Kitchen Lead / Cook

This role has a starting salary of 27,634 per annum based on a 36 hour working week.

We are excited to be hiring a full time Kitchen Lead / Cook to join our excellent team, leading kitchen shifts at Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development (SOLD). The role will be primarily based at High Ashurst Outdoor Centre, Headley Lane, Mickleham, near Dorking, Surrey RH5 6DQ with requirement to work at our other centres as business requires.

Our Offer to You

• 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.

About The Role

As a Kitchen Lead / Cook, you'll play a key role in leading, supporting, and motivating our kitchen team. You'll be preparing, cooking, and serving meals for a wide range of guests - from school children to adult groups.

From time to time, you'll also help deliver themed events, giving you the chance to bring your creativity to life. Outdoor cooking and serving are part of these exciting occasions, adding variety and fun to the role.

Your responsibilities will also include:

• Staff mentoring and development
• Ordering and stock control
• Menu planning
• Ensuring tasty, high-quality food is delivered every day

No two days are the same, so adaptability is key to meeting the changing needs of our groups.
Working Hours

• Shifts are scheduled one month in advance
• Early shifts start from 6:00am; late shifts typically finish no later than 8:00pm
• Centres are open seven days a week
• Some weekend work is required (but generally no Sunday evenings)

SOLD is a provider of high-quality outdoor learning programmes. Our catering team prides itself on feeding our visitors homecooked and freshly prepared nutritious meals, fuelling our visitors for busy active days in the outdoors! We offer a hearty and delicious menu and the team cater for a range of dietary needs. The dining experience plays a key role in the overall high-quality experience of our visitors. To find out more about what we do, please visit our website: Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development.

Your Application

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:

• Positive and motivating leadership skills with effective communication
• Holder of / working towards Food Hygiene L3
• Excellent craft skills
• Experience of cooking for large groups and catering for a wide range of needs
• Experience of adapting to special diets / allergens
• Excellent planning and time management skills with ability to work using own initiative
• Positive and solution focussed

To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 4 questions:

• Please describe what key skills and experience you have that are relevant for this role.
• Please tell us about your experience of leading a small team.
• What is the average number of meals you have catered for in a sitting?
• How do you describe your style of cooking?

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 16/11/2025 with interviews planned to follow.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to new unitary councils in April 2027. Your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of these new councils, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.

Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents!

Our Commitment

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.

Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.