Cook-Coxswain - TS Jack Petchey (maternity cover)

MSSC (Marine Society & Sea Cadets); Gosport; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading charity is seeking a Cook-Coxswain for their training vessel based in Gosport. This unique role involves cooking for cadets and managing daily operations aboard the vessel. Applicants should have catering experience and qualifications in food hygiene and first aid. The position offers a fixed-term contract with potential for continued employment, and includes numerous benefits such as generous leave and private medical insurance.

Benefits

104 days annual leave

Life assurance (4x salary)

Private medical insurance

Pension (up to 10% employer contribution)

Wellbeing portal and EAP

Employee development opportunities

National staff conference

Qualifications

• Experience in cooking and catering for large groups.
• Qualifications in food hygiene and first aid are essential.

Responsibilities

• Plan menus and manage food supplies for cadets and staff.
• Prepare and cook food for up to 18 people.
• Manage cadet welfare and discipline on board.

Skills

Cooking

Catering

Communication

Emotional Intelligence

Education

Food Hygiene Qualification

First Aid Qualification

RYA Level 2 Powerboat

Job description

Location: Operating from Gosport, but sailing around the UK and near-continent

Contract: 12 month fixed term contract (potential for continued employment)

Salary: £24,000-£27,000 gross per annum

Closing Date: 30 May 2025

Are you someone with cooking or catering experience who is looking for a unique offshore experience?

The Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC) is a vibrant and growing charity, delivering life-changing nautical adventure for young people, to give them the best possible head start in life. We also provide personal and professional development opportunities for seafarers with the Marine Society. Working with our staff, cadets, and volunteers, we have built a vision and five-year strategy to take us forward and further improve the astounding contribution already made through our work to the lives of thousands of young people and seafarers, while fully supporting our volunteers who are vital to our success.

We are currently looking for a Cook-Coxswain to join our team.

About The Role

We are seeking to appoint a Cook-Coxswain to one of our 24 metre power training vessels which operates out from Gosport, in Hampshire. The vessel undertakes 6-day voyages around the coastal waters of the UK and near continent for up to 12 Cadets (aged from between 12-18 years of age). Applicants should have the requisite experience and ability to chef for up to 18 people embarked crew, together with the ordering and management of food stores. In the Coxswain part of the role, you will also be responsible, in conjunction with the First Lieutenant, for management of the ship's routine with key responsibility for Cadet administration, morale, safeguarding, welfare, and discipline.

Catering experience and knowledge of working with young people are essential requirements for the role, as well as qualifications in food hygiene, first aid, and a RYA Level 2 powerboat. Good communication skills and a high level of emotional intelligence will also be required.

Applicants should also either hold a current Seafarer Medical Certificate or be willing to obtain one. The ability to work effectively with young people as well as the permanent and relief crew members is essential. Ship system familiarisation, child safeguarding, and any necessary sea safety course refresher training will be given to the successful applicant.

The particular demands of seagoing employment require the incumbent to be available for duty for prolonged periods, and working hours need to be very flexible. Although overtime will not be recognised, the working and rest hours for the role will be within the confines of the Maritime Labour Convention 2006. The uncertain nature of the working hours is recognized by the holiday arrangements afforded.

For an informal discussion about the role of Cook-Coxswain on board our power vessels, please contact MSSC's Offshore Office on 07798675147.

Applications should consist of a completed application form and equal opportunities monitoring form, both available from the website. You may submit your CV in support of your application, but the appropriate application form must be completed if you wish to be considered for these roles.

Requirements

• To plan menus and order victualing supplies to provide the cadets and adult staff with a well-balanced and nutritious diet (considering specialist diets and allergies).
• The preparation and cooking of food
• To have custody and control of onboard stocks of food and medical supplies
• To organise and run arrangements for serving food, preparation, and clearing away of dining areas, the ship's galley, and pantry. This involves close supervision of cadets undertaking domestic mess duties
• To operate and oversee a structured deep cleaning routine for all areas under the responsibility of the Cook-Coxswain, especially the Galley, Pantry, food stores, and other catering spaces.
• To assist in cleaning stations below decks, in conjunction with the First Lieutenant
• To be ship's Helm as required
• To be Helm of the ship's tender as required
• To be the ship's principal First Aider
• To lead the completion of joining/leaving paperwork for visiting personnel
• To maintain cadet discipline on board
• To look after the welfare, safeguarding, and pastoral needs of the cadet crew
• To assist with husbandry and other general maintenance tasks

Other Duties

To deliver services effectively, a degree of flexibility is needed, and the post holder may be required to perform work not specifically referred to above. Such duties, however, should not normally exceed those expected of an employee at that level.

Benefits

• 104 days annual leave per annum, including 84 days during the sailing season and 20 working days during the winter refit period
• Life assurance (4x salary) for those who join the charity's pension scheme
• Private medical insurance
• Pension (employer contribution up to 10%)
• Wellbeing portal and EAP with 121 counselling
• Employee development through an annual calendar of learning and development opportunities to support employees in their roles and help them achieve their potential
• National staff conference: an annual event to reflect on the past year, celebrate successes, and facilitate networking and sharing of information

If you are interested in this unique and highly rewarding Cook-Coxswain vacancy, please apply now!

For further details, please download our Recruitment Pack.

Additional Information

MSSC encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We value diversity and strive for an inclusive environment. MSSC is an equal opportunities employer.

We are committed to safeguarding and protecting young people and vulnerable adults. Employment is subject to pre-employment checks, including references, criminal record checks, and safeguarding training.