At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our onboard team to deliver exceptional customer service and create memorable journeys.
- Company: Caledonian MacBrayne, a leading ferry operator in Scotland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, accommodation, meals, travel benefits, and paid training.
- Other info: Unique two weeks on, two weeks off working pattern with career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Experience stunning Scottish islands while making lasting friendships and unforgettable memories.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience; hospitality or catering background is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 44141 - 44141 £ per year.
This is a Seasonal Fixed term position over the summer months.
Location: Network wide, depending on the vessel you are allocated to.
Salary: £44,141 per year plus benefits (pro rata).
Hours of Work: The normal working pattern is 12 hours per day on a two weeks on, two weeks off rota.
Contract Type: Seasonal from March 27 to October 27.
Are you looking for a role that's more than just a summer job? We're now on the hunt for enthusiastic, customer-focused people to join our Onboard Retail and Catering teams for the upcoming season with Caledonian MacBrayne. Do you enjoy working with people? Can you bring energy to a fast paced environment? Fancy spending your summer at sea, seeing the most stunning regions of Scotland? Then this could be the perfect role for you!
What the job entails
As part of our onboard team, you'll help deliver the warm welcome CalMac is known for. You’ll help make every journey a great one and every day you’ll really make a difference to our customers working across our restaurants, cafés, bars, shops and food service areas, helping ensure everyone who sails with us enjoys a safe and memorable journey.
From serving coffee and helping customers in our shops to getting involved in food preparation, you'll help keep things running smoothly on board. This is more than a customer service role. It’s potentially one of the best summer jobs ever. It’s an opportunity to travel. It’s a chance to experience some of Scotland's most beautiful islands. You’ll be working alongside us, as part of the crew, who really make a difference to the west coast communities we serve. You’ll also meet people from all walks of life and build lasting friendships with your crewmates. With two weeks onboard followed by two weeks off, you'll enjoy experiences and memories that few jobs can offer.
Is this the role for you?
This is a unique lifestyle role. You'll live on board your allocated vessel for 2 weeks at a time working daily shifts around 12 hours per day. You’ll become part of a supportive and close-knit crew. After your working period, you'll enjoy 2 weeks off to relax and recharge. Because you'll be working at sea, all successful applicants must hold a valid ENG1 Medical Certificate which confirms fitness for seafaring duties before an offer of employment can be confirmed.
While day-to-day duties focus on customer service and passenger support, you'll also be trained and ready to take an active role in the unlikely event of an onboard emergency, helping to manage passengers, provide first aid, and support safety-critical procedures when required.
What we're looking for
We're looking for people with experience in customer facing roles from hospitality, retail, catering or similar environments. Most importantly, we need you to enjoy helping others, take pride in delivering great service and be friendly and professional in a busy environment.
Catering or kitchen experience would be an advantage, though a positive attitude and passion for creating great customer experiences are just as important. Each member of our team is an ambassador for CalMac and when you join, you'll be part of that too, helping to ensure customers have a safe, enjoyable and memorable journey. You’ll be flexible to assist across different onboard areas and demonstrate our values of people first, bravery and locality.
If you already hold the relevant STCW maritime qualifications, that's fantastic but we’re also committed to helping our people build long term careers with us so if you don’t yet hold them, then don’t let that stop you applying as we'll support successful candidates in gaining the required training and certification before joining the vessel.
What we offer
- Unique and fun working environment with induction training and ongoing support.
- Accommodation and meals during a two-weeks-on, two-weeks-off working pattern are included plus expenses.
- Competitive annual salary of £44,141, pro rata for 6 months.
- Travel benefits for you and your immediate family.
- Paid training to achieve transferable maritime qualifications.
- During your working period, you will normally be expected to live onboard the vessel. Where you do not live in a suitable location, accommodation will be provided to those that require it.
Interviews will start in November and December and offers of employment subject to ENG1 confirmation in January, with a view to starting your induction and training in February or March 2027, in time for the summer season timetable. Make waves. Make friends. Make memories. Come join CalMac this summer. Apply today and help create unforgettable journeys across Scotland's west coast.
Please note, we may close this vacancy early for external applicants if we receive the required quality or quantity of applications. All offers are subject to references and right to work in the UK checks. No agencies please.
Onboard Retail and Catering Assistant in Oban employer: Caledonian MacBrayne
CalMac is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Gourock Faulds Park location, where you can lead a dedicated team in delivering vital engineering services to Scotland's island communities. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits including a generous pension and extensive annual leave, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on operational performance, this role is perfect for driven professionals seeking growth and purpose in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Onboard Retail and Catering Assistant in Oban
✨Get in Early: Embrace the Seasonal Rush
In hospitality, seasonal hiring can be a bit of a frenzy, so make sure you’re applying early. Keep an eye on when local businesses like cafés and restaurants ramp up for holiday seasons or summer rushes. We can help you stay ahead by tracking application windows—don’t miss out!
✨Join Local Hospitality Groups
Tap into local hospitality communities online or through social media. Groups on Facebook or platforms like MeetUp can be goldmines for seasonal job opportunities. Engage with these communities—join discussions, share your eagerness, and you could snag a gig before it’s even advertised!
✨Show Your Face: Walk-Ins Matter
In hospitality, nothing beats a good ol' walk-in. Visit local establishments and introduce yourself. Bring along a flashy CV and maybe even drop a line about why you’re keen to work there. Sometimes just chatting with the manager can score you an interview on the spot!
✨Use Seasonal Hiring Platforms
Look for platforms that specialise in seasonal positions in the hospitality sector. Websites dedicated to summer jobs or Festival employment can offer unique roles that align with your interests. Don't forget to apply through our website too—companies like Caledonian MacBrayne are constantly looking for enthusiastic seasonal workers like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Onboard Retail and Catering Assistant in Oban
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service game, your customer service skills are your bread and butter. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience you have in restaurants, cafés, or similar environments, emphasizing your ability to handle busy situations and provide excellent service.
Seasonal Availability is Key:Since this is a seasonal role, we're looking for candidates who are flexible with their availability. In your cover letter, mention specific times you’re available during the season and any previous seasonal positions you’ve held. This helps us see you as a perfect fit for this temporary gig!
Culinary Knowledge Can Set You Apart:If you have any culinary certifications or training, be sure to feature them prominently in your application. Knowing your way around a kitchen or having food safety certifications could give you an edge over other candidates when applying for a role at Caledonian MacBrayne.
Make It Personal:When applying through our website, use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about working with Caledonian MacBrayne. Draw on any personal experiences you have in the hospitality scene and how they inspired you to apply for this seasonal role. We love a personal touch!
How to prepare for a job interview at Caledonian MacBrayne
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
With a seasonal role in hospitality-food-service, it’s super important to familiarise yourself with the menu. Be ready to chat about your favourite dishes, special ingredients, and any dietary considerations people might have. This shows you're passionate and prepared to provide excellent service right from the start!
✨Brush Up on Your Customer Service Skills
In hospitality, customer service can make or break the experience. Think of scenarios where you've gone the extra mile for a guest, or how you've handled challenges with a smile. Prepare a few stories that highlight your ability to connect with customers, solve problems, and create a welcoming atmosphere.
✨Flexibility is Key
Seasonal roles often require us to be flexible with our hours and responsibilities. During the interview, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt. Highlighting your ability to jump into different roles, whether it’s serving or kitchen support, can really set you apart.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, especially in busy seasons. Prepare to share experiences where you collaborated with colleagues to create a seamless experience for guests. If you've got any examples where you helped to lift team morale during busy shifts, mention them! It’s all about showing that you can contribute positively to the work environment.
