*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 * * 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
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