Chef – National Marine Aquarium

Ocean Conservation Trust Limited; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

The Ocean Conservation Trust Limited, operating at the National Marine Aquarium in Torbay, seeks a motivated Chef to prepare a variety of light lunches and snacks. This permanent, part-time role offers 30 hours across a 4-day rota, with shifts from 7:00 to 22:00 and occasional overtime for events.

It’s a great chance to contribute to guest experiences while supporting marine conservation. You will join a friendly catering team focused on fresh, local ingredients, maintaining high hygiene and

Qualifications

• Qualified chef with proven experience.
• Hold a Level 2 in professional cookery or equivalent.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene and H&S.
• Passionate and knowledgeable about fresh, local, quality ingredients.
• An excellent team player who is friendly and approachable.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a variety of high-quality light lunches and snacks.
• Assist with out-of-hours delivery for events during the seasonal calendar.
• Work on a 4-day, 30-hour rota with shifts including weekends/bank holidays.
• Support the catering team in providing a great guest experience at the National Marine Aquarium.

Skills

Proven experience as a chef

Food hygiene standards

Team player

Education

Level 2 in professional cookery

Job description

The Ocean Conservation Trust at the National Marine Aquarium is looking for an enthusiastic Chef to join our team, to deliver a variety of high-quality light lunches and snacks as well as assist with our out of hours delivery in relation to the seasonal nature of our business that is consistent with the National Marine Aquarium brand. This is an opportunity for someone who is passionate about food to display their excellent culinary skills whilst having a good work-life balance.

This is a permanent position of 30 hours per week. The rate of pay is £14.00 per hour. You will be working a 7.5 hour shift, 4 days per week on a rota basis. Working hours will vary between 7:00am to 10:00pm depending on the events scheduled. Working days will include weekends and bank holidays. There will be an opportunity to work overtime when functions or dining experiences are scheduled. Due to the seasonal nature of the business, flexibility is required that includes, being available to work throughout the school holidays and provide holiday cover.

The catering team play a vital role in delivering a great guest experience to all our visitors at the National Marine Aquarium. They have a keen eye for detail and an organised approach. Along with our front of house staff, they are real ambassadors for the company and are committed to consistently delivering high standards.

You will be joining a passionate team of people who care about marine conservation and customer care in one of the South West’s top visitor attractions. The successful candidate will be:

• Qualified chef with proven experience
• Hold a Level 2 in professional cookery or equivalent
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene and H&S
• Passionate and knowledgeable about fresh, local, quality ingredients
• An excellent team player who is friendly and approachable

For more information about the role please download the Job Description.

Closing Date: 9:00am Monday 9 th November 2026

We will review applications and conduct interviews on a rolling basis. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a suitable candidate is identified.

In line with current legislation all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. As part of the recruitment process you will be asked to provide documented evidence of eligibility in the form of a passport or birth certificate.

The OCT operates an Equality and Diversity Policy and is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community – a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. All applications will be judged solely on merit, however we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented in the workforce.

Only candidates invited for interview will be contacted.