At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook delicious meals for adventurous guests in a fun kitchen environment.
- Company: Join PGL, a leader in outdoor education and adventure experiences for young people.
- Benefits: Earn £33,726, enjoy generous accommodation packages, and have your birthday off!
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values fun, inclusivity, and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while enjoying a balanced work-life with limited late nights.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-volume catering and knowledge of food safety required.
Earn £33,726.03 (live off rate) per annum (our pay system is benchmarked and fair).
Full Time Permanent Contract.
Accommodation & meal packages available (optional) at a generous rate with zero charge for bills or utilities.
Made by adventure, PGL is shaping the next generation through extraordinary residential adventures. Our award-winning programmes help children discover the fun of being outdoors, promote wellbeing, develop character, and build real-world skills for life. Will you join the adventure?
We’re part of something bigger. We’re proud to be part of PGL Beyond, a network of educational travel brands which empowers young people to explore, grow and thrive – through exceptional experiences that go beyond the classroom. Together, we’re making a difference.
Make a difference as a Chef. Having fun is hungry work! Our catering team is proud to serve tasty & nutritious meals, combining reassuring favourites and new cuisines, to keep the adventure going. As a Chef at PGL you’ll be part of a friendly & supportive catering team, reporting into the Head Chef. You'll provide first class nutritious meals for our many hungry guests without the pressure of menu creation or sourcing ingredients from scratch. You’ll be responsible for food preparation, cooking, stock ordering & organisation, cost control & coaching of junior team members. You will work a minimum number of late nights, with a Friday or Saturday evening off most weeks (especially outside of our peak season) and limited working over Christmas - this could be the perfect role to develop your career in catering without sacrificing your social life or that all important family time!
Are you a PGL Person?
- Enjoys the buzz of working in a busy kitchen as part of a fun and friendly team.
- An experienced caterer, ideally gained in a high-volume environment.
- Excellent knowledge of food hygiene & handling allergen and dietary requirements.
- Strong organisational skills, managing your own time and workload effectively - working well under pressure.
- Ideally you will hold a Level 3 Award in Supervising Food Safety in Catering.
Above all, it’s our core values of FUN, SAFETY, QUALITY, INCLUSIVITY, TEAMWORK and RESPECT that unite us.
A place to thrive. No matter your background, ethnicity, sexuality/gender identity, SEND, neurodivergence or anything else… PGL is a place to be yourself, have fun, use your valuable skills for good and celebrate what makes you brilliantly unique.
Fair pay and benefits for all:
- On top of your 20 days annual leave (+ 8 bank holidays), you’ll also enjoy your birthday off, have paid volunteering days to help worthwhile causes and the option to purchase additional holiday.
- A career with ongoing growth, aided development, mentoring, multiple pathways and opportunities to work across different UK or French locations.
- 24/7 access to our Wellbeing Hub alongside our Employee Assistance Program.
- Sector leading family friendly policies and a contributory pension.
- Access to our financial wellbeing platform where you can borrow or save directly from your salary.
- Free/discounted PGL breaks for your family & discounts at 800+ retailers.
We hire the best talent and value a diverse, inclusive team; so, we are dedicated to ensuring our application process is accessible to everyone and are happy to provide helpful adjustments to make it easier to complete. Simply email or call us with detail around the adjustments you need.
However, our top priority is the safety of the guests on our centres. Therefore, all centre based employees and some specific Head Office employees must undergo an Enhanced criminal record check (known as DBS or PVG), which we pay for. You will need to provide a 5-year address history and ID (such as passport/birth certificate). Convictions related to violence, drugs, or safeguarding may affect your application. Not all convictions will disqualify you, as we assess each case individually.
Chef in Surrey employer: PGL
PGL is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering a supportive work culture where teamwork and inclusivity thrive. As a Chef, you will enjoy competitive pay, generous accommodation options, and a healthy work-life balance with minimal late nights and ample time off, including your birthday. With opportunities for career growth, access to wellbeing resources, and a commitment to diversity, PGL is dedicated to making a positive impact while ensuring that every employee feels valued and empowered.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef in Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out PGL's values and mission. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their adventure.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! Since you'll be working in a busy kitchen, it’s essential to demonstrate your culinary expertise. Try cooking some of your favourite dishes and be ready to talk about your experience with high-volume catering.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork skills! PGL values inclusivity and teamwork, so be prepared to share examples of how you've worked well with others in the kitchen. Highlight any mentoring experiences you’ve had with junior team members.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and benefits right there, making it easier for you to tailor your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When you're writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through! Share any experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for creating delicious meals and working in a busy kitchen. We want to see that you’re excited about being part of our catering team!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to mention any previous roles you've had in high-volume catering environments. We’re looking for chefs who can handle the heat, so share specific examples of your skills in food preparation, cooking, and managing stock. This will help us see how you fit into our team!
Emphasise Teamwork and Fun:At PGL, we value teamwork and having fun while we work. In your application, talk about how you enjoy collaborating with others in a kitchen setting. Share any stories that show how you contribute to a positive atmosphere, as this is key to thriving with us!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and get you started on this exciting journey. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join the adventure with PGL!
How to prepare for a job interview at PGL
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the menu and the types of meals you’ll be preparing. Research PGL’s approach to nutrition and how they cater to dietary requirements. This shows your enthusiasm and readiness to contribute to their mission.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
Emphasise your experience working in a team, especially in high-pressure environments. Share examples of how you’ve supported colleagues or coached junior team members, as teamwork is a core value at PGL.
✨Master Food Safety
Brush up on your food hygiene knowledge and be prepared to discuss allergen handling. If you hold a Level 3 Award in Supervising Food Safety in Catering, make sure to highlight this during your interview.
✨Bring Your Personality
PGL values inclusivity and fun, so let your personality shine through! Share your passion for cooking and how you can bring joy to the dining experience. Remember, they’re looking for someone who fits into their friendly and supportive culture.
