*Chef* *12-month fixed-term contract supporting the commercial entity project* *Location:* Oakhaven Hospice, Lymington, Hampshire *Hours:* 33 hours; with the following work pattern; Mondays 8am – 2pm (6) Tuesdays 9am – 5pm (7.5) Wednesday 9am – 5pm (7.5) Thursdays 8am – 2pm(6) Fridays 8am – 2pm (6) With flexibility to work additional hours to cover annual leave and support functions and events. *Salary:* £25,877.28 per annum (FTE £29,406 per annum) *Closing Date:* 6th September 2026 *Make Every Meal Matter* At Oakhaven Hospice, we provide expert, compassionate care and support to patients and families living with life-limiting illnesses across the New Forest, Totton and Waterside communities. We believe that food is much more than nourishment. A freshly prepared meal can bring comfort, create connection, and enhance wellbeing during some of life's most challenging moments. We are looking for a dedicated and talented Chef to join our Catering Team. This is a rewarding opportunity to use your culinary skills to make a genuine difference to patients, their families, staff and volunteers, while supporting the wider work of our charity. *About the Role* As a Chef at Oakhaven Hospice, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality catering services across the organisation. Working as part of a friendly and supportive team, you will: * Prepare and serve nutritious, appetising and well-balanced meals for patients, families, staff and visitors. * Contribute to our external catering activities and fundraising events, helping to generate income that supports hospice care. * Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation and customer service. * Ensure the kitchen and food preparation areas remain clean, safe and compliant with all relevant regulations. * Support and supervise volunteers working within the catering team. * Assist in managing resources effectively and delivering services within budget. * Help create positive dining experiences that support health, wellbeing and dignity. *About You* We're looking for someone who is passionate about food and takes pride in delivering excellent service. You will have: * NVQ Level 2 in Catering, Professional Cookery, or equivalent qualification. * At Least 5 years’ experience (in a similar setting ideal) * Food Hygiene certification. * Knowledge of Food Hygiene, HACCP, COSHH, Health & Safety and allergen regulations. * Previous experience in a similar catering or chef role. * Strong organisational and time-management skills. * Excellent attention to detail. * A positive, flexible approach and the ability to work as part of a team. * A warm personality and a good sense of humour. *Why Join Oakhaven Hospice?* In return, we offer a supportive and rewarding working environment, alongside an excellent benefits package including: * 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part-time employees). * Additional long-service leave awards at 5 and 10 years. * Auto-enrolment pension scheme. * Life Assurance cover. * Cash Health Plan. * Employee Assistance Programme, including access to the *Help@Hand* wellbeing app from Unum. * Excellent learning, training and development opportunities. * Dedicated wellbeing support. * A caring, inclusive and values-driven workplace where your contribution truly matters. *Join Us* If you're a skilled Chef looking to use your experience in a role with real purpose, we'd love to hear from you. Join Oakhaven Hospice and help create moments of comfort, care and connection through the meals you prepare every day Pay: £25,877.28 per year Benefits: * Discounted or free food * Free parking * On-site parking Ability to commute/relocate: * Lymington, Hampshire: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required) Application question(s): * do you have an NVQ Level 2 in Catering, Professional Cookery, or equivalent qualification * Do you hold a Food Hygiene certification * As part of your application, please include a covering letter telling us why you are interested in the role and what you can bring to the team. Experience: * chef/catering : 5 years (required) Work authorisation: * United Kingdom (required) Work Location: In person
