Chef – Royal Navy Ships | Accommodation & Meals Provided Full Time

Full Job Description

If you’re an experienced chef looking for something a little different, this role offers the chance to take your culinary skills to sea. Working onboard Royal Navy ships with NAAFI, you’ll be preparing quality meals in a fast-moving maritime environment while helping support the well-being of naval personnel. Your work will play an important part in daily life onboard, especially during deployments when good food and teamwork matter even more.

This role gives chefs the chance to build a broad set of professional skills, from preparing meals on a large scale to managing food safety and handling the practical challenges of working in a unique environment at sea. It’s also an opportunity to work closely with Royal Navy personnel, playing an important part in supporting their morale and well-being by providing good, reliable meals during deployments.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Royal Navy catering team to help ensure the galley runs safely and efficiently at all times, including following COSHH regulations and operational procedures.

• Prepare and serve a range of meals that are nutritious, good value, and consistently high in quality, using the approved menus, recipes, and portion sizes set by the Head Chef.

• Follow all Health & Safety, Food Safety, and allergen regulations carefully, making sure recipe cards, food labelling, and nutritional information are always correctly used and maintained.

• Help manage daily food costs by monitoring the use of messing supplies, supporting stock rotation, and assisting with the ordering and tracking of rations and other provisions.

• Maintain high standards of food presentation and service so that every meal meets Royal Navy expectations as well as NAAFI policies.

• Fulfil your responsibilities as a Sponsored Reserve, maintaining your commitment both as a NAAFI employee and a Royal Navy reservist.

• Carry out any other reasonable tasks requested by NAAFI or the ship’s Command to support daily operations and maintain smooth service onboard.

Benefits

• Accommodation and meals are provided while you are onboard, making life at sea more convenient and reducing living expenses.

• You’ll receive a competitive annual salary of £33,286.72, reflecting the responsibility and specialist nature of the role.

• A 10% deployment bonus is paid to recognise the additional commitment required while serving at sea.

• You’ll also benefit from a 10% annual retention bonus, rewarding continued service and commitment to the role.

• The role includes 28 days of annual leave, giving you time to rest and recharge between deployments.

• You’ll be enrolled in the company pension scheme, helping you plan and save for the future.

• Staff receive a 15% employee discount, offering savings across NAAFI services.

• A free uniform is provided, ensuring you have the correct clothing and kit required for the role.

Requirements

We’re looking for someone with at least two years of proven experience working as a chef, or in a similar role within a restaurant or professional kitchen environment. Ideally, you’ll hold a Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene qualification, although this is preferred rather than essential. A genuine passion for hospitality is important, along with a commitment to delivering high-quality meals and great dining experiences.  If you’d like to see other roles we’re currently hiring for, you can find more details on our website.