Chef - Navy Ships

Navy, Army & Airforce Institute (NAAFI); Whiteley; On-site; GBP 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A military catering service is seeking experienced chefs to work aboard Royal Navy Ships. You will prepare and serve high-quality meals, ensure compliance with safety regulations, and maintain exceptional standards of cleanliness. The role offers a competitive salary of £33,286.72 per annum, with benefits including accommodation, meals, and various bonuses. Candidates must have at least 2 years of chef experience and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

28 days holiday

Company Pension Scheme

Accommodation & Meals provided

10% Annual Retention Bonus

10% Deployment Bonus

15% Staff discount

Free Uniform

Opportunity to work within a not-for-profit business

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' proven experience as a chef or in a similar role.
• A passion for hospitality and delivering exceptional dining experiences.
• Capable of working efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve nutritious meals following approved menus and recipes.
• Maintain high standards of food presentation and service.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, Food Safety, and allergen legislation.
• Uphold cleanliness and hygiene in all galley areas.
• Monitor and control daily expenditure of messing.
• Act as deputy to the Head Chef when required.
• Participate in shipboard emergency duties.
• Contribute to morale and teamwork across the vessel.

Skills

Experience as a chef

Attention to detail

Ability to work in a team

Flexibility for shifts

Education

Food Safety & Hygiene Level 3

Job description

Job description

We are currently recruiting for Chefs on board Royal Navy Ships. This is an exciting opportunity for you to live and work alongside The Royal Navy. You will be responsible for the preparation, presentation, delivering high-quality, nutritious meals in a demanding maritime environment and service of food to the highest standard, whilst ensuring full compliance with safety and naval regulations.

Salary

£33,286.72 per annum

Location

Royal Navy Carrier Ship

Hours

40 Hours/Week

Contract

Fixed Term Contract for 3 years

Please note the successful applicant will be based on a Royal Navy Ship and may be away from home for up to 10 months per year.

Benefits of the role of Chef with NAAFI

• A competitive salary of £33,286.72 per annum
• 28 days holiday
• Company Pension Scheme
• Accommodation & Meals provided
• 10% Annual Retention Bonus
• 10% Deployment Bonus
• 15% Staff discount
• Free Uniform
• Opportunity to work as part of an expanding not-for-profit business that gives back to the Armed Forces

Duties

• Prepare and serve a variety of meals that are nutritious, cost-effective, and of consistently high quality, following approved menus, recipes, and portion guidelines set by the Head Chef.
• Maintain the highest standards of food presentation and service, ensuring that meals meet both Royal Navy expectations and NAAFI policy.
• Ensure strict compliance with all Health & Safety, Food Safety, and allergen legislation, including adherence to recipe cards, labelling, and nutritional information requirements.
• Uphold exceptional standards of cleanliness and hygiene in all galley areas, including equipment, fixtures, fittings, and storage spaces, in line with statutory and MOD standards.
• Monitor and control daily expenditure of messing, support stock rotation, and assist with ordering and accounting for rations and supplies.
• Work as an integral member of the Royal Navy catering team to ensure safe and efficient operations, including compliance with COSHH regulations.
• Act as deputy to the Head Chef when required, supporting leadership of the galley team and continuity of service delivery.
• Participate in shipboard emergency duties as trained, including first aid, firefighting, and survival responsibilities.
• Support the wider ship’s company by contributing to morale, discipline, and teamwork within the mess decks and across the vessel.
• Maintain your status and obligations as a Sponsored Reserve, upholding the commitment to serve as both a NAAFI colleague and a Royal Navy reservist.
• Undertake additional duties as reasonably required by NAAFI or the Command to ensure the smooth running of shipboard operations and delivery of service.

Requirements

• Minimum 2 years' proven experience as a chef or in a similar role in a restaurant setting.
• Food Safety & Hygiene Level 3 qualifications (Preferred)
• A passion for hospitality and delivering exceptional dining experiences to guests.
• Capable of working efficiently in a fast-paced environment, without compromising attention to detail.
• Ability to plan & organise and work in a team.
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Ability to pass Sea Safety Training Course.

Please note that interviews will be conducted either in person at our Whiteley location or via Microsoft Teams.