Chef
| Company: | St Elizabeth Hospice |
|---|---|
| Salary: | from £25,938 a year, pro rata |
| Hours: | Part-time |
| Location: | Ipswich, IP3 8LX |
| Working pattern: | On-site |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Posting date: | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Closing date: | 8 Nov 2026 |
Summary
We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Chef to lead the day-to-day operations of our kitchen during allocated shifts. In this role, you will do much more than cook; you will ensure the delivery of high-quality, nutritious, and safe food production that directly impacts patient wellbeing and customer experience. Working as part of a collaborative and flexible team, you will champion excellent food safety, customer service, and operational standards while embodying the core values of the hospice.
Key Responsibilities
Kitchen Leadership: Lead the operations of the kitchen, guiding the catering team to ensure smooth, efficient daily service.
High-Quality Food Production: Prepare, cook, and present nutritious, appealing meals tailored to the dietary requirements of patients, as well as comforting options for visitors and staff.
Standards & Compliance: Maintain excellent food safety, hygiene, and health and safety standards across all food prep and storage areas.
Customer Excellence: Ensure an outstanding dining experience for everyone, demonstrating empathy and responsiveness to patient and family feedback.
Team Collaboration: Support the wider catering team, fostering a positive, flexible, and cohesive working environment.
What We Are Looking For
• Proven experience working as a Chef, ideally within a healthcare, care home, or high-standard hospitality environment.
• Strong knowledge of food hygiene regulations (Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate or the commitment to attain. NVQ Level 2 Professional Cookery.
• Ability to adapt menus to meet specific nutritional or medical dietary needs.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and customer service skills.
• A compassionate, flexible approach to work, with a commitment to supporting the values of a local charity.
Essential requirements
Essential • Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate ( or commitment to attain) • NVQ Level 2 Professional Cookery • Experience of working in a commercial or healthcare catering environment • Experience of preparing meals to a consistently high standard • Excellent food preparation and organisational skills • Ability to prioritise workload during busy service periods • Reliable, professional & flexible • Friendly, approachable & calm • Positive, enthusiastic team player who enjoys supporting others • Passionate about delivering exceptional patient and customer experience Desirable • First Aid at Work • Manual Handling training • Experience of working with special diets and allergens • Experience of supervising and supporting colleagues during shifts • Menu development and recipe costing • Stock management and waste reduction