Cook

OCS; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 17,000; Part time

Job summary

OCS UK & Ireland is recruiting a Cook to support individuals transitioning back into the community within a government-supported residential setting in Maidstone. You will prepare nutritious meals, follow planned menus and uphold high hygiene standards, while ensuring consistent portion control and excellent presentation.

The role requires right to work in the UK and a DBS check, with NVQ 706/1/2 or City & Guilds Level 2 preferred. Weekend hours are fixed (Sat-Sun 12-6pm).

Qualifications

• Must have Right to Work in the UK and willingness to undergo a DBS check.
• Experience cooking in care/residential environments preferred.
• Understanding of food hygiene and kitchen safety standards.
• Ability to work independently and take responsibility for tasks.
• Reliable, consistent and professional approach.
• Willingness to work weekend shifts within a structured setting.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals in line with planned menus, recipes and portion guidelines.
• Ensure meals are presented to a high standard with focus on quality and consistency.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and kitchen safety.
• Manage stock levels, including basic ordering and minimising food waste.
• Support the smooth day-to-day running of kitchen operations.
• Follow all food safety, health & safety and site procedures at all times.
• Contribute to a positive, respectful environment for colleagues and residents.

Skills

Food hygiene

Stock management

Menu planning

Cooking

Communication

Education

City & Guilds 706/1/2 or NVQ Level 2

Job description

About The Role:

Days of Working: This position will be based at Fleming House, Maidstone, working Saturday - Sunday 12-6pm.

As a Cook at OCS, you will play a meaningful role in supporting individuals as they transition back into the community. Working within a supported residential setting for a government client, you will help provide nutritious, high-quality meals that contribute to wellbeing, routine and stability.

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who takes pride in their work and wants to make a positive difference through food and service. You’ll be part of a small, supportive team, delivering consistent and reliable catering services within a structured environment.

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

• Prepare and cook meals in line with planned menus, recipes and portion guidelines
• Ensure food is presented to a good standard, with a focus on quality and consistency
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and kitchen safety
• Manage stock levels, including basic ordering and minimising food waste
• Support the smooth day-to-day running of kitchen operations
• Follow all food safety, Health & Safety and site procedures at all times
• Contribute to a positive, respectful environment for both colleagues and residents

The ideal candidate should meet the following criteria:

• Must have the Right to Work in the UK and willingness to undergo a DBS check
• City & Guilds 706/1/2 or the NVQ equivalent OR production Chef Level 2
• Understanding of food hygiene and kitchen safety standards
• Ability to work independently and take responsibility for your tasks
• A reliable, consistent and professional approach
• Confidence working in a structured environment with clear processes
• Good communication skills and a respectful, non-judgemental approach

Desirable:

• Experience working in supported living, residential or public sector environments
• Understanding of the importance of routine and structure in a care or rehabilitation setting

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.