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- Tasks: Join our Catering team as a Cook, delivering top-notch food and drink to clients.
- Company: OCS UK & Ireland is a leading facilities management company with over 50,000 colleagues.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development, career progression, and a diverse, inclusive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, create delicious meals, and make a real impact on customer satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Must have the right to work in the UK; food handling certificate preferred but not essential.
- Other info: Flexible shift patterns and opportunities for training in food safety and cookery.
OCS UK & Ireland is a leading facilities management company with a turnover of £1.7bn 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 Public Sector FM business division that provides Cleaning, Catering, Facilities Management, Hard Services, Pest Control and Security services to a wide range of prestigious clients, within the Government market.
Shift Pattern: Week 1 - Saturday/Sunday/Friday and Week 2 Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday
We are currently recruiting for a dedicated and driven Cook to join our Catering team. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering our outstanding food and drink offering to our clients and site visitors.
Your key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
- Ensuring food quality and taste are of the highest standard.
- Managing inventory of stock and ordering raw materials.
- Working within a busy retail outlet and therefore this role will be customer facing.
- Controlling budgets and minimising wastage.
- Maintaining health and hygiene in the kitchen.
- Prepare and cook for clients and customers.
- Supporting the site in the absence of the Senior Chef.
The ideal candidate should meet the following criteria:
- Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
- Must have your own transport to be able to get to site on time for early morning starts.
- Someone who is willing to attain the highest standards possible.
- We are looking for an employee that is autonomous in their approach but also happy to work well in a team.
- Ideally, you will have your food handling certificate - but don’t worry if you don’t, we can help you achieve this!
- A background in contract catering would be ideal but not essential.
- Ideally City & Guilds 706/1 and 706/2 or level 2 diploma in Professional Cookery (or equivalent) is essential.
- Excellent knowledge of health and safety and food safety.
- To be able to work in a fast paced environment.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills as you will be interacting with the customer base and onsite clients.
- A real passion for food and service, with the ability to prepare and cook good quality seasonal food.
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.
Cook employer: OCS Group
Contact Detail:
OCS Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of the role, especially around food safety and hygiene. Being able to discuss these topics confidently during an interview will show that you take the responsibilities seriously.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant experience in contract catering or similar environments. If you have worked in fast-paced kitchens before, be ready to share examples of how you managed stress and maintained quality under pressure.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your passion for food by discussing your favourite dishes to prepare or any culinary techniques you enjoy. This can help you connect with the interviewers and show that you are genuinely enthusiastic about the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you would handle customer interactions, as this role is customer-facing. Think of examples where you provided excellent service or resolved issues effectively, showcasing your communication skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in catering and food preparation. Emphasise any previous roles where you managed inventory, maintained hygiene standards, or worked in a customer-facing environment.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and service. Mention specific examples of how you've delivered high-quality meals or managed kitchen operations in the past.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have qualifications like City & Guilds 706/1 and 706/2 or a level 2 diploma in Professional Cookery, make sure to mention these prominently. If you don’t have them yet, express your willingness to attain necessary certifications.
Showcase Soft Skills: In your application, highlight your communication and customer service skills. Provide examples of how you've interacted with clients or customers in previous roles, as this is crucial for the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at OCS Group
✨Show Your Passion for Food
During the interview, express your genuine love for cooking and food service. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your passion, as this will resonate well with the interviewers and demonstrate your commitment to delivering high-quality meals.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Health and Safety
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of health and safety regulations in the kitchen. Highlight any relevant certifications you have, such as food handling certificates, and be ready to explain how you ensure a safe and hygienic working environment.
✨Prepare for Customer Interaction Scenarios
Since the role is customer-facing, think about potential scenarios where you might interact with clients or customers. Practice responses to common questions or situations, showcasing your excellent communication and customer service skills.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
Emphasise your ability to work autonomously while also being a team player. Share examples from previous roles where you successfully collaborated with others in a busy kitchen environment, demonstrating your adaptability and willingness to support your colleagues.
