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- Tasks: Lead kitchen shifts, prepare and serve delicious homecooked meals for diverse groups.
- Company: Join a friendly team at Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development.
- Benefits: Earn £16.93 per hour, enjoy lifestyle discounts, and access health support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on outdoor learning experiences in beautiful locations.
- Qualifications: Leadership skills, food hygiene knowledge, and experience cooking for large groups.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, creative cooking opportunities, and excellent career development.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 17 £ per hour.
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; Thames Young Mariners, Ham, Richmond, Surrey, TW10 7RX. 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.
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
- 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
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. 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.
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.
Kitchen Lead / Cook in Surrey employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Lead / Cook in Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development. Understand their values, mission, and what makes them tick. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your skills align with the role of Kitchen Lead/Cook. Highlight your leadership experience and ability to adapt to different cooking needs – they want to see your passion for food and teamwork!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your creativity! Since the role involves themed events and outdoor cooking, think of some fun ideas or dishes you could bring to the table. Share these during your interview to demonstrate your enthusiasm and innovative thinking – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team. Make sure to confirm your preferred location when applying, as they’re keen to know where you’d like to work!
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Lead / Cook in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When answering why you applied for this role, let your enthusiasm shine through! We want to see that you're genuinely excited about leading a kitchen team and creating delicious meals for our guests.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to clearly outline your key skills and experiences that relate to the role. Whether it's your experience with large group catering or your food hygiene qualifications, we want to know how you can contribute to our team!
Be Specific with Numbers: When asked about the average number of meals you've catered for, be specific! Sharing exact figures helps us understand your experience better and shows that you’re confident in your abilities.
Express Your Cooking Style: In describing your cooking style, be authentic! Whether you’re all about home-cooked comfort food or love experimenting with flavours, let us know what makes your culinary approach unique. And don’t forget to apply through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Know Your Kitchen Basics
Brush up on your culinary skills and be ready to discuss your experience with cooking for large groups. Be prepared to share specific examples of meals you've catered, especially those that required adapting to special diets or allergens.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Kitchen Lead, you'll need to motivate and support your team. Think about how you can demonstrate your positive leadership skills during the interview. Share stories where you successfully led a team or resolved conflicts in the kitchen.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about menu planning, stock control, and time management. Prepare to discuss how you would handle unexpected changes during service, as adaptability is key in this role. Have a few scenarios in mind to illustrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Express Your Passion for Outdoor Cooking
Since this role involves outdoor cooking and themed events, convey your enthusiasm for these experiences. Share any relevant stories or ideas you have for outdoor cooking events, showing that you're not just skilled but also creative and excited about the role.
