Kitchen Lead / Cook

Description:

This position has a starting salary of £15,856 per annum based on a 20 hour working week, pro-rata to £28,546.

This is a 5-month fixed-term position commencing in February 2027 with potential scope to extend.

We are excited to be hiring a fixed term Kitchen Lead / Cook to join our team, leading kitchen shifts at Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development (SOLD).

In this role you will have a primary base at one of our centres below, and at times, work across our other bases.

Our centres are located:

High Ashurst, Mickleham Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6DQ
Henley Fort, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 4RH
Thames Young Mariners, Ham, Richmond, Surrey, TW10 7RXPlease note, there are few options for public transport to High Ashurst and Henley Fort, therefore you will need to be self-sufficient in journeying to the centres.

Our Offer to You

26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service (pro rata for part-time hours)
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
Playing a valuable part in the outdoor learning experience of our guests
Working amongst a friendly and dynamic team
Working with a range of customers and projects
Working at 3 unique centres in beautiful locationsAbout the Role

This is an exciting role for an individual who will motivate, lead and support our kitchen team to deliver high quality, tasty homecooked food. You will lead the team to prepare, cook and serve; ensuring smooth and safe operations. Each day is different, so adaptability is key to meet the changing needs of our groups. Our guests range from school children through to families and adult groups.

From time to time we deliver themed events which will allow you to bring your creative skills to life. Serving and cooking outdoors are all a part of these exciting events which add to the variety of the role. Other areas of responsibility include staff mentoring, ordering, menu planning and stock control.

Shifts are set one month in advance with early shifts starting at 6am and late shifts finishing usually no later than 8pm. The centres are open all week with some weekend work but generally no Sunday evenings.

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 Level 3
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 focussedAn enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children's and Adults' Barred List checks will be required for this role.

As part of your application you will be asked to submit a CV and answer the following questions:

Please describe what key skills and experience you have that are relevant for this role.
What is the average number of meals you have catered for in a sitting?
How do you describe your style of cooking?
What is your work availability?The job advert closes at 23:59 on 31.10.2026 with interviews planned to follow.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation and will move to new authorities in April 2027. This role is currently employed by Surrey County Council and will remain so until then. If you are employed by Surrey County Council on 1 April 2027, your employment will transfer under TUPE arrangements to one of the new councils, with your current terms and conditions protected.

The provisional allocation for this post is East Surrey Council, subject to final confirmation through the wider transition process later this year.

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 shortlisting criteria as displayed on the advert, 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