Care Home Lead Cook / Chef – North London Position: Full-Time 8am - 7pm | 4 days PW Pay: £17- £18 per hour Nocturnal Recruitment Solutions are recruiting on behalf of well-established care services in North London for an experienced Lead Cook / Chef. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled cook with care sector experience who understands the importance of nutrition, presentation and resident satisfaction within a residential setting. The Role: Meals are often the highlight of the day for residents, and we are looking for someone who takes pride in delivering high-quality, freshly prepared meals that are both nutritious and well-presented. You will lead the kitchen, maintain high hygiene standards, and ensure a positive dining experience for approximately 50 residents. Key Responsibilities: * Preparing and delivering high-quality, freshly cooked meals that are nutritious, appealing, and well-presented. * Create culturally appropriate, balanced menus within budget * Prepare fresh desserts and baked goods daily * Maintain high standards of food hygiene and kitchen cleanliness * Comply with Food Safety, COSHH, Infection Control and Manual Handling procedures * Monitor stock levels and place orders within budget * Ensure kitchen equipment is maintained and report faults * Work collaboratively with the Care Manager and care team to meet residents’ needs. * Engage with residents to gain feedback on meals Essential Requirements: * Minimum Level 2 (Level 3 desirable) Food Hygiene Certificate * At least 6 months’ UK experience as a Cook in a Care Home or similar setting * Experience catering for 20 service users * Good verbal and written communication skills * DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one) * Ability to provide 5 years of references * Mandatory training must be in date or completed prior to start (support provided if required)