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- Tasks: Create seasonal menus and oversee kitchen staff while ensuring client satisfaction.
- Company: Join OCS, a top facilities management company with over 50,000 colleagues and a £2bn turnover.
- Benefits: Enjoy career development opportunities, a company car, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team in catering, making a real impact in education and healthcare sectors.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract catering management and a Level 3 qualification in Catering and Hospitality required.
- Other info: Must be prepared for weekend shifts and undergo a DBS check.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
OCS UK & Ireland is a leading facilities management company with a turnover of £2bn and 50,000+ colleagues. We deliver innovative, award-winning services to the public and private sectors and our mission is to make people and places the best they can be.
This role sits within our Catering business division that provides hospitality and catering, private dining, vending & corporate event services to a wide range of prestigious clients, within the Education & Healthcare market. Working at OCS is more than just a job; it is an amazing opportunity to begin or expand your career in Facilities Management. OCS has an ambition to become an 'Employer of choice' in our sector and is proud to invest in our colleague's personal and professional development. OCS provides our colleagues with opportunities to gain qualifications through funded development programmes aligned to the knowledge, skills, and behaviours attached to their roles.
About The Role:
Shift Pattern: 5 days in 7 - will include weekend working. Please note: This role is covering sites in Hampshire, East and West Sussex. A company car would be provided.
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, including kitchen assistants, chefs, and servers, ensuring that the team's creations meet the client's needs. They must also ensure that all legal and company requirements are met daily.
- Be responsible for training team members on menus, serving procedures, company etiquette, safety standards, and regulations.
- You will need to adhere to budgets set by your 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?
You should have experience in the management of Contract Catering operations and teams and should also have a full understanding of the entire catering operation. Possess a Level 3 in Catering and Hospitality or equivalent, as well as unit management experience within the Contract Catering sector. You should have proven leadership skills, with the ability to lead, mentor, and motivate a team of chefs. 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.
- Must be prepared to undergo a DBS or Enhanced Security check.
- A NVQ Level 3, Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Hospitality is beneficial.
- Have management experience within the contract catering industry is essential.
- Excellent customer service skills are essential.
- Be able to handle varied situations and find practical solutions.
- Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
- Good time-management and organisational abilities.
- Can 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.
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.
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.
Relief Chef employer: OCS Group
Contact Detail:
OCS Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with OCS's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to making people and places the best they can be will help you align your responses during interviews and show that you're a good fit for their culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in contract catering management. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed budgets, and created menus that meet client expectations, as these are key aspects of the Relief Chef role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to demonstrate your leadership skills. Think of scenarios where you've motivated or mentored team members, as well as how you've handled challenges in a fast-paced environment, which is crucial for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of OCS if possible. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can give you an edge in understanding what the hiring managers are looking for.
We think you need these skills to ace Relief Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in contract catering operations and team management. Emphasise any relevant qualifications, such as your Level 3 in Catering and Hospitality, and showcase your leadership skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for the role and the company. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to create seasonal menus, manage teams, and build client relationships.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on your customer service skills, time-management abilities, and experience with Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel. These are crucial for the Relief Chef position.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail, which is essential in the catering industry.
How to prepare for a job interview at OCS Group
✨Showcase Your Culinary Creativity
Prepare to discuss your experience in creating seasonal menus and how you can bring innovative ideas to the table. Highlight any unique dishes you've developed or events you've catered, as this will demonstrate your ability to meet client needs.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led and motivated a team in a fast-paced environment. Discuss your approach to training staff and ensuring that everyone adheres to safety standards and company etiquette.
✨Emphasise Client Relationship Management
Prepare to talk about your experience in building strong relationships with clients and how you ensure their expectations are consistently met. Share specific instances where you've gone above and beyond to satisfy a client's needs.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in varied situations. Think of examples where you've had to adapt quickly to changing demands or resolve conflicts within your team or with clients.
