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.
- Other info: Enjoy a close-knit community and endless outdoor adventures.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 48000 € 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 Coventry employer: Field Studies Council
At Field Studies Council Millport, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values work-life balance and employee well-being. With a focus on creating healthy, sustainable meals in a stunning coastal location, we offer competitive salaries, generous holiday entitlements, and opportunities for personal and professional growth within a supportive community. Join us to not only advance your culinary career but also to immerse yourself in nature and adventure every day.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef / Lead Cook - live in available in Coventry
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, dive into Field Studies Council's mission and values. This way, you can show how your passion for sustainability and healthy cooking aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! Since you'll be leading a team and creating menus, it’s a good idea to prepare some dishes that reflect the diverse diets mentioned in the job description. Bring your A-game to the tasting!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership style! Be ready to discuss how you manage a kitchen team and maintain high standards of hygiene and food safety. Share examples of how you've inspired your team in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef / Lead Cook - live in available in Coventry
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 catered to diverse diets in the past. We want to see your culinary creativity!
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. We value strong leadership just as much as cooking skills!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to read through the job description and align your application with what we're looking for. Mention your knowledge of food safety and sustainability practices, as these are key to our mission at Field Studies Council Millport. We appreciate when applicants take the time to connect their experiences with our values.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the latest updates. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and submit your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Field Studies Council
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with the types of meals you’ll be creating. Understand the dietary needs mentioned in the job description, like vegan and gluten-free options. This will show your passion for sustainability and your ability to cater to diverse diets.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so be prepared to discuss your management style. Think of examples where you've successfully led a team or handled kitchen challenges. Highlight your ability to maintain high standards of hygiene and food safety, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Nature
Since the role is set in a beautiful coastal location, express your love for nature and how it influences your cooking. Share any experiences that connect your culinary skills with outdoor adventures or sustainable practices. This will resonate well with the organisation's mission.
✨Prepare Questions to Ask
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, menu planning, and the community at Millport. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
