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 - 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.
If you're relocating with family, a three-bedroom apartment may be available temporarily to give you a welcoming base while you find your feet. If you're relocating alone, longer-term shared accommodation is available, offering an easy and affordable way to get settled on the island.
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, but not limited to 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 Newport 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 Newport
✨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 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 some ideas for nutritious and sustainable menus that cater to various diets. This will not only impress them but also demonstrate your commitment to their culinary ethos.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics and the community in Millport. This shows your interest in not just the job, but also in becoming part of their close-knit community. Plus, it helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef / Lead Cook - live in available in Newport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for creating healthy and sustainable meals shine through. Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your culinary skills and commitment to nutrition.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head Chef role. Mention your previous catering experience and any management roles you've held, as well as your knowledge of food safety practices.
Highlight Team Spirit:Since this role involves leading a team, emphasise your ability to work collaboratively and foster a positive environment. Share examples of how you've successfully managed a team in the past and maintained high standards.
Apply Early!:Don't wait until the last minute to submit your application. We review applications as they come in, so applying early can give you a better chance of standing out. Head over to our website to get started!
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 principles of healthy, sustainable cooking and be ready to discuss how you can cater to diverse diets and allergens. This shows your passion for the role and your commitment to the organisation's values.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to demonstrate your management experience. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past, handled conflicts, or improved team performance. This will highlight your ability to inspire and motivate others.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Sustainability
Field Studies Council Millport values sustainability, so make sure to express your commitment to this cause. Share any relevant experiences or initiatives you've been involved in that promote sustainable practices in the kitchen. This will resonate well with the interviewers and show you're a great fit for their ethos.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions about the role and the organisation. Ask about the team dynamics, the challenges they face, or how they measure success in the kitchen. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you.
