Assistant Chef

Job summary

At East Cheshire Hospice, we provide compassionate care and support to patients and their families at one of the most important times of their lives. Our kitchen plays a vital rile in ensuring patients, visitors, and staff receive nourishing, comforting meals tailored to individual needs.

We are looking for a new Assistant Chef to join our busy and dedicated catering team which provides an excellent standard of food. This role requires a passion to cook and dedication to a team-based environment.

Salary: £27,476 (actual salary £16,485)

Hours: 22.5 per week working across three days, including weekends and bank holidays

Contract: Permanent

Main duties of the job

• Preparing and cooking meals for parents, visitors, and staff, taking into account dietary requirements and preferences.
• Ensuring meals are presented to a high standard, with a focus on both taste and nutrition.
• Maintaining excellent food hygiene and health & safety standards in line with regulations.
• Supporting the smooth day-to-day running of the kitchen, including stock management and cleaning duties.
• Working collaboratively with clinical colleagues to adapt meals to meet patients needs.

About us

East Cheshire Hospice has been caring for people living with life-limiting illnesses since 1988.

We put our patients, their carers or families at the centre of everything we do, and our expert medical treatment is only the start of the holistic care we provide.

Our Hospice is a warm and welcoming place for everyone, no matter their background or beliefs. We provide compassionate care in a peaceful, supportive environment, where every individual is treated with dignity, kindness and respect.

Details

• Date posted: 12 October 2026
• Pay scheme: Other
• Salary: £27,476 a year actual salary £16,485
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Part-time
• Reference number: B0047-26-0022
• Job locations: Millbank Drive, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 3DR, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

Job Purpose

Deputise in the absence of the head chef to respond to catering requests and ensure the kitchen runs smoothly.

Prepare hot and cold dishes as per specifications to a high standard. (Measured by customer feedback and audit).

Keep the kitchen equipment in a clean, organised, and tidy state.

Offer feedback, recipe, and menu ideas to the head chef.

Be willing to take on extra responsibility as and when required under guidance.

Be prepared to develop a working understanding of potential symptoms and conditions which may impact diet, nutrition, and food preparation.

Demonstrate an interest in modern cooking techniques, current food trends and seasonal produce making suggestions and contributing to meetings and discussions.

Control of Infection

Prevention and management of infection is the responsibility of all members of staff and volunteers working at East Cheshire Hospice and forms an integral element of patient safety programmes. Where control of infection regimes are in force they are to be complied with at all times and staff are reminded of the importance of maintaining a high standard of personal and environmental hygiene and to follow local protocols.