Catering Assistant

Surrey County Council; Guildford, Mickleham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A local government authority in the UK is looking for a Catering Assistant to join their vibrant team tasked with providing healthy meals for outdoor learning programs. The role involves cooking and serving nutritious food, ensuring customer satisfaction, and working flexible hours. Applicants should have kitchen experience and a positive attitude. The position offers generous leave and support for training, promising a fulfilling work environment in beautiful locations. Submit applications by January 25, 2026.

Benefits

Generous annual leave allowance

Training and development support

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Experience of working in a kitchen environment.
• Enjoy cooking, in either home or commercial settings.
• Ability to follow instructions and work independently.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook healthy, tasty meals.
• Serve guests and ensure a great dining experience.
• Work flexible hours based on group needs.

Skills

Experience of working in a kitchen environment

Enjoyment of cooking

Ability to follow instructions and work independently

Willingness to learn and participate in training

Positive 'can do' attitude

Willingness to travel around the county

Job description

Description

We are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council. We thank you for your interest in our roles and would encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all.

This position has a starting salary of £11,624.33 per annum based on working 780 hours per year (annualised hours contract), pro-rata to £24,330.

We are excited to be hiring a new Catering Assistant to join our fantastic team at Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development (SOLD). The primary base is High Ashurst Outdoor Centre, Mickleham, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6DQ with a requirement to work at our other centres in Richmond and Guildford if required.

The anticipated start-date for this position will be 1st April 2026.

Our Offer to You

• Generous annual leave allowance
• Play a valuable part of the outdoor learning experience for our guests
• Training, development and ongoing support
• Working with a friendly and dynamic team
• Working in our unique centres in beautiful locations
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme supporting health and wellbeing
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents

About the Role

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 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. To find out more about what we do, please visit our website: Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development.

As a Catering Assistant in our vibrant and lively team, you will play a key role in helping to prepare and cook healthy, tasty and nutritious meals, including serving our guests and clearing. In all that you do, you will offer an excellent customer experience.

To get a flavour of what it's like working at SOLD, have a look at our video .

Working Hours

Our usual shifts are 7am – 11am and 3pm - 7pm, although this may vary depending on the needs of the groups.

Your Application

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours :

• Experience of working in a kitchen environment
• Enjoyment of cooking, whether it be home cooking or in a commercial environment
• Ability to follow instructions and work independently
• A willingness to learn and participate in training, to include working towards Food Hygiene Level 2
• A positive 'can do' attitude
• The willingness and ability to travel around the county to meet the demands of the role

High Ashurst near Dorking, and Henley Fort near Guildford are in remote locations, so please consider your transport arrangements.

To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 3 questions:

• Please tell us what motivated you to apply for the role of Catering Assistant with Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development?
• Please tell us what key skills, abilities, and experience you have that you believe would help you succeed in this role? Please include any transferable skills.
• How do you describe your style of cooking?

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description and Our Life at Surrey Handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 25th January 2026 with interviews planned to follow.

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. Please contact Robin Ridsdale via email at [e-mail] .

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children's and Adults' Barred List checks will be required for this role.

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.