Chef

Chef

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton

Permanent,

Full time

£37,122

Who are we?

About the Role

We are seeking a qualified Chef to join our seagoing catering team aboard our world-class research vessels. Working closely with the Head Chef, you will play a vital role in providing nutritious, well-balanced meals for scientists, mariners and technical staff while supporting cutting-edge marine research around the globe.

As part of a small, dedicated team, you will help prepare and serve a varied menu, ensuring high standards of food quality, hygiene and customer service. You will cater for a diverse onboard community, considering a wide range of dietary, medical and cultural requirements.

Key responsibilities include:

• Preparing a range of hot and cold dishes, desserts, salads and refreshments.
• Maintaining excellent standards of food hygiene and safety.
• Supporting stock management, storage, rotation and inventory control.
• Helping with loading and stowage of provisions and stores.
• Complying with maritime safety, environmental and security requirements.

This role offers the opportunity to travel, work at sea, and contribute to an organisation that supports internationally recognised ocean research.

 

About You

You are a motivated and adaptable chef who thrives in a team environment and takes pride in delivering high-quality food and service. You are comfortable working in a dynamic seagoing environment and can remain organised and professional while managing competing priorities.

Essential requirements include:

• Certificate of Competency Ships Cook.
• Food Hygiene qualification.
• STCW Basic Safety Training certification.

You will also demonstrate:

• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Strong organisational and time-management abilities.
• A proactive and flexible approach to work.
• Sound knowledge of food safety, health and safety, and environmental practices.

Desirable experience includes working on scientific research vessels and an interest in supporting marine science and environmental research.

Hours of Work: 

Seagoing tours of duty will normally encompass at least two full scientific expeditions, or a minimum of two months although these tour periods may vary depending on the ship's operational programme. Leave is earnt at the rate of 27 days for each calendar month of service onboard.

 

Why the NOC?

We offer a generous set of benefits, including:

- financial support for relocation

- a salary sacrifice scheme for electric / hybrid vehicles (qualifying period applies)

- access to a flexible benefits portal offering online discounts, cashback and eGift cards

- a Cycle2Work scheme allowing employees to acquire bikes and accessories

- we are proud to be a Living Wage Employer

Submitting an application 

Please click ‘Apply for this job’ and submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter. If you are unable to apply online, please contact the NOC recruitment team at [email removed] / [phone removed].

Date advert posted: 20/10/2026

Closing date: 17/11/2026

This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants. Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.