Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve hearty meals for up to 26 crew members on a fishing vessel.
- Company: Join Sanford, NZ's largest seafood company with over 100 years of history and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hassle-free travel, a balanced work-life rotation, and the chance to work in stunning locations.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team delivering top-quality seafood while enjoying a unique sea-going experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in bain-marie cooking and catering for diverse dietary needs is essential.
- Other info: Must be eligible to work in New Zealand; pre-engagement checks apply.
At Sanford, we are proud of our 100+ years of seafood history, passionate about our industry and excited about our future. Our vision is Leadership in New Zealand Seafood, achieving this through a value led approach of care, passion, integrity and achieving together in all that we do.
About the role:
Jump on board our deep-water fleet, a league of 12 fishing vessels operating year-round from Cape Reinga to the Ross Sea. Our deep-sea vessels can be at sea for up to 12 weeks at a time, catching, processing, and packaging seafood onboard, delivering the finest New Zealand seafood to tables worldwide.
As the Cook / Chef, you will be responsible for leading the preparation and delivery of tasty, hearty meals for up to 26 crew members onboard the vessel during each voyage. You will need experience with bain-marie style cooking and catering across multiple shifts. Flexibility with hours is essential, as mealtimes vary, and you will be managing your own schedule. Strong time management and organisational skills will be key to your success. Vessel is due to depart in August - subject to change.
This is a trip-on (6-7 weeks), trip-off (6-7 weeks) contract, offering a balanced rotation for work-life stability. Sanford organises and covers your flights to Timaru and back home each trip, making travel hassle-free!
About you:
You have a strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, and the ability to multi-task to keep the crew well-fed with regular, hearty meal options. With proven experience in food service, ideally in a sea-going environment, you take pride in serving nutritious, high-quality meals that help sustain the crew during their physically demanding work.
What we are looking for:
- Experience with bain-marie style cooking and catering for multiple shifts.
- Ability to cater to specific dietary needs, including allergies, and any other requirements.
- Capable of navigating the kitchen in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to quickly and positively adapt to changes as required by the vessel's needs.
- Experience working at sea is preferred, especially in a cook/chef position.
- A proactive and involved approach to health, safety, and wellbeing.
You must be eligible to work in New Zealand. Our recruitment process includes pre-engagement checks including criminal history check, drug and alcohol testing, and a medical assessment.
Fishing Vessel Cook / Chef employer: Tangram
Contact Detail:
Tangram Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Fishing Vessel Cook / Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific cooking techniques mentioned in the job description, especially bain-marie style cooking. This will not only help you during the interview but also show that you understand the unique demands of cooking at sea.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience you have working in a team environment, particularly in high-pressure situations. Being able to demonstrate your ability to work well with others will be crucial for this role onboard a fishing vessel.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss how you would handle dietary restrictions and allergies among the crew. Having a proactive approach to catering for diverse needs will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Sanford's history and values, as understanding their commitment to quality and sustainability can help you align your answers during the interview. Showing that you share their passion for seafood will make a positive impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Fishing Vessel Cook / Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in cooking, especially in a sea-going environment. Emphasise your skills in bain-marie style cooking and catering for multiple shifts, as these are crucial for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the seafood industry and your ability to manage meal preparation for a crew. Mention your strong work ethic, communication skills, and adaptability to changing conditions on board.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, detail any previous roles where you catered to specific dietary needs or worked in challenging environments. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the demands of cooking at sea.
Showcase Your Soft Skills: Include examples of your time management and organisational skills in your application. These are essential for managing meal schedules and ensuring the crew is well-fed during their demanding work.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tangram
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with bain-marie style cooking and catering for multiple shifts. Bring examples of meals you've prepared in similar environments, especially if you have experience at sea.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
Highlight your ability to adapt to changing schedules and mealtimes. Share specific instances where you successfully managed your time and organised meal prep under pressure.
✨Discuss Dietary Needs Knowledge
Make sure to mention your experience catering to specific dietary requirements, including allergies. This shows that you can provide nutritious meals tailored to the crew's needs.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Since you'll be working closely with a crew, it's important to demonstrate your strong communication skills and ability to work as part of a team. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in a kitchen setting.
