Temporary Cook – Derry/Londonderry Area

MPA Recruitment is currently recruiting a dedicated and experienced Temporary Cook on behalf of our clients, to work across a range of nursing homes and Housing with Care settings throughout the Derry/Londonderry area.

This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled catering professional who is passionate about delivering high-quality meals and making a positive impact on the lives of residents. The successful candidate will play a key role in managing kitchen operations, maintaining the highest food safety standards, and ensuring residents receive nutritious and enjoyable meals tailored to their individual needs.

Key Responsibilities

Manage the day-to-day operation of the kitchen within the scheme.

Plan, prepare, and provide nutritious meals for up to 40 residents, taking into account individual dietary and nutritional requirements.

Maintain and monitor all food safety, HACCP, and allergen management records.

Liaise directly with Environmental Health Officers and RQIA during inspections.

Order and manage catering and cleaning supplies, ensuring effective stock control and budget management.

Ensure compliance with all Health & Safety, Environmental Health, and food hygiene regulations.

Prepare and serve modified diets and fluids in accordance with the IDDSI Framework.

Demonstrate an understanding of dysphagia and associated risks.

Oversee dining room operations during mealtimes.

Ensure kitchen equipment is maintained and any faults are reported promptly.

Utilise IT systems for menu planning, stock ordering, and record management.

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

QCF/NVQ Level 2 in Catering (or equivalent qualification)

OR

A minimum of 1 year's experience working as a professional cook if you do not hold the above qualification.

Experience & Skills

At least 6 months' experience working as a professional cook (with relevant qualification).

Experience managing the daily operation of a professional kitchen.

Knowledge of Environmental Health standards and food safety regulations.

Experience supporting specialised dietary and nutritional needs, including fortified diets and the IDDSI Framework.

Experience in stock control and budget management.

Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.

Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads effectively.

Ability to supervise, motivate, and support staff.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Additional Requirements

An Enhanced Access NI Disclosure will be required for this post.

What We Offer

Competitive hourly pay rates

Weekly pay every Friday

Flexible working patterns – choose when, where, and how often you work

Excellent work-life balance

Holiday pay

Pension scheme

Dedicated 24/7 support from our experienced recruitment team

If you are an experienced cook looking for flexible work within a rewarding care environment, we would love to hear from you.