Second Chef

Contract Type: Permanent, part-time Closing Date: 01 September 2026 Interview Date: TBC Salary: £25,280 (FTE) Hours: 24 hours per week on a 7 day rota

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Farleigh Hospice is a high performing organisation providing specialist palliative and end of life care for people with life limiting illness in the Mid Essex region. Our team at Farleigh has grown and evolved to meet the changing needs of the community we serve and we are looking for a highly motivated Second Chef to join our Catering team.

We are seeking to recruit a Second Chef to work on a part-time basis within our newly renovated kitchen and café which provides a catering service for our onsite patients, staff and external visitors. The successful candidate will have had previous chef experience within a busy kitchen, be professional, responsive and friendly with the ability to work well as part of a team of staff and volunteers.

You will assist in the planning, preparation, cooking and serving of meals, ensuring that high standards of food hygiene and cleaning are maintained. The kitchen provides a variety of both hot and cold food options together with occasional event catering, snack items, sandwiches and cakes.

The role offered is on a part time basis of 24 hours per week. This is a 4 day a week contract with shifts of 6 hours and over a 7-day working week rota. There will usually be one weekend shift per month (excluding any holiday cover) where you will be working alone or with a volunteer assistant and so the ability to work independently is essential to this role.

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who like to meet people and are enthusiastic about providing a first-class catering service to patients, visitors, staff and volunteers.

You will be:

• Someone who can work as part of a team as well as under your own initiative

• Flexible and able to adapt to change

• Able to maintain high standards of service and hygiene

• Willing to learn new skills

• Physically able to undertake manual handling tasks applicable to the role such as cleaning and carrying

You will have:

• Previous catering training and experience with the ability to cook a variety of meals independently

• Knowledge on food hygiene standards and nutrition

• Good communication skills

• Basic IT skills

We offer a great working environment, a competitive pay and benefit package, flexible working and a strong team to support you.

If you require further information please view the job description here or contact the recruiting manager Michelle von Kimmelmann on 01245 457392 or email [email protected] for an informal chat.

(Please note – If we receive a high number of applications we will close the vacancy before the closing date)

Farleigh Hospice is committed to creating an inclusive working environment where diversity is recognised and celebrated. To achieve this we welcome applications from all sections of the community. Farleigh Hospice operates a three-month probation period. Positions may be subject to DBS Disclosure. Charity Registration No: 284670