At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and pack meals for NHS trusts, ensuring dietary needs are met.
- Company: Join OCS UK & Ireland, a leading facilities management company with a strong commitment to values.
- Benefits: Flexible shifts, competitive pay, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for training and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives through quality food service.
- Qualifications: Full UK driving licence and attention to detail required.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
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.
Days of Working: This position will be based at The Hub, St Ives (Cambridgeshire), working normally weekdays, but weekend work will be required to cover annual leave and sickness leave. There is also another shift pattern option where some staff members work every other weekend. That can be decided at the interview stage if successful. Applicants must have a full driving license as driving is part of the role.
The role varies from receiving and dispatching frozen meals and fresh sandwiches for two NHS trusts. Picking and packing in our chilled sorting room for meals to ward level and if required driving the food delivery vans. As a Catering Assistant, you will play a vital role in ensuring that meals are accurately prepared, packed and presented in line with individual requirements. Working to detailed picking sheets and menus, you will help ensure that the right meals reach the right people, supporting dietary needs and service quality. This is a busy, hands-on role that involves sustained physical activity, attention to detail and working to clear procedures to ensure accuracy, safety and consistency throughout food production and service.
Responsibilities
- Ensure relevant menus are available and appropriate, taking account of dietary and nutritional requirements
- Use picking sheets to accurately select food items and correct portion sizes
- Pack meals into insulated food trolleys in line with procedures and sign off trolleys as correctly packed
- Carry out sustained picking and packing activities, requiring moderate physical effort for extended periods
- Load ovens from insulated food trolleys, ensuring only required meals are heated for service
- Operate regeneration ovens, following cooking guidelines to ensure food quality and safety
- Return unused food items to designated storage areas, including freezers, in line with food safety requirements
- Plate meals for service, ensuring trays match individual requests and are presented to a high standard
- Maintain cleanliness of work areas, equipment and trolleys throughout the shift
- Follow all food safety, health & safety and hygiene procedures at all times
Qualifications
- Right to Work in the UK and willingness to undergo a DBS check.
- Experience in a catering, food production or healthcare food service environment (desirable but not essential)
- UK driving licence.
- Ability to follow written instructions, menus and picking sheets accurately
- Good attention to detail, particularly where dietary requirements are concerned
- Physical capability to undertake repetitive manual tasks for extended periods
- Understanding of food hygiene and safe food handling practices
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced environment
- Reliable and professional approach to work
Desirable qualifications
- Level 2 Food Safety / Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to complete training)
- Experience working within Facilities Management (FM), healthcare or contract catering environments
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.
Catering Assistant in Cambridge employer: Manchester Arndale
At OCS UK & Ireland, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment. As a Catering Assistant at The Hub in St Ives, you will benefit from opportunities for personal growth within a dynamic team, while contributing to the well-being of our communities through quality food service. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on health and safety, we ensure that our colleagues thrive in a rewarding environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research OCS UK & Ireland and their TRUE values. When you understand their mission, you can tailor your conversation during interviews to show how you align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Before your interview, run through common questions related to catering roles. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork skills! Since this role involves working in a fast-paced environment, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous jobs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the OCS team!
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Catering:When you're writing your application, let us know why you're excited about the catering industry! Share any relevant experiences or skills that make you a great fit for the role. We love to see enthusiasm!
Be Detail-Oriented:Since attention to detail is key in this role, make sure your application reflects that. Double-check for any typos or errors, and ensure your experience aligns with the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Highlight Teamwork Skills:We value teamwork at OCS, so don’t forget to mention any experiences where you’ve worked effectively as part of a team. This could be in previous jobs, school projects, or even volunteer work!
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your application and can get back to you promptly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester Arndale
✨Know Your Role
Make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Catering Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the tasks mentioned in the job description, like using picking sheets and ensuring food safety. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working as part of a team, be prepared to discuss your experience in collaborative environments. Think of examples where you've worked well with others, especially in fast-paced settings. Highlighting your ability to communicate and support your colleagues will make you stand out.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Attention to detail is crucial in catering, especially when it comes to dietary requirements. Be ready to talk about how you ensure accuracy in your work. You could mention any past experiences where you had to follow strict guidelines or procedures, showcasing your commitment to quality.
✨Prepare Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful ones that show your interest in the company and the role. For example, you could ask about the training process for new staff or how the team ensures high standards in food safety. This shows you're proactive and engaged.
