Cook (Weekend)

St Lukes; Basildon; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Thurrock Hospice is seeking a Back of House Cook for weekend shifts to support patients, staff and visitors. Join the opening team for Seasons @St. Luke's by AnuragFoodStory, a new bistro opening Summer 2026, in a care setting focused on wellbeing.

You will work alongside a BBC MasterChef UK finalist, developing hospitality skills, while contributing to a community-focused project that aims to provide excellent food in welcoming surroundings.

Qualifications

• Experience in commercial, healthcare or catering environments.
• Hold Level 2 Food Hygiene in Catering (or willing to obtain).
• Ability to cook to high standards with attention to detail.
• Organised and capable of working under time pressures.
• Good communication and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals according to menus and portion specs.
• Adapt meals for dietary needs and cultural preferences.
• Ensure proper storage, labeling and rotation to maintain freshness.
• Maintain high cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and report issues.
• Support menu planning and cost-effective dishes.
• Assist with stock ordering and record-keeping.
• Coordinate meal times with clinical and domestic teams.
• Follow health/safety and confidentiality policies.

Skills

Cooking skills

Communication skills

Time management

Teamwork

Education

Level 2 Food Safety in Catering

Job description

We are seeking a Back of House Cook (Weekend) to ensure excellent catering for patients, staff and visitors. In addition, successful applicants will join the opening team for a new Bistro 'Seasons @St. Luke's by AnuragFoodStory' opening in Summer 2026.

The bistro will be welcoming and modern; reimagining how food can support wellbeing in a care setting, whilst opening doors for the local community to enjoy excellent food in beautiful surroundings.

The Hospice is inviting hospitality professionals at all stages of their careers - from entry-level to experienced - to be part of the project.

The roles offer the opportunity to:

• Work alongside a BBC MasterChef UK finalist and published author Learn, develop, and grow hospitality and catering skills Be part of a new and innovative hospitality concept
• Be part of a team making a tangible difference in the community

In this role you will:

• Prepare and cook meals according to menus, recipes and portion specifications ensuring consistency and presentation standards are met.
• Adapt meals to meet individual dietary needs, allergies and cultural preferences, following guidance from dietetic or clinical teams where required.
• Ensure all food is stored, labelled and rotated correctly to maintain freshness and minimise waste.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen, complying with Food Hygiene Regulations and internal policies.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and report any maintenance or safety issues promptly.
• Support menu planning and contribute ideas for seasonal and cost-effective dishes that meet nutritional and budgetary requirements.
• Assist with stock ordering, deliveries and accurate record keeping to control food costs.
• Work collaboratively with clinical and domestic teams to coordinate meal times and special requests.
• Follow all organisational policies including health and safety, confidentiality and infection control procedures.

Requirements:

• Have previous experience working in a commercial, healthcare or catering environment.
• Hold a recognised food hygiene qualification (Level 2 Food Safety in Catering or equivalent) or be willing to obtain one.
• Demonstrate practical cooking skills, attention to detail and the ability to produce food consistently to a high standard.
• Be organised, able to follow instructions and work effectively under time pressures.
• Have good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Be able to perform manual handling tasks and stand for extended periods; reasonable adjustments can be considered.

We are a local charity providing compassionate care to people whose illnesses are no longer curable. We promote dignity in dying and empower people to make the choices they want, from the moment they are diagnosed.

Our care considers people's medical, spiritual and emotional needs, including support for loved ones and carers. Anyone living in Basildon and Thurrock can call on us 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Working alongside other healthcare providers, our specialist services are available at the hospice, out in the community or in a person's place of residence. Together, we fulfil people's choices at the end of their life.

We are a charity and the services we provide are free. We rely on voluntary income from local people to deliver the care they deserve.

Salary: £25,200 - £30,100 per annum pro rata (depending on experience)

Contract: Permanent Hours: weekends, 7:30am-3:30pm Saturday & 8:00am - 4:00pm Sunday, with occasional need to work evenings and weekdays as needed.

Location: Thurrock Hospice

Right to work Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.

We are unable to sponsor work permits or visas.

Belonging, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are particularly keen to hear from candidates who are under-represented in our workforce. Adjustments can be made to support applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.