Relief Chef Manager

Manchester Arndale; Romford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading facilities management firm in the UK seeks an Operations Manager to oversee daily operations in catering. This role entails managing food preparation, service, and maintaining cleanliness across various sites. The ideal candidate will have experience in operations management in the hospitality sector, strong analytical and leadership skills, and a relevant degree. An inclusive employer, they promote career growth and offer a diverse work environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in operations management within hospitality or contract catering.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and effectively manage teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations and manage food preparation and service.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
• Plan food and beverage menus with site managers.

Skills

Operations management experience

Team leadership

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, operations management, or related catering

NVQ Level 3 or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel)

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.

About The Role:

Days of Working: Variable shifts dependent upon business needs. This role is only working term time (190 days a year)

Additional Information: Covering sites around Essex, Richmond and Slough. Ideal location for the successful candidate would be Watford/Enfield area.

Key Responsibilities:

• Overseeing daily Operations. This includes managing all aspects of the daily operations, including food preparation, service, and cleanliness, cash handling and budgeting
• Ensuring all sites fall in line, both legal and company, with food safety regulations and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene
• Working with site managers to plan food and beverage menus, that works with the local demographic taking into consideration the clients’ preferences and special requests
• Be responsible for managing and training the senior catering staff on site and ensuring that the Site Managers have also carried out subsequent training with their staff
• Conduct regular meetings with the Client, ensuring that relevant details surrounding the contract are discussed and agreed
• Travelling between different sites (using company car)

What we are looking for:

• Candidates should have relevant experience in operations management, preferably within the hospitality, or contract catering industry
• A bachelor’s degree in business, operations management, or a related catering at NVQ Level 3 or equivalent
• Can demonstrate a proven track record in team management and leadership
• Candidates should have strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential

The ideal candidate should meet the following criteria:

• Must have the right to work in the UK
• Must be willing to undertake a DBS and Enhanced Security check due to working with young or vulnerable people
• A foundation degree, higher national diploma (HND), a degree, a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as business and hospitality management, culinary arts, or culinary management
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage senior teams effectively
• Understand financial management, budgeting, and cost control
• Ability to handle complex situations and find practical solutions
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
• Good time-management and organisational abilities
• The ability to handle sensitive and confidential information
• Competent with Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel
• While not always mandatory, having a food hygiene certificate (Level 3) is advantageous

How to Apply:

If you are interested in joining a business that encourages professional development, career progression and the chance to work with inspirational people then please click apply and register your interest! You can also sign up to our job alerts when registering which will notify you when other suitable vacancies are available.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

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.