Description
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
1. Playing a valuable part in the outdoor learning experience of our guests
2. Working amongst a friendly and dynamic team
3. Working with a range of customers and projects
4. Working at 3 unique centres in beautiful locations
5. 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
6. Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
7. A generous local government salary related pension
8. Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
9. Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
10. An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
11. Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
12. Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
13. A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents
About 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: .
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:
14. Staff mentoring and development
15. Ordering and stock control
16. Menu planning
17. 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
18. Shifts are scheduled one month in advance
19. Early shifts start from 6:00am; late shifts typically finish no later than 8:00pm
20. Centres are open seven days a week
21. Some weekend work is required (but generally no Sunday evenings)
To get a flavour of what it's like working at SOLD, watch .
Your Application
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with :
22. Positive and motivational leadership and communication skills
23. Holder of, or working towards, Food Hygiene Level 3
24. Excellent craft skills
25. Experience of cooking for large groups and catering for a wide range of needs
26. Experience of adapting to special diets and allergens
27. Excellent planning and time management skills with ability to work using own initiative
28. Positive and solution focussed
The 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:
29. Please tell us what motivated you to apply for the role of Kitchen Lead with Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development?
30. 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.
31. How do you describe your style of cooking?
32. What is the average number of meals you have catered for in a sitting?
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description and to get an insight into working at Surrey.
Contact Us
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 01.02.2026 with interviews planned to follow.
We look forward to receiving your application,