Kitchen Lead / Cook (reference: SCC/TP/288089/4269)

Surrey County Council; Dorking; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A local government council in Dorking is seeking bank Kitchen Leads/Cooks to join their dynamic team. In this role, you will lead kitchen shifts, prepare and serve high-quality meals at various outdoor centres. Applicants should have strong leadership and communication skills, experience cooking for large groups, and valid Food Hygiene Level 3 certification. The position includes flexible shifts, mainly evenings, and requires personal transportation due to limited public transport options. A supportive work environment is offered along with various lifestyle benefits.

Benefits

Employee Assistance Programme

Generous pension

Lifestyle discounts

Learning and development resources

Qualifications

• Positive and motivating leadership skills with effective communication.
• Holder of / working towards Food Hygiene Level 3.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen team to prepare, cook, and serve food.
• Ensure smooth and safe operations of the kitchen.
• Mentor staff, manage orders, and handle menu planning.
• Conduct themed events open air catering.

Skills

Positive and motivating leadership skills

Effective communication

Experience cooking for large groups

Excellent planning and time management

Ability to work using own initiative

Experience of adapting to special diets

Education

Food Hygiene Level 3

Job description

• Salary: £16.93 per hour (comprising £14.72 per hour plus £2.21 holiday entitlement)
• Category: Catering - Qualified
• Contract type: Bank
• Working hours: Bank
• Posted on: 8 December 2025
• Location: See Advert

Description

This role has a starting salary of £16.93 per hour (comprising £14.72 per hour plus £2.21 holiday entitlement).

We are excited to be hiring bank Kitchen Lead / Cooks to join our fantastic team, leading kitchen shifts at Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development (SOLD).

We are offering flexible bank contracts and are especially keen to hear from individuals who can work evening shifts. These shifts are within the hours of 1pm – 8pm.

Our centres are located:

• High Ashurst, Mickleham Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6DQ
• Henley Fort, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 4RH

High Ashurst and Henley Fort are in remote locations. There are few options for public transport and therefore you will need to be self-sufficient in journeying to the centres.

Please confirm your preferred location when applying.

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
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme to support health and wellbeing
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources

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.

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 L3
• 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

As part of your application you will be asked to submit a CV and answer the following questions:

• Why did you apply for this role?
• 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?

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 by e‑mail, [e-mail] to arrange a convenient time or you can call 01372 378901 to leave a message.

​The this is a rolling advert and applications will be checked regularly.

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.

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.