At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead kitchen operations, prepare nutritious meals, and ensure excellent food safety standards.
- Company: Join St Elizabeth Hospice, a compassionate charity improving lives in East Suffolk.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, health discounts, and employee assistance programme.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available with a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patients' lives while showcasing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Chef, knowledge of food hygiene, and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 24300 - 29700 £ per year.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
St Elizabeth Hospice is an independent charity & hospice, which improves life for people in the East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth & Waveney areas living with a progressive or life-limiting illness.
Last year the charity supported over 4,000 patients & their families.
The hospices work is centred on the individual's needs and they provide specialist support wherever it is needed; whether that is in the home, another setting in the community, in hospital or in the hospice itself.
Support is provided to patients & their families via the Inpatient Unit, the Community Care Unit including outpatients clinics, home visits from the community nursing, medical or therapy team, the One Call 24/7 telephone helpline & bereavement support.
St Elizabeth Hospice is committed to safeguarding & protecting the adults & young people that we work with & has a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, neglect & discrimination of any person.
As such, all posts are subject to a rigorous safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records & vetting checks.
We have a range of robust safeguarding policies in place which promote safeguarding across the hospice & staff are expected to undertake regular, mandatory safeguarding training to equip them with the knowledge & skills to identify & respond to potential risks.
Various shifts available covering 7:00am to 7:00pm including weekends
In addition to being part of a wonderful local charity, the hospice offers a generous benefit package, including:
- 27 days annual leave entitlement
- Pension scheme (NHS pension transferable)
- Life Cover
- Free Car Parking
- Cycle to Work & Car Leasing Scheme
- Health Service Discounts
- Occupational Sick Pay
- Blue Light Card
- Employee Assistance Programme
Chef in Ipswich employer: St Elizabeth Hospice
St Elizabeth Hospice is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and compassionate work culture that prioritises the well-being of both staff and patients. With a strong focus on professional development, employees have access to continuous training and growth opportunities in the field of palliative care. Located in the heart of the community, this role allows for meaningful engagement with patients and families, making a real difference in their lives while working alongside a dedicated multidisciplinary team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef in Ipswich
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like St Elizabeth Hospice. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to St Elizabeth Hospice
Don't be shy about reaching out to St Elizabeth Hospice directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about St Elizabeth Hospice and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Elizabeth Hospice
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
