At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook nutritious meals in a supportive kitchen environment.
- Company: Join OCS, a leading facilities management company with a strong commitment to community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible pay, digital learning resources, and exclusive retail perks.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to creating a respectful and inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact through food while working in a rewarding role.
- Qualifications: Must have the right to work in the UK and relevant cooking qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 25740 - 31460 £ 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.
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)
About The Role:
Days of Working: This position will be based at Ryecroft Hostel, Gloucester, working Fridays - Sundays 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
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.
Cook in Gloucester employer: Manchester Arndale
At Manchester Arndale, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values every team member. Our part-time Evening Cleaner role offers flexible hours, allowing for a great work-life balance while contributing to a safe and welcoming environment for our customers. We are dedicated to employee growth, providing opportunities for training and development within a vibrant retail setting in the heart of Manchester.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook in Gloucester
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at Manchester Arndale and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook in Gloucester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at Manchester Arndale that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at Manchester Arndale.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at Manchester Arndale get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester Arndale
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at Manchester Arndale and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
