Chef

Ministry of Defence - ZigZag Careers Pathway; Aldershot; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

A Defence recruitment programme is looking for an RLC Chef to prepare high-quality meals for the Army. Responsibilities include cooking in various environments, maintaining strict hygiene standards, and delivering fine dining experiences. Candidates must possess culinary qualifications, creativity, and good communication skills. Salary ranges from £26,334 to £32,647 with benefits like pension and 30 days leave. Applicants are encouraged to apply regardless of meeting all requirements.

Benefits

30 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Automatic enrolment in Armed Forces Pension Scheme

Qualifications

• Existing chef qualifications necessary for the role.
• Must be adaptable in unconventional environments.
• Willingness to travel and learn new skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare nutritious meals in various kitchens.
• Deliver fine dining for military occasions.
• Uphold food hygiene and safety standards.

Skills

Culinary expertise

Creative and adaptable mindset

Good communication skills

Organisational skills

Education

Hospitality and Catering Level 2 minimum

Job description

The Royal Logistic Corps - Chef

Contract: 40 hours, Full Mobility

Security clearance: BPSS

Closing date: 11/01/26, 23:55

All offers of employment are subject to UK security clearance. To gain this clearance applicants normally need at least five years’ UK residency.

Overview

The ZigZag Career Pathway is an innovative Defence initiative that offers novel ways of entry into the Armed Forces. It’s a pilot programme that opens the door for people from a range of backgrounds to apply their professional skills in meaningful Defence roles.

This opportunity is open to civilians, veterans and reservists. Whether you’ve never served before or are looking to return, the ZigZag Career Pathway pilot offers you the chance to work in fixed term military roles that are matched to your qualifications and experience.

Successful candidates will be supported with tailored onboarding, the right level of training, and a structured and supported induction into the Armed Forces environment.

The Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) are the Army’s professional logisticians keeping the Field Army marching, its helicopters, vessels, and vehicles moving, and its tanks and guns firing. The RLC enables the Army to deploy, supplying it with everything it needs, wherever it operates, throughout the world. You can find more information about the RLC Explore a Career in the Royal Logistic Corps | Army Jobs.

The Role

As an RLC Chef, you will fuel the Army with nutritious, high-quality meals wherever it moves around the world. From formal fine dining to remote deployments, you will adapt your skills to any environment. Your creativity can transform limited rations into morale-boosting feasts that keep soldiers fighting fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Remain competent in all basic soldiering skills so that you are ready to support the Army home and abroad as a Chef.
• Contribute to operational effectiveness by ensuring soldiers remain healthy, energised and ready for duty by preparing nutritious meals in barracks kitchens, field kitchens, and extreme environments worldwide.
• Deliver fine dining for formal military occasions, regimental dinners, and VIP functions.
• Adapt rations and limited ingredients into creative, morale-boosting meals during operations and exercises.
• Uphold strict food hygiene and safety standards in all conditions.

About You

• Culinary expertise -existing chef qualifications Hospitality and Catering Level 2 minimum (ideally City & Guilds).
• Creative and adaptable mindset to innovate quality in unconventional environments.
• Have a sense of adventure with a willingness to travel and learn new skills.
• The ability to work within diverse teams and bring a positive mindset to high pressure situations.
• Good communication and organisation skills to ensure meals are delivered on time, at scale, and to Army standards.

Salary & benefits

• Salary: £26,334‑£32,647 per year.
• Pension: Automatic enrolment in the non‑contributory Armed Forces Pension Scheme 2015 (opt out available).
• Leave: 30 days’ annual leave plus eight UK bank holidays.

Application process

• Application: submit a CV via the SERVE portal. Eligibility checks are completed, and applications are sifted for suitability.
• Interview: shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview covering technical skills, qualifications and suitability for military service (command, leadership and management experience).
• Medical Assessment: all candidates must pass a medical screening.
• Offer: successful candidates receive terms and conditions, and a job offer letter.

Don’t meet all the requirements? Get in touch anyway – we are keen to hear from talented individuals from diverse backgrounds. For questions or more information, contact: [e-mail]