At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead catering operations, ensuring high-quality food service and excellent customer experiences.
- Company: Join OCS UK & Ireland, a top facilities management company with a strong commitment to its people.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible pay, digital learning opportunities, and exclusive retail perks.
- Other info: Be part of an award-winning team that values trust, respect, and empowerment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in diverse catering environments while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering management and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 27540 - 33660 £ per year.
Working Pattern variable shift pattern
To provide flexible managerial support across multiple catering sites, ensuring the delivery of high‑quality food services, operational continuity, and an excellent customer experience.
The Support Relief Catering Manager steps in during periods of absence, increased demand, or to assist in the rollout of new operational processes.
This is a mobile chef relief role and would be covering the Coventry, Birmingham and Warwick areas.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership
- Manage day‑to‑day catering operations across designated sites.
- Maintain high standards of food production, presentation, and hygiene.
- Ensure smooth service delivery during staff shortages or manager absences.
- Oversee stock control, ordering, and supplier relationships.
- Support the implementation of new menus, systems, or procedures.
- People Management
- Lead, motivate, and support catering teams during relief placements.
- Provide training and guidance to maintain consistent standards across teams.
- Assist with rota management and allocation of staffing resources.
- Promote a positive, inclusive, and safe working environment.
- Food Safety & Compliance
- Ensure all activities comply with food safety legislation and organisational policies.
- Maintain accurate records including temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and HACCP documentation.
- Monitor compliance with allergen control and health & safety policies.
- Customer Experience
- Deliver excellent customer service across all sites.
- Respond to customer feedback and resolve issues promptly.
- Ensure the catering offer meets service expectations and organisational standards.
- Financial Management
- Assist with budget management, cost control, and waste reduction.
- Support revenue‑driven initiatives (where applicable).
- Ensure correct cash handling procedures and financial reporting.
- Continuous Improvement
- Identify areas for operational development and share best practice.
- Support change management initiatives across catering services.
- Contribute to audits, quality reviews, and service improvement plans.
Person Specification
Essential
- Experience supervising or managing catering operations.
- Strong understanding of food hygiene, allergen management, and health & safety.
- Excellent communication and people‑management skills.
- Ability to work flexibly across multiple sites.
- Strong organisational and problem‑solving abilities.
- Level 2 Food Safety (minimum).
Desirable
- Level 3 Food Safety or equivalent.
- Experience working across multi‑site catering operations.
- Knowledge of cost control and basic financial reporting.
- Experience in a hospitality, education, commercial, or care‑sector kitchen.
- Key Attributes
- Adaptable and calm under pressure.
- Confident decision‑maker.
- Customer‑focused mindset.
- Positive and supportive attitude.
- Commitment to high standards and continuous improvement.
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.
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)
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.
Support Relief Chef Manager in Lichfield employer: OCS Group
OCS UK & Ireland is an award-winning employer that prioritises the growth and wellbeing of its employees, offering extensive training and development opportunities through the OCS Academy. Located in Hammersmith, our team enjoys a supportive work culture that values trust, respect, unity, and empowerment, alongside benefits such as flexible pay options and access to exclusive retail discounts. Join us to be part of a diverse workforce dedicated to making a positive impact in facilities management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Relief Chef Manager in Lichfield
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like OCS Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to OCS Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to OCS Group directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Support Relief Chef Manager in Lichfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about OCS Group and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at OCS Group
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
