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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 exposure, 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 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 Southampton 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 Southampton
✨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 your cooking skills! Since this role is all about creating delicious meals, consider preparing a few dishes that showcase your culinary flair. You could even bring some photos or a portfolio to your interview to impress them!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership chops! As a Head Chef, you'll be managing a team, so think of examples where you've successfully led others in the kitchen. Share stories that highlight your ability to inspire and maintain high standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at Millport and ready to embrace the adventure that comes with it!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef / Lead Cook - live in available in Southampton
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 CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Head Chef role. Highlight your management experience and knowledge of food safety, as these are key aspects we're looking for.
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 apply. Get your application in early to avoid disappointment and increase your chances of joining our team at Field Studies Council Millport!
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 and preferences 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 you have that connect your culinary skills with the environment, such as sourcing local ingredients or creating sustainable menus.
✨Prepare Questions to Ask
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with questions about the role and the organisation. Ask about their approach to sustainability in the kitchen or how they support staff wellbeing. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.