Cook based at Warde Aldam, Pontefract

We are looking for an experienced and confident Cook to take full responsibility for the day-to-day running of our kitchen.

This is a Cook role requiring more than food preparation. You will oversee kitchen operations, supervise staff and volunteers, manage ordering and budgets, and ensure full compliance with food safety legislation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Preparing and serving meals for large groups
• Planning nutritionally balanced menus, including special and cultural dietary requirements
• Managing stock control, food ordering and cost efficiency
• Supervising Kitchen Assistants and coordinating volunteer rotas
• Completing food safety documentation and internal audits
• Maintaining strict hygiene, COSHH and Health & Safety standards
• Supporting staff training in Basic Hygiene Code of Practice

You will need strong organisational skills, confidence in people management, and the ability to prioritise effectively in a busy environment.

Essential Requirements:

• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate
• Experience cooking at scale in a regulated environment
• Experience managing food budgets and administration
• Ability to supervise and support others
• Excellent communication and customer service skills

This role would suit someone who has worked as a Head Cook, Kitchen Supervisor, Catering Lead or Senior Cook and is ready to take ownership of a professional kitchen environment.

If you’re ready for a role with genuine responsibility and impact, we’d love to hear from you.

About the home

Warde Aldam – Nursing and Dementia Care Home

Warde Aldam nursing home in Pontefract provides a supportive care service that values each resident’s individual needs and independence. Offering both long-term and short-term care packages, Warde Aldam is committed to delivering tailored support that promotes dignity and respect.

This purpose-built home, set within attractive surroundings and landscaped gardens, is designed to cater to residents living with dementia and those with physical disabilities. With a registration capacity of up to 60 residents, Warde Aldam Nursing Home provides a warm, welcoming environment where families and loved ones are encouraged to participate in the community, ensuring a sense of togetherness and continuity.

The home operates under the guidance of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards, and its experienced team is dedicated to creating a comfortable, enriching environment where residents can feel at ease, supported, and valued every day.

For more information about the home, please click here

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. Click here to read more about this.

Please note that interviews may take place prior to the closing date and if a suitable candidate is appointed the role may close early.

Recruitment agencies: please note, MHA do not accept unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies, regardless of whether they are on our Preferred Supplier List (PSL). We only accept CVs from agencies that have been appointed and briefed by MHA's Talent Acquisition Team.