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- 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 skills, and a passion for sustainability.
- Other info: Enjoy a close-knit community and endless outdoor adventures.
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, 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 Nottingham 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 Nottingham
✨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 makes perfect! Run through common interview questions related to team management and menu planning. We want you to feel confident when discussing your experience and how you can lead a kitchen team effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your creativity! Bring along a few ideas for nutritious and sustainable menus that cater to diverse diets. This will demonstrate your culinary skills and your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare some thoughtful questions about the team dynamics and the community in Millport. It shows you're genuinely interested and 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 Nottingham
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 stories that highlight your culinary journey and commitment to nutrition.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head Chef role. Highlight your previous catering experience and any management skills you have, as well as your knowledge of food safety practices.
Be Yourself: We want to get to know the real you! Don’t be afraid to showcase your personality in your application. Whether it’s your flexible approach or your passion for sustainability, let us see what makes you unique.
Apply Early!: Since we review applications as they come in, don’t wait until the last minute to submit yours. Get your application in early through our website to increase your chances of standing out!
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 their values.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so be prepared to share examples of your management experience. Talk about how you've motivated your team in the past, handled conflicts, or maintained high standards in the kitchen. This will demonstrate your ability to lead effectively.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Sustainability
Field Studies Council Millport is all about connecting with nature and sustainability. Be ready to discuss your views on sustainable cooking practices and how you can incorporate them into your menus. Sharing personal experiences or initiatives you've taken in this area can really make you stand out.
✨Prepare Questions to Ask
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and the organisation's future plans. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to learn more about the community you'll be part of.