At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious, nutritious meals for patients and staff in a caring environment.
- Company: Join Marie Curie, the UK's leading end-of-life charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, competitive pay, and continuous professional development.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Be part of a compassionate team that supports patients and families during crucial times.
- Qualifications: Culinary skills, food hygiene knowledge, and experience supervising staff are essential.
The predicted salary is between 24937 - 26598 £ per year.
Marie Curie is the UK's leading end‑of‑life charity. We are the largest non‑NHS provider of end‑of‑life care in the UK, delivering community nursing and hospice care nationwide. We provide free specialist care and support to patients with terminal illnesses while offering vital emotional support for families. Our mission is to close the gap in the number of people missing out on the care they need at end‑of‑life through growing and transforming our direct care, delivering more practical information and support, and leading in shaping the end‑of‑life experience.
We are looking for a talented and compassionate Chef to join our Facilities team at the Marie Curie West Midlands Hospice. This vital role involves providing high‑quality, nutritious meals to patients, staff, volunteers, and visitors while ensuring adherence to food safety and hygiene standards. The ideal candidate will possess excellent culinary skills, the ability to develop and plan diverse menus, and a strong focus on customer service. Teamwork, interpersonal skills, flexibility and initiative are essential, along with a caring and compassionate attitude. You will also assist the Head Chef in supervising catering assistants, creating staff rotas, recruiting junior staff, selecting approved suppliers, and managing orders.
Contract: Permanent; 37.5 hours per week
Working Days: Any five days per week, Monday through Sunday, including bank holidays.
Salary: Agenda for Change BAND 3 £24,937 – £26,598 per annum. Based Marie Curie West Midlands Hospice, Solihull.
Essential Criteria:
- City & Guilds 706/1, 706/2, or Level 2 NVQ in Food Production and Cooking (or equivalent).
- Basic food hygiene certificate.
- Relevant catering experience.
- Experience supervising staff.
- High levels of health and safety awareness.
Desirable Criteria:
- Previous experience working within a healthcare environment.
- NVQ Level 3 qualification.
- Intermediate food handling certificate.
What's in it for you:
- Annual leave allowance 27 days plus 8 public holidays (pro‑rated).
- Competitive policy for parental/sick leave.
- Continuous professional development.
- Industry‑leading training programmes.
- Generous enhancements.
Marie Curie Benefits Package:
- Defined contribution pension scheme (charity match up to 7.5%).
- Marie Curie Group Personal Pension Scheme.
- Loan schemes for bikes, computers and satellite navigation systems.
- Help with eye‑care costs (terms & conditions apply).
- Entitlement to Marie Curie Blue Light Card.
- Entitlement to Benefit Hub Discount Scheme.
- Life assurance.
Advert Closes: 25 November 2025
Application Process: Apply online and include a copy of your most recent CV detailing your experience, how you meet the person specification, and why you would like to work for Marie Curie. For more information or an informal chat please contact joa@mariecurie.org.uk.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early. Agencies need not apply. Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work. We ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering are suitable for their roles and committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. We are dedicated to creating a safe place to work and a supportive, rewarding one. We are committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences. We are a Stonewall champion and promote full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace. We're happy to accommodate any requests for reasonable adjustments. Please email any requests to waum@mariecurie.org.uk.
Chef – West Midlands Hospice in Birmingham employer: Marie Curie UK
Marie Curie UK is an exceptional employer, dedicated to providing compassionate end-of-life care in a supportive and collaborative environment at our Belfast Hospice. We prioritise employee well-being with generous benefits, including 27 days of annual leave and opportunities for ongoing professional development, ensuring that our team members can grow both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in the lives of patients and their families.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef – West Midlands Hospice in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Marie Curie and their mission. Understanding their values and how they operate will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the role and the work culture, plus it might just get your foot in the door!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions. Think about how your culinary skills and experience align with the needs of the hospice. Show them your passion for providing quality care through food!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Marie Curie team and making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef – West Midlands Hospice in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for cooking and caring for others shine through. Share why you want to work at Marie Curie and how you can contribute to our mission of providing compassionate end-of-life care.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that match the job description. Focus on your culinary qualifications, any supervisory roles you've had, and your commitment to food safety and hygiene standards.
Be Specific:In your application, be specific about your achievements and experiences. Instead of just saying you have catering experience, mention the types of menus you've developed or how you've improved customer satisfaction in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marie Curie UK
✨Know Your Culinary Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your culinary skills and knowledge of food safety standards. Be ready to discuss your experience with menu planning and how you ensure high-quality meals. This is your chance to show off your passion for cooking and how it aligns with the compassionate care Marie Curie provides.
✨Show Your Compassionate Side
Since this role is all about providing care, be prepared to share examples of how you've demonstrated compassion in your previous roles. Think about times when you went above and beyond for customers or colleagues, especially in a healthcare setting. This will help you connect with the values of Marie Curie.
✨Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Highlight your teamwork and interpersonal skills during the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully supervised staff or collaborated with others in a kitchen environment. Sharing specific examples will show that you can thrive in a team-oriented atmosphere, which is crucial for this role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the team dynamics, the types of meals you’ll be preparing, or how the kitchen supports the overall mission of Marie Curie. Asking questions shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.
