At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to create healthy, delicious meals for up to 150 visitors.
- Company: Field Studies Council Millport, inspiring connections with nature.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days holiday, health support, and accommodation options.
- Why this job: Combine your culinary skills with a love for nature in a stunning coastal setting.
- Qualifications: Catering experience, management exposure, and a passion for sustainability.
- Other info: Enjoy a close-knit community and endless outdoor adventures.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 40000 £ per year.
Do you love creating healthy, delicious, and sustainable meals? Join us at Field Studies Council Millport, where your skills help fuel an organisation that inspires people to connect with nature.
Why you'll love working with us:
- Permanent full-time contract, average 37.5 hours per week
- No late-night shifts, our finish time is normally by 8pm!
- Fixed mealtimes and planned menus giving you predictable hours and structured shifts for a healthy work-life balance
- Salary equates to circa £15.49 per hour (increasing to £16.12 per hour from 1 April 2026)
- Excellent benefits including life assurance (5x salary), health & wellbeing support, 28 days holiday plus bank holidays and loyalty days.
- Accommodation available to help make your move to the island as smooth as possible.
What you'll be doing:
- As Head Chef, you'll lead our hospitality team to deliver memorable meals for up to 150 visitors.
- This role combines hands-on cooking with team management.
- You'll be creating nutritious, sustainable menus for diverse diets and allergens, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, nut-free, and religious or cultural options.
- Typical day: Breakfast: 7-11am, Dinner: 3-8pm, Set menus with 2-3 options per meal.
- A mix of prep, cooking, and kitchen leadership.
- Leading a small team of 8-10 part-time staff to maintain high standards of hygiene and food safety.
We're proud to have achieved the Soil Association Food for Life Served Here Bronze Award, recognising our commitment to healthy, sustainable meals. Your weekly hours will vary across the year, with more during busy periods and fewer in quieter weeks.
Where you'll be based:
Millport is a stunning coastal island where nature is your daily backdrop. Imagine working surrounded by sea and hills, with endless opportunities for adventure: coastal exploration, hill walking, snorkelling, rock climbing, kayaking, and wildlife spotting. Living and working in Millport isn't just a job; it's a chance to combine your culinary skills, love of nature, and sense of adventure every day. You'll be part of a close-knit community with a slower pace of life, yet still within reach of Glasgow.
Who we're looking for:
- Previous catering experience with some management exposure
- Catering qualification or relevant vocational experience
- Strong knowledge of food safety and compliance (HACCP/CookSafe)
- Pride in your work, a flexible approach, and a positive team spirit
- Passion for sustainability and nature
Your benefits whilst working with us will include:
- Competitive salary
- 28 days annual holiday entitlement plus bank holidays
- Extra loyalty days dependent on length of service
- Health and Wellbeing Support App
- Second opinions from top doctors
- 24hr Counselling Helpline Service
- Cycle to work and EV schemes
- Reward programme with discounts and cashback opportunities
- Flexible working options where roles permit
- Quality learning and development opportunities
Ready to apply? If this sounds like the opportunity you've been looking for, we'd love to hear from you! Applications will be reviewed as they arrive, so apply early to avoid disappointment. We may close the role early if we have enough suitable applicants.
For questions about the role, call Elke Scheibler on 01475 531420. If you don't meet every requirement listed in the person specification, we would still encourage you to apply and tell us about the unique skills and experiences you can bring to the role. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and abilities. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and we expect all team members to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will only be confirmed following the successful completion of rigorous pre-employment checks, including appropriate PVG Scheme check with Disclosure Scotland.
Head Chef / Lead Cook - live in available in Bradford employer: Field Studies Council
Contact Detail:
Field Studies Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef / Lead Cook - live in available in Bradford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, dive into Field Studies Council Millport's mission and values. This way, you can show how your passion for sustainability and healthy cooking aligns perfectly with what they stand for.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions related to team management and menu planning. We want you to feel confident discussing your experience and how you can lead a team to create those delicious meals.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your creativity! Bring along a sample menu or dish ideas that highlight your skills in catering for diverse diets. This will not only impress them but also demonstrate your commitment to creating nutritious and sustainable meals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare some thoughtful questions about the role and the team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest and helps you figure out if this is the right fit for you. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef / Lead Cook - live in available in Bradford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for creating healthy and sustainable meals shine through. Share specific examples of dishes you've created or how you've incorporated sustainability into your cooking.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to mention any previous management experience. Talk about how you've motivated your team or improved kitchen operations in your past roles.
Tailor Your Application: Read the job description carefully and tailor your application to match. Use keywords from the listing, like 'nutritious', 'sustainable', and 'food safety', to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Field Studies Council
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of meals you'll be preparing. Research sustainable cooking practices and dietary requirements, especially vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-friendly options. This will show your passion for healthy eating and sustainability during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in a kitchen environment. Discuss your management style and how you maintain high standards of hygiene and food safety. This is crucial for the Head Chef role, so be ready to demonstrate your ability to inspire and manage a team.
✨Emphasise Your Community Spirit
Since this role is based in a close-knit community, express your enthusiasm for living and working in Millport. Share any experiences that highlight your connection to nature and community involvement, as this aligns with the organisation's values.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare questions that reflect your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about their approach to menu planning, sustainability initiatives, or how they support staff wellbeing. This shows you're genuinely interested and have done your homework.