At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious light lunches and snacks while supporting seasonal events.
- Company: Join the Ocean Conservation Trust at the National Marine Aquarium.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pay rate of £13.18 per hour with flexible hours.
- Other info: Work in one of the South West’s top visitor attractions with great career opportunities.
- Why this job: Showcase your culinary skills in a passionate team dedicated to marine conservation.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified chef with Level 2 in professional cookery.
The predicted salary is between 13.18 - 13.18 £ per hour.
The Ocean Conservation Trust at the National Marine Aquarium is looking for an enthusiastic Chef to join our team, to deliver a variety of high-quality light lunches and snacks as well as assist with our out of hours delivery in relation to the seasonal nature of our business that is consistent with the National Marine Aquarium brand. This is an opportunity for someone who is passionate about food to display their excellent culinary skills whilst having a good work-life balance.
This is a permanent position of 22.5-30 hours per week. The rate of pay is £13.18 per hour. You will be working a 7.5 hour shift, 3 days per week on a rota basis. Working hours will vary between 7:00 am to 10:00 pm depending on the events scheduled. Working days will include weekends and bank holidays. There will be an opportunity to work overtime when functions or dining experiences are scheduled. Due to the seasonal nature of the business, flexibility is required that includes being available to work throughout the school holidays and provide holiday cover.
The catering team play a vital role in delivering a great guest experience to all our visitors at the National Marine Aquarium. They have a keen eye for detail and an organised approach. Along with our front of house staff, they are real ambassadors for the company and are committed to consistently delivering high standards.
You will be joining a passionate team of people who care about marine conservation and customer care in one of the South West’s top visitor attractions.
The successful candidate will be:
- Qualified chef with proven experience
- Hold a Level 2 in professional cookery or equivalent
- Maintain high standards of food hygiene and H&S
- Passionate and knowledgeable about fresh, local, quality ingredients
- An excellent team player who is friendly and approachable
For more information about the role please download the Job Description and Person Specification.
To apply: Please submit a covering letter explaining which role you are applying for and why you believe you are best suited for it, along with your CV showing suitable experience and qualifications to: Victoria Spurdle, Hospitality Manager.
Closing Date: 5:00 pm Sunday 19th July 2026.
In line with current legislation all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. As part of the recruitment process you will be asked to provide documented evidence of eligibility in the form of a passport or birth certificate.
The OCT operates an Equality and Diversity Policy and is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community – a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. All applications will be judged solely on merit, however we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented in the workforce.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found. Only candidates invited for interview will be contacted.
Chef in Plymouth employer: Ocean Conservation Trust Ltd
The Ocean Conservation Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises sustainability and collaboration. Located in the vibrant city of Plymouth, employees benefit from unique opportunities for professional growth, including hands-on experiences at the National Marine Aquarium and the chance to make a tangible impact on marine conservation efforts. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to fostering meaningful corporate partnerships that drive positive change.
Contact Details:
Ocean Conservation Trust Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef in Plymouth
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at Ocean Conservation Trust Ltd and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at Ocean Conservation Trust Ltd that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at Ocean Conservation Trust Ltd.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at Ocean Conservation Trust Ltd get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ocean Conservation Trust Ltd
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at Ocean Conservation Trust Ltd and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
