Catering Assistant/Relief Cook in Greenock

Overview

We are seeking a reliable and enthusiastic Catering Assistant / Relief Cook to join our friendly team at a busy manufacturing site in Greenock. This role involves supporting the day‑to‑day catering operation, ensuring the smooth running of breakfast and lunch service for approximately 60 customers daily, as well as a range of sandwiches and snacks.

The successful candidate will primarily assist with food preparation, service, and general kitchen duties, but will also step up to cover the Chef’s role during absences, holidays, or busy periods. Experience working in a catering or kitchen environment as a cook or chef is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation and service of breakfast and lunch to a high standard.
• Step up and take full responsibility for kitchen operations in the absence of the Cook/Chef, including menu planning, ordering, and food production.
• Prepare a range of hot and cold dishes, sandwiches, and snacks.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, hygiene, and health & safety regulations.
• Maintain cleanliness and organisation of kitchen and service areas, including washing dishes, utensils, and equipment.
• Hospitality set‑up – set up for on‑site hospitality events.
• Operate tills and serve customers efficiently and professionally.
• Reporting – report defects and breakdowns, and ensure daily checklists are correct.
• Support the catering team in stock rotation, deliveries, and waste management.
• Provide excellent customer service and represent the catering team in a positive manner at all times.

Skills and Experience Required

• Proven experience in a catering environment, ideally as a Cook or Chef.
• Food hygiene qualification (Level 2 minimum).
• Confident cooking from scratch and following set menus.
• Strong understanding of food safety and allergen management.
• Ability to work independently when required and take initiative.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Reliable, punctual, and professional approach.

What We Offer

• Monday to Friday daytime hours (no evenings or weekends).
• Supportive working environment with opportunities for development.
• Uniform and meals on duty provided.
• Competitive hourly rate depending on experience.
• Access to on‑site gym.
• Enhanced holiday allowance (33 days per year, pro rata).
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Bike2Work Scheme.
• Company Bonus.
• Company Pension Scheme.
• Company Saving Scheme.