Kitchen Lead / Cook

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Job Reference SCC/TP/288089/6061

Apply for this job Number of Positions: 1 Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract Details: N/A Salary: £15,856 per annum Working Hours: 20 hours per week Location: High Ashurst, Outdoor Education Centre, Mickleham, Dorking, RH5 6DQ Closing Date: 31/10/2026 Job Category: Catering - Qualified Directorate: Children, Families & Lifelong Learning Service: CFL - Education & LL

Job Introduction

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