At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in food prep, maintain kitchen cleanliness, and serve customers.
- Company: Join OCS, a top-rated facilities management company with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible pay, digital learning, and exclusive retail perks.
- Other info: Flexible hours during term time and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in catering while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Basic food prep skills; experience is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
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.
Why Work for OCS
- Award‑winning employer – Ranked 36th on Glassdoor’s Best Companies to Work For 2025.
- Digital learning: The OCS Academy offers digital courses and resources to help you build skills and grow your career.
- Retail perks: access exclusive discounts, rewards and wellbeing resources via the Hapi app.
- Professional growth: 600+ live learners across UK&I; the company supports further development and qualifications.
- Flexible pay: access a portion of earned wages before payday with the Wagestream App (contract specific).
About The Role
Shift pattern: Monday to Friday, term time only, 09:30 – 14:30.
Responsibilities:
- Help with food preparation tasks such as peeling, chopping, trimming, and making sandwiches and salads.
- Maintain cleanliness in the kitchen area and equipment, including cleaning utensils, tableware, and catering stations.
- Assist with receiving and unpacking all deliveries and ensure that the food and supply storage areas are organised.
- Serve food items to customers in accordance with the menu prepared by the chefs.
- Top up vending services daily.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Commercial kitchen experience is highly valued but not essential.
- Basic catering and hospitality certificate such as Food Handling or equivalent desired; the company can provide this.
- Must have basic knife skills, food preparation skills, and time management skills.
- Can work under pressure and have excellent organisational skills.
- Can stand for extended periods; this is often necessary due to the physical nature of the job.
Ideal Candidate Criteria:
- Right to work in the UK.
- Prepared to undergo a DBS or enhanced security check.
- Good time‑management and organisational abilities.
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, please click apply and register your interest. You can also sign up to our job alerts when registering, which will notify you of other suitable vacancies.
Equal Opportunity
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 Grays employer: OCS
OCS UK & Ireland is an award-winning employer that prioritises the growth and wellbeing of its employees, offering a supportive work culture and numerous professional development opportunities through the OCS Academy. With flexible pay options and exclusive retail perks, working as a Catering Assistant here not only provides a chance to contribute to a dynamic team but also ensures a rewarding career path in a thriving facilities management environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant in Grays
✨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 OCS 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 Catering Assistant in Grays
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 OCS 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 OCS.
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 OCS get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at OCS
✨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 OCS 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.
