Chief Steward

Waverley Excursions Limited; Scotland; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits as a Chief Steward aboard the iconic Paddle Steamer Waverley for the 2025 season! This role is perfect for a dynamic leader with a passion for hospitality, ready to manage a dedicated team and deliver exceptional service to passengers. You will oversee all catering operations, ensuring compliance with safety standards while creating memorable experiences for guests. With the support of a dedicated shore team, you'll have the chance to grow your leadership skills in a fast-paced environment. If you're looking for a unique challenge and the opportunity to make a real impact, this position is for you!

Qualifications

• Experience in a supervisory or management role in catering/hospitality.
• Ability to manage catering operations and ensure compliance with safety legislation.

Responsibilities

• Manage all catering requirements on board Waverley.
• Ensure compliance with Food Hygiene and Safety Legislation.
• Lead the catering team and ensure customer satisfaction.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Analytical Skills

Education

Food Hygiene Level 3 Certificate

Merchant Shipping STCW Certificates

ENG1 Medical

Job description

Seasonal Job Opportunity Aboard Paddle Steamer Waverley

We are seeking to appoint a Chief Steward for Waverley's 2025 season (May - October). The successful candidate will lead the onboard catering department with a focus on providing a high quality service to both passengers and crew.

This is an exciting opportunity for the successful candidate who will have previous experience in a supervision or management role within the catering / hospitality industry. In return, a competitive daily rate of pay will be offered and will be confirmed upon application.

Ideally Candidates will Possess:

• Merchant Shipping STCW Certificates:
• Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
• Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF)
• Elementary First Aid (EFA)
• Security Awareness (SA)
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (PSSR)
• ENG1 Medical issued by relevant UK Authority or recognised equivalent
• Food Hygiene Level 3 Certificate
• Right to work in the UK.

The Role of Chief Steward

The Chief Steward is responsible for managing all catering requirements on board Waverley. This includes ordering, control and security of catering stores, ensuring compliance with all Food Hygiene and Safety Legislation, compiling and reconciling of catering sales, and ensuring customer satisfaction in addition to safety-related and emergency duties associated with the operation of the vessel.

The successful candidate will have analytical and problem-solving capabilities, demonstrated effectiveness in managing staff within the catering / hospitality industry with a proven track record.

The Chief Steward is supported by the Assistant General Manager who is based in our shore office.

Waverley Excursions is willing to provide the necessary training for the right candidate to be awarded the STCW and ENG 1 certificates.

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for this position please send a CV with covering letter to [e-mail]

We are willing to appoint a candidate who doesn't have previous experience of working at sea provided they can demonstrate their suitability for the position.

Past Chief Steward Testimonial

"Working as Chief Stewardess on Paddle Steamer Waverley was an incredibly rewarding experience. Leading a team of stewards and cooks in a dynamic, fast-paced environment taught me invaluable leadership and problem-solving skills. Managing the catering department for up to 1,700 passengers daily, across various locations in the UK, was both a challenge and a privilege, no two days were ever the same.

Collaboration was key, as I worked closely with the head office and fellow department heads to maintain seamless operations while upholding high standards of service. This role strengthened my ability to lead with confidence, adapt under pressure, and proactively solve challenges. For anyone considering this position, it offers an incredible opportunity to grow as a leader, gain unique hands-on experience, and be part of a team that thrives on teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement."

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Contract

Industries

Travel Arrangements