National Oceanography Centre
Head Chef
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Location
Southampton
Function
Research Infrastructure
Group
Research Ships Operations
Salary
£44,460
Closing Date
19/08/2026
Job Reference
NOC12294
Documents
Job description and person specification (PDF, 172.17kb)
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National Oceanography Centre, Southampton
Permanent
Full time (37 hours per week)
£44,460
Who are we?
We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK’s leading institution for integrated coastal and deep ocean research. Through our ground-breaking research, collaboration, and game-changing innovation we work to gain a deeper understanding of our ocean, helping every living thing on our planet flourish.
We are made up of a dynamic and vibrant community focused on solving challenging long-term marine science problems, underpinning international and UK public policy, business and societal outcomes.
The ocean has the potential to provide the solutions to so many of the social, economic and environmental challenges we face worldwide. To truly harness the value of the ocean, we put ocean research, science and discovery at the heart of our culture.
Join us in shaping the future of oceanographic research and contribute your unique perspective to our organisation.
About The Role
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Head Chef to join our research vessel fleet and lead the delivery of high-quality catering services at sea. Working closely with the Purser Catering Officer, you will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the galley, ensuring all personnel on board receive nutritious, well-balanced and enjoyable meals that cater for a wide range of dietary, medical and cultural requirements.
As the Head Chef, you will lead and develop a small team, including the Chef, Steward and Assistant Steward, creating a positive working environment and maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene, safety and service.
The role combines hands-on culinary expertise with planning and operational responsibilities. You will compile menus, manage catering budgets, oversee food stock and storage, coordinate vessel provisioning, maintain food safety records, and ensure compliance with maritime regulations and food safety management systems.
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This is a unique opportunity to support world-leading marine science while working in a dynamic seagoing environment, providing exceptional hospitality to ship's crew, technicians and scientific parties during research expeditions around the world.
About You
You will hold a Ships Cook Certificate of Competency with a passion for delivering excellent food and service in a challenging and rewarding environment. You have experience leading catering teams, managing galley operations and maintaining high standards of food safety, hygiene and stock control.
You are a confident communicator who can build positive relationships with colleagues from a variety of professional and cultural backgrounds. Organised and self-motivated, you are able to prioritise workloads, solve problems independently and make effective decisions while working at sea.
To succeed in this role, you will be a strong team leader who leads by example, supports the development of others and demonstrates flexibility, resilience and adaptability. You will have the required STCW certification, hold a valid ENG1 medical certificate, and be comfortable working away from home for extended periods in a seagoing environment. Experience working aboard research or other specialist vessels would be an advantage.
Most importantly, you will take pride in delivering a first-class catering service that helps create a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone on board.
Hours Of Work
Seagoing tours of duty will normally encompass at least two full scientific expeditions, or a minimum of two months although these tour periods may vary depending on the ship's operational programme. Leave is accrued at the rate of 27 days for each calendar month of service onboard. Unused leave can be liquidated in accordance with NOC policy.
Why NOC?
We Offer a Generous Set Of Benefits, Including
- a 10% employer contribution pension scheme (with a 15% NI saving on employee contributions made above 5%, if in the salary sacrifice scheme)
- Death in Service (3 times annual salary) provided by Aviva from day one of employment, plus access to a range of other Aviva wellbeing services
- a salary sacrifice scheme for electric / hybrid vehicles (qualifying period applies)
- access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and confidential support on mental, physical, emotional, health and financial issues
- access to a flexible benefits portal offering online discounts, cashback and eGift cards
- a Cycle2Work scheme allowing employees to acquire bikes and accessories
- we are proud to be a Living Wage Employer
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Location
This position will be based onboard one of the two Royal Research Ship (RRS Discovery or RRS James Cook ) operated by NOC. The ships operate world-wide but are based ported at NOC Southampton
Submitting an application
Please click ‘Apply for this job’ and submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter. If you are unable to apply online, please contact the NOC recruitment team at careers@noc.ac.uk / 07355 676794.
Before submitting your application please ensure you have reviewed the attached job description and person specification.
We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position, as we strive to create a supportive and equitable environment where all voices are valued and heard.
Those seeking employment at NOC are considered solely on their qualifications, skills and experience, without regard to gender, gender identity, age, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, relationship status, family status (including pregnancy / maternity leave) or any other protected characteristic.
There is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the position and declare a disability. NOC is an Investors in People organisation.
Date advert posted: 22/07/2026
Closing date: 19/08/2026
This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants. Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.
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