1st Cook

Crew Life at Sea Ltd.; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 201,000 - 357,000; Full time

Job summary

Crew Life at Sea Ltd. seeks an experienced 1st Cook to lead the shipboard kitchen team on international legs.

You will plan meals, supervise staff, and ensure timely, high-quality service for crew members amid maritime schedules. The role demands culinary excellence, strict safety standards, and the ability to adapt menus to varying inventories and dietary needs while maintaining cost controls and teamwork under pressure.

Qualifications

• 1st Cook experience in a fast-paced kitchen.
• Culinary degree or equivalent.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations.
• Ability to work in a high-pressure, long-hour environment.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Team player with collaborative mindset.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare meals for crew on board the cruise ship.
• Supervise and train kitchen staff.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen.
• Manage inventory and orders for kitchen supplies.
• Update menus based on ingredients and crew feedback.
• Assist with budgeting and cost control for the kitchen.
• Collaborate on events and themed meals.
• Monitor food quality and presentation.
• Handle special dietary requests.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary degree

Food safety knowledge

High-pressure environment

Teamwork

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and prepare meals for crew members according to menu and dietary restrictions onboard thecruise ship
• Supervise and train kitchen staff, ensuring all food is prepared and served in a timely and efficient manner
• Maintain a clean and organized kitchen, following all health and safety regulations
• Order and maintain inventory of food and kitchen supplies
• Create and update menu items based on availability of ingredients and feedback from crew members
• Collaborate with other crew members to plan and execute special events or themed meals
• Monitor food quality and presentation, ensuring all meals meet company standards
• Handle any special requests or dietary restrictions from crew members
• Assist with budgeting and cost control measures for the kitchen department

Qualifications:

• Previous experience as a 1st Cook or similar role in a fast-paced kitchen environment
• Culinary degree or equivalent experience
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations
• Ability to work in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Ability to work well in a team and collaborate with others
• Flexibility to work long hours and adapt to changing schedules
• Strong organizational and time-management skills