Cook/Chef - San Discovery - Deepsea Fishing Vessel

Sanford Limited; Timaru; On-site; NZD 134,000 - 167,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flights to Timaru covered

Return flights home after each trip

Job summary

Sanford Limited seeks an experienced Cook/Chef to join the San Discovery, a 64-metre deep-sea factory trawler operating around New Zealand waters. You will lead meal preparation for up to 40 crew, using bain-marie style cooking and catering across multiple shifts.

The role is a self-employed contractor on a trip-on/trip-off rotation (6–7 weeks on, 6–7 off), with travel coordinated by Sanford. Availability from 10 December 2026 is preferred; flights to Timaru are arranged and covered for each

Qualifications

• Experience with bain-marie style cooking for multi-shift catering.
• Strong food service background on large crews or ships.
• Ability to cater to dietary requirements and maintain high safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation and delivery of hearty meals for up to 40 crew onboard.
• Manage galley schedule and adapt to voyage changes.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and well-organised galley environment.

Skills

Bain-marie cooking

Crew catering

Time management

Food service

Communication

Sea-going experience

Education

Formal cooking qualification or certification

Job description

Cook/Chef - San Discovery - Deepsea Fishing Vessel

We're currently looking for an experienced Cook/Chef to join the San Discovery, one of Sanford's 64-metre deep-sea factory trawlers operating throughout New Zealand waters. The San Discovery is a Sterkoder-class vessel targeting species including hoki, ling, hake, warehou and arrow squid. With up to 40 crew onboard, the vessel operates year-round, catching, processing and freezing seafood at sea.

As the Cook/Chef, you'll be responsible for leading the preparation and delivery of tasty, hearty meals for the crew onboard during each voyage. You'll need experience with bain-marie style cooking and catering across multiple shifts. Flexibility with hours is essential, as mealtimes vary and you'll be managing your own schedule. You'll also have the support of a full‑time Galley Hand onboard. Strong time management and organisational skills will be key to your success.

This is an Independent Contractor (self‑employed) role operating on a trip‑on (6–7 weeks), trip‑off (6–7 weeks) rotation, offering a balanced schedule for work‑life stability. You'll be paid for your time off between trips.

We're looking for someone available from 10 December 2026, following the vessel's scheduled dry dock. There will be an approximately 8‑day lay‑up in Timaru before the vessel departs for its Christmas voyage, giving you time to familiarise yourself with the vessel and galley before heading to sea. Sailing dates are subject to change depending on operational requirements.

Sanford organises and covers your flights to Timaru and back home each trip, making travel hassle‑free.

About you:

You have a strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, and the ability to multi‑task to keep the crew well‑fed with regular, hearty meal options. With proven experience in food service, ideally in a sea‑going environment, you take pride in serving nutritious, high‑quality meals that help sustain the crew during their physically demanding work. You'll be comfortable working independently, managing your own galley schedule and maintaining a clean, safe and well‑organised kitchen.

What we're looking for:

• Experience with bain‑marie style cooking and catering for multiple shifts.
• Confidence preparing meals for a large crew, with variety and nutritional value in mind.
• Ability to cater to specific dietary needs, including allergies and other requirements.
• Capable of navigating the kitchen in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to quickly and positively adapt to changes as required by the vessel's needs.
• Experience working at sea is preferred, especially in a cook/chef position.
• Formal cooking qualification or certification is preferred.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage food supplies and meal preparation efficiently.
• A proactive and involved approach to health, safety and wellbeing.

Jump on board our deep‑water fleet, a league of 13 fishing vessels operating year‑round from Cape Reinga to the Ross Sea. Our deep-sea vessels can be at sea for up to 12 weeks at a time, catching, processing and packaging seafood onboard, delivering the finest New Zealand seafood to tables worldwide.

You must be eligible to work in New Zealand. Our recruitment process includes pre‑engagement checks including a criminal history check, drug and alcohol testing, and a medical assessment.