At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook delicious meals for night shift colleagues in a vibrant kitchen.
- Company: Join OCS, a leading facilities management company with a strong commitment to its people.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible pay, digital learning opportunities, and exclusive retail perks.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with great career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by serving your colleagues and ensuring high food safety standards.
- Qualifications: Previous kitchen experience preferred; reliability and attention to detail are key.
The predicted salary is between 21150 - 25850 £ per year.
Role Overview
We are seeking a reliable and motivated
About The Role
Monday to Friday - 10.30pm to 5.30am
Role Overview
We are seeking a reliable and motivated Night Cook to support catering operations within the Tesco Distribution Centre in Didcot.
The role involves preparing and serving meals for colleagues working night shifts, ensuring high standards of food safety, quality, and cleanliness.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare and cook hot meals for night shift colleagues.
- Ensure food is prepared in accordance with food safety and hygiene standards.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organised kitchen environment.
- Monitor stock levels and report shortages when required.
- Follow company procedures for food storage, temperature checks, and record keeping.
- Assist with menu preparation and basic food prep tasks.
- Ensure all kitchen equipment is used and maintained safely.
- Provide friendly and professional service to colleagues using the canteen facilities.
Requirements
- Previous experience working in a kitchen, catering, or cook role preferred.
- Basic understanding of food hygiene and safety standards.
- Ability to work independently during night shifts.
- Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Reliability and punctuality are essential.
- Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (desirable but not essential).
About The Company
Additional Requirements
Due to the nature of this role, you will need access to a smartphone that can support our approved work applications for tasks such as clocking in and out (if you are required to use our time and attendance system for your role), viewing schedules, completing training and receiving work-related communications.
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)
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.
Night Cook in Southampton employer: OCS
OCS UK & Ireland is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where mobile Retail Security Officers can thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, you will have the opportunity to enhance your skills while working in a supportive team culture across various supermarket locations. Enjoy the benefits of flexible working hours, competitive pay, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in loss prevention.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Night Cook in Southampton
✨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. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to OCS
Don't be shy about reaching out to OCS 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 Night Cook in Southampton
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 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
✨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!
