Relief Cook & Kitchen Lead: Nutritious Senior Meals

MHA; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days holiday

Pension scheme

DBS checks and uniforms

Job summary

The Meadow care home in Muswell Hill, part of MHA, is recruiting a Cook (Relief/Bank) to join our friendly kitchen team. You will prepare and serve nutritious meals for members, supporting wellbeing and enjoyment in daily activities.

You will oversee day-to-day kitchen operations, manage stock and budgets where possible, supervise volunteers, and ensure food safety standards are met. We value reliability, organisation and flexible, team-focused service.

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 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.

Skills

Large-scale cooking

Customer focus

Volunteer supervision

Menu planning

Job description

The Meadow care home in Muswell Hill, part of MHA, is recruiting a Cook (Relief/Bank) to join our friendly kitchen team. You will prepare and serve nutritious meals for members, supporting wellbeing and enjoyment in daily activities.

You will oversee day-to-day kitchen operations, manage stock and budgets where possible, supervise volunteers, and ensure food safety standards are met. We value reliability, organisation and flexible, team-focused service.