Job detailsDetails

• Title: Kitchen Lead / Cook
• Reference: SCC/TP/288089/6061
• Positions: 1
• Salary: £15,856 per annum
• Category: Catering - Qualified
• Contract type: Fixed term
• Working hours: 20 hours per week
• Posted on: 7 October 2026
• Closing date: 31 October 2026
• Directorate: Children, Families & Lifelong Learning
• Location: High Ashurst, Outdoor Education Centre, Mickleham, Dorking, RH5 6DQ

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 7RX

Please 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 locations

About 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.

To get a flavour of what it's like working at SOLD, have a look at our video.

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 focussed

An 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 with interviews planned to follow.

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description and our Life at Surrey Handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

Contact Us

Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. Please contact Robin Ridsdale by e-mail at to arrange a convenient time or you can call to leave a message.

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. Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council.

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.

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