This full-time, permanent position has a starting salary of £27,634 per annum based on a 36 hour working week.
We are excited to be hiring a Kitchen Lead / Cook to join our fantastic 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 the requirement to work at our other centres in Richmond and Guildford as needed.
Our Offer to You
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
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 residentsAbout The Role
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 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.
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)
To get a flavour of what it's like working at SOLD, watch 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 motivational leadership and communication skills
Holder of, or 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 and allergens
Excellent planning and time management skills with ability to work using own initiative
Positive and solution focussedThe role holder will need to have the willingness and ability to travel around the county to meet the demands of the role.
To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 4 questions:
Please tell us what motivated you to apply for the role of Kitchen Lead with Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development?
Please tell us what key skills, abilities, and experience you have, whether from previous roles or other contexts, that you believe would help you succeed in this role? Please include any transferable skills.
How do you describe your style of cooking?
What is the average number of meals you have catered for in a sitting?
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 01.02.2026 with interviews planned to follow.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, 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