Cook (Relief) based at The Meadow, Muswell Hill

MHA; Greater London; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days holiday

Pension & life assurance

DBS checks (free)

Counselling support

Annual leave flexibility

Discounts via Blue Light Card and Vivu

Induction and training

Long service awards

Job summary

The Meadow care home in Muswell Hill, operated by MHA, seeks a Cook (Relief) to deliver nutritious meals for members in a welcoming setting. You will run day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring meals meet dietary needs while supervising volunteers and supporting staff in line with MHA values.

The role emphasizes safe cooking, cost control and creating a positive dining experience for older adults, with opportunities for development within a supportive charity.

Qualifications

• Experience of preparing and cooking meals for large numbers of people.
• Ability to deliver high-quality meals within a set budget.
• Good communication and listening skills with a customer-focused approach.
• Experience of working with or supervising volunteers (desirable).
• Creativity in menu planning and sensitivity to the needs of older people.
• Flexible and positive approach to work, with occasional travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and serve meals for members attending lunch, breakfast or afternoon tea clubs.
• Plan menus that are nutritious, appealing and meet dietary and cultural needs.
• Manage food ordering and stock control, ensuring cost-effectiveness and minimising waste.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, food hygiene and safety in line with COSHH.
• Supervise and support volunteers and staff, including organising rotas.
• Assist with induction and training of volunteers and staff, ensuring compliance with hygiene standards.
• Maintain records and complete audits in line with food safety policies.
• Attend training, meetings, supervisions and appraisals as required.

Skills

Experience cooking for large numbers

Budget-conscious cooking

Customer-focused service

Volunteer supervision

Menu planning creativity

Flexibility and reliability

Job description

Cook (Relief) based at The Meadow, Muswell Hill

For this role, we are currently considering candidates who live within approximately 15 miles of the service. This ensures commutes are manageable and support your wellbeing and work-life balance. If you live outside this area but would still find the commute manageable, please get in touch - we are happy to review individual circumstances.

About the role

We are looking for an enthusiastic and organised Cook to join our team at MHA. This is a rewarding role where you will provide nutritious, high-quality meals for members attending our activities, helping to promote health, wellbeing and enjoyment.

As a Cook, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, ensuring meals are prepared safely, efficiently and in line with individual preferences and dietary needs. You will also support and supervise volunteers, helping to create a positive and welcoming environment based on MHA’s values.

What you will do

• Prepare, cook and serve meals for members attending lunch, breakfast or afternoon tea clubs.
• Plan menus that are nutritious, appealing and meet a wide range of dietary and cultural needs.
• Manage food ordering and stock control, ensuring cost-effectiveness and minimising waste.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, food hygiene and safety in line with food safety and COSHH requirements.
• Supervise and support volunteers and staff working in the kitchen, including organising rotas.
• Assist with the induction and training of volunteers and staff, ensuring compliance with food hygiene standards.
• Maintain accurate records and complete audits in line with food safety policies.
• Attend training, meetings, supervisions and appraisals as required.

About you

We are looking for someone who is confident, reliable and passionate about food and service.

You will bring:

• Experience of preparing and cooking meals for large numbers of people.
• The ability to deliver high-quality meals within a set budget.
• Good communication and listening skills, with a customer-focused approach.
• Experience of working with or supervising volunteers (desirable).
• Creativity in menu planning and sensitivity to the needs of older people.
• A flexible and positive approach to work, with occasional travel as required.

You will be joining an organisation with strong values and a commitment to helping people live later life well. At MHA, food plays an important role in bringing people together, and your work will have a meaningful impact every day.

Rewards and benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, you will enjoy:

• 28 days holiday (including bank holidays) and an option to buy annual leave (pro‑rota for part time)
• A strong pension scheme and life assurance
• Free DBS checks and uniforms (where applicable)
• Confidential counselling, chaplaincy support and access to our hardship fund
• Flexible options to buy or sell annual leave, plus family‑friendly policies
• Discounts through the Blue Light Card, Health Service Discounts and the Vivup app
• A full induction, ongoing training and development opportunities
• Long service awards to celebrate your contribution

About the service

The Meadow care home in Muswell Hill

The Meadow is a friendly home where colleagues work together to support older people and those living with dementia. The atmosphere is welcoming and inclusive, helping new colleagues feel part of the team from the outset.

Colleagues play a vital role in creating a calm, respectful environment that promotes dignity, independence and wellbeing. Guided by MHA’s charitable ethos, the home fosters collaboration, kindness and ongoing development.

For job seekers wanting to build a meaningful career in a supportive and people focused home, The Meadow offers a fulfilling place to make a genuine difference every day.

Where the role requires a Standard or Enhanced DBS check, the successful candidate will be required to join and maintain membership of the DBS Update Service. MHA will pay for the DBS check and will provide an additional payment through payroll equivalent to the standard annual Update Service subscription fee. Further details will be provided during onboarding.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

MHA are fully committed to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) as this is embedded in our values: respect, nurture and inspire. In addition, as a committed employer we have been awarded level 2 under the Disability Confident Scheme.