Kitchen Lead

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 residents

About The Role

This is an exciting role for individuals 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 and generally no Sunday evenings.

Our centres are in remote locations and can be difficult to reach by public transport. This role is ideal for individuals with their own transportation.

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 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 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:

1. Please tell us what motivated you to apply for the role of Kitchen Lead with Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development?
2. 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.
3. How do you describe your style of cooking?
4. 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 our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.

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. For an informal discussion please contact Robin Ridsdale via email at robin.ridsdale@surreycc.gov.uk.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 17.05.2026 with interviews planned to follow.

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

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! 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 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.