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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to create nutritious meals for the ship's crew while performing essential duties.
- Company: Join the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, supporting the Royal Navy's global operations.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, earned leave, pension scheme, and world-class training.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your culinary skills in exciting environments.
- Qualifications: Must be 17.5+, with Level 2 NVQ in Professional Cookery and Food Safety certification.
- Other info: Embrace adventure and teamwork while cooking for those at sea.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 43900 £ per year.
Role details
What you\’ll do
As a Chef in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), you\’ll be part of the team that provides healthy and nutritious meals for your ship\’s company. Your hard work is what keeps them going, and vital operations on track.
The RFA is responsible for making sure the Royal Navy has everything it needs to continue protecting our nation\’s interests all over the world. So, as you develop your cookery skills, you\’ll make an increasingly important contribution to a truly global effort, whether you\’re getting breakfast out on time, or catering for a unit of Royal Marines about to deploy.
Your role
- Continue your professional cookery career by leading a team and creating varied menus for the entire crew.
- Outside of the galley, you\’ll have crucial duties to perform as part of the ship\’s company, including firefighting, first aid, and being a member of the damage control team.
- Unlike most civilian chef roles, you\’ll have real responsibility from the day you start, working in challenging environments all over the world.
- It\’s your job to make the ship feel like a home from home for your crewmates. Many of them will be at sea for months at a time and will look forward to the food you cook, whether it\’s Friday Fish, or dinner for a social event.
Pay & benefits
- A starting salary of £34,000 to £43,900 dependant on experience
- Earned Voyage Leave (EVL) of 21 days for every month spent on board ship
- Membership of a Civil Service Pension Scheme
- World-class training
- Potential to travel the world
Skills for life
Qualifications you\’ll gain
- Fully funded Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) certification portfolio
- The ability to conduct a range of catering activities across the full spectrum of the Galley
Skills you\’ll develop
- Training will be a constant feature of your time with us, as you receive world-class development packages
Eligibility
- Aged at least 17 years 6 months to apply, and 18 years to commence employment. There is no upper age limit
- Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery, or equivalent (MNTB Ship\’s Cook CoC / City & Guilds etc)
- Level 2 or higher Certificate in Food Safety or equivalent
- Existing qualifications and experience in a professional catering environment
- Applications with supervisory experience are highly desirable
- Must be British or have indefinite leave to remain with 5 years residency in UK. Dual Nationality will be considered providing the first nationality is British. Note: Residency restrictions may apply
- Need to have confidence with jumping into water and the ability to wade whilst wearing a life jacket
Skills & Interests
- A passion for cooking
- Drive and enthusiasm
- Enjoy working as part of a team
- A sense of adventure
Joining Process
From picking your role to starting on your first day, these are the steps you\’ll take to join as a rating.
Step 1
Submit an application
Once you\’ve requested your application and provided us with some basic information, you\’ll receive a link to the online application form
Step 2
Confirm eligibility
You will be asked to send us copies of your certification
Step 3
Interview
If you are successful at interview, you will be offered a contract
Qualified Chef (RFA) employer: Royal Navy
Contact Detail:
Royal Navy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Qualified Chef (RFA)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the unique environment of working on a ship. Understanding the challenges and responsibilities that come with being part of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary will help you stand out during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience in high-pressure cooking environments. The ability to manage time effectively and produce quality meals under pressure is crucial for this role, so be ready to discuss relevant examples.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your teamwork skills. As a chef in the RFA, you'll be part of a larger crew, so demonstrating your ability to work collaboratively and support your colleagues will be key to landing the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Express your passion for cooking and adventure. The RFA values enthusiasm and a sense of adventure, so make sure to convey your excitement about the role and the opportunity to travel while doing what you love.
We think you need these skills to ace Qualified Chef (RFA)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Qualified Chef in the RFA. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the role.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Make sure to emphasise your Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery or equivalent qualifications. Include any supervisory experience, as this is highly desirable for the position.
Showcase Your Passion: In your application, express your passion for cooking and your enthusiasm for working in challenging environments. Mention any experiences that demonstrate your ability to work as part of a team and your sense of adventure.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a culinary role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Navy
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your cooking experience in detail. Highlight specific dishes you've created and any unique techniques you use. If possible, bring a portfolio of your work or even photos of your culinary creations to impress the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Leadership
As a Chef in the RFA, you'll be leading a team. Share examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen or worked collaboratively with others. Emphasise your ability to motivate and inspire your team, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Understand the Role's Unique Challenges
Research the specific challenges of working on a ship, such as limited resources and the need for adaptability. Be ready to discuss how you would handle these situations and ensure that the crew receives nutritious meals, even in tough conditions.
✨Express Your Passion for Cooking and Adventure
Let your enthusiasm for cooking shine through during the interview. Talk about your love for food and how it drives you to create memorable dining experiences. Also, mention your excitement about the opportunity to travel and serve in diverse environments.
