Kitchen Lead / Cook

This role has a starting salary of £26,777 per annum based on a 36-hour working week.

We are excited to be hiring a full time 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, Mickleham, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6DQ, with requirement to work at our other centres as business requires.

Rewards and Benefits

• 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependants leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
• 2 paid volunteering days plus 1 team volunteering day per year
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Induction, training opportunities and ongoing support

About the Team
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 our visitors for 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.

About the Role
The Kitchen Lead / Cook role will lead, support and motivate our team. Preparing, cooking and serving for our guests, who range from school children through to 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.
Each day is different, so adaptability is key to meet the changing needs of our groups and provide tasty, quality food. You will have good organisational skills, sound catering knowledge and experience in a busy kitchen.
Shifts are set one month in advance with early shift starting around 7am and late shift finishing usually no later than 8pm. The centres are open all week with some weekend work required and generally no Sunday evenings.
If you are successful in this role, an enhanced DBS (Police check) will be carried out.

Shortlisting Criteria

• To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:
• Positive and motivating leadership skills with effective communication
• Holder of / working towards Food Hygiene L3
• Have excellent craft skills
• 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

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.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 31st July 2024 and we will be reviewing applications as they are received.
We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

Our Commitment
Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applications where:

• The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
• The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form

Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role.
We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.