in this role.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a similar role within the Contract Catering industry is required.
• Hold relevant qualifications, have knowledge of food hygiene and health and safety is a must.
• A proven track record in supervising a team and leadership is crucial.

Responsibilities

• In the absence of the senior chef, candidates will support and handle day-to-day food preparation and duties assigned by senior chefs to meet the sites standards and quality.
• You will need to be able to manage the cooking process at their specific station of several dishes, ensuring that the food is delivered in a timely manner.
• Be responsible for 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.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Food hygiene knowledge

Customer service

Time management

Education

Food hygiene Level 2

Tools

Excel

Job description

Key responsibilities:

• In the absence of the senior chef, candidates will support and handle day-to-day food preparation and duties assigned by senior chefs to meet the sites standards and quality
• You will need to be able to manage the cooking process at their specific station of several dishes, ensuring that the food is delivered in a timely manner
• Be responsible for 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

About The Role:

Working Pattern

Weekend shifts available

Key responsibilities:

• In the absence of the senior chef, candidates will support and handle day-to-day food preparation and duties assigned by senior chefs to meet the sites standards and quality
• You will need to be able to manage the cooking process at their specific station of several dishes, ensuring that the food is delivered in a timely manner
• Be responsible for 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?

• Previous experience in a similar role within the Contract Catering industry is required
• Hold relevant qualifications, have knowledge of food hygiene and health and safety is a must
• A proven track record in supervising a team and leadership is crucial
• Demonstrate high standards and be well organised in all areas of Management
• Excellent customer service skills and interpersonal skills are essential

The ideal candidate should meet the following criteria:

• Must have the Right to Work in the UK
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage teams effectively
• Ability to handle different situations and find practical solutions
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
• Good time-management and organisational abilities
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information
• Competent with Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel
• While not always mandatory, having a food hygiene certificate (Level 2) is advantageous

Hiring Criteria

• Demonstrate the ability to lead and manage teams effectively
• Have an understanding of financial management, budgeting, and cost control

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)

Equal Opportunities

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.