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- Tasks: Create nutritious meals that provide comfort and care for patients and their families.
- Company: Join St Peter & St James Hospice, a leader in palliative care.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days holiday, sick pay, and discounts in charity shops.
- Other info: Empowering environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives through your cooking skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in a professional kitchen and a Food Safety qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 22190 - 22853 £ per year.
Do you have a passion for creating nutritious, delicious meals that make a real difference? We’re looking for a Lead Cook to join our dedicated catering team at St Peter & St James Hospice. As Lead Cook, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring our patients, their loved ones, staff, and volunteers enjoy high‑quality, well‑balanced meals tailored to individual needs and preferences. This role goes beyond cooking – it’s about providing comfort, dignity, and care through food.
Job Details
- Location: St Peter & St James Hospice, BN8 4ED
- Salary: £22,190 - £22,853 per annum (£27,738 - £28,566 per annum, full-time equivalent)
- Hours: Part‑time, 30 hours per week, over 4 days
- Shifts: 8am–4pm and 11am–7pm, Monday to Sunday (ability to work regular Wednesdays is desirable)
- Contract: Permanent
- Closing date: Applications will be reviewed as they are received – early applications are encouraged
What you’ll be doing
- Preparing and serving nutritious meals with care, consistency, and attention to detail.
- Catering for individual dietary, cultural, and religious requirements.
- Working collaboratively with clinical teams to support nutrition and hydration plans.
- Leading and supporting the Catering Team to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient kitchen operations.
- Deputising for the Catering Manager when required.
What we’re looking for
- Significant prior experience working as a cook or in a similar professional kitchen environment (this experience is essential for the role).
- A current Food Safety & Hygiene qualification.
- Strong organisational skills, including stock control and budget awareness.
- The ability to lead a team, prioritise workloads, and maintain high standards in a busy environment.
- Empathy, professionalism, and a commitment to the values of St Peter & St James Hospice.
If you are creative, reliable, and passionate about using your cooking skills to support outstanding care, we would love to hear from you.
Please find the full job description and person specification at the bottom of the page.
If you have any questions about the role, or require any additional support or reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact Nicky Brown, Catering Manager by emailing nbrown@stpjhospice.org.
The Organisation
St Peter & St James Hospice is a leading provider of specialist palliative and end of life care for our Mid-Sussex community. People affected by life-limiting illness are central to everything we do and it is our mission to ensure they receive the best possible care, in the right place, at the right time. Our services are free of charge and can be accessed at home, in a care setting, or at the Hospice in North Chailey.
We achieve our goals through the organisation’s talented people, by attracting, retaining and developing a highly skilled, diverse and engaged workforce. Over 150 employees and 400 volunteers work in a variety of roles across our Clinical Services, Retail and Support Functions.
If you're looking to put your skills to use in an organisation that makes a difference for its local community and values Compassion, Integrity, Accountability, Excellence and Inclusivity then click 'Apply Now'!
The Benefits
- 27 days holiday
- Company sick pay scheme
- Enhanced maternity/adoption pay
- Monthly occupational health clinics
- Leadership development programme
- 20% discount in our charity shops
Our people
Our people are our strength. We value diversity and inclusion so encourage applications from everyone, regardless of race, national origin, sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion, disability or age.
Please ensure you have your own means of transport as the hospice is not accessible by bus and is located on a main road without public footpath.
If you have any questions about this vacancy or require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please contact us on hr@stpjhospice.org.
Please note we may shortlist and interview candidates as applications are received. Offers of employment are subject to satisfactory results from pre-employment checks (right to work, references, Occupational Health, and DBS if applicable).
Lead Cook in Lewes employer: St Peter & St James Hospice
Contact Detail:
St Peter & St James Hospice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Cook in Lewes
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research St Peter & St James Hospice and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events related to the hospice sector. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions and scenarios specific to the role of Lead Cook. Think about how you can demonstrate your experience and passion for creating nutritious meals that cater to individual needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the amazing work we do.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Cook in Lewes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for cooking and caring for others shine through. Share specific examples of how you've created nutritious meals that cater to individual needs, as this aligns perfectly with what we're looking for.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in professional kitchens. We want to see how your background fits the role of Lead Cook, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills in leading a team and managing kitchen operations.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your qualifications and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our catering team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role as soon as possible. Don’t wait too long – we review applications as they come in!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Peter & St James Hospice
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of nutrition and dietary requirements. Be ready to discuss how you can cater to individual needs and preferences, as this is crucial for the role at St Peter & St James Hospice.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in a busy kitchen environment. Highlight your ability to prioritise workloads and maintain high standards, as these are key qualities they’re looking for in a Lead Cook.
✨Emphasise Empathy and Care
This role is about more than just cooking; it’s about providing comfort and dignity through food. Be ready to share experiences that demonstrate your empathy and commitment to patient care, which aligns with the hospice's values.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the catering team's collaboration with clinical staff or how they ensure meal quality. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.