Cook

Cook

Location: Kyle of Lochalsh, Ross-Shire, IV40 8AJ

Salary: Competitive plus excellent benefits
Schedule: Perm/FT/48 hours - rostered 4 weeks on, 4 weeks off

For applicants who live further than 80 miles away from Kyle of Lochalsh, Serco will pay a maximum of 0.55p per mile for travel to and from base. 

Ready to impact a better future?

As a Cook in our Defence Maritime team, you’ll provide high-quality food and hospitality services to crew and clients on board vessel operations, helping ensure a safe, efficient, and positive experience for everyone on board.

Our work touches lives through the delivery of important maritime services. In this role, you’ll contribute to the wellbeing, comfort, and operational effectiveness of vessel crews and visitors. From maintaining high food standards to supporting hospitality services, your work will have purpose and create a positive impact on communities and operations while helping us impact a better future.

What you’ll do as a Cook

• Provide a high standard of food and hospitality services to crew and clients.


• Maintain excellent hygiene standards across the galley, food preparation, food storage, and mess areas.


• Order and manage victualling and hospitality stores, ensuring sufficient supplies are available for operational requirements.


• Support hospitality services, including accommodation preparation and customer cabin cleaning when required.


• Follow food hygiene legislation and company procedures at all times.


• Operate safely by following emergency procedures, safety routines, and vessel management systems.

Does this sound like you?

• Hold a minimum Ship’s Cook Certificate of Competence.


• Current STCW certifications; including Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities, Survival Craft, Designated Security Duties, and Elementary First Aid.


• Hold an unrestricted ENG1 medical certificate.


• Take a methodical approach to work and maintain high standards.


• Communicate effectively and collaborate well with colleagues and stakeholders in a maritime environment.  

What we offer

• Up to 6% contributory pension scheme


• Over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships (we currently offer over 60 different apprenticeships), mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression.


• Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, 30% off at Serco-managed leisure centres, and 24/7 access to a virtual GP service


• Discounts across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel


• Paid volunteering day, tax-free charitable giving through Payroll Giving Scheme, donate your pennies from your monthly pay to the Serco People Fund Charity


• Our employee networks support connection by providing spaces for collaboration, learning, and belonging. They represent and empower all our colleagues including veterans, LGBTQIA+ employees, women, parents and carers, people with disabilities, and people from all cultural backgrounds

Vetting and checks:

This role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance, which involves verifying your identity, employment history, nationality, and criminal record to meet government security standards. In addition, depending on the nature of the role, you may need to obtain formal Security Clearance (such as CTC or SC), which includes more detailed background checks on employment, criminal record, and financial history to ensure suitability for working in secure environments. Please note that UK residency requirements may apply for certain levels of clearance. You will also complete an Occupational Health Questionnaire so we can identify and provide any support you may need to undertake the role effectively.

Let’s impact a better future, together. Apply today.

A little bit about us:
At Serco, everyone plays a vital part in delivering essential public services that make a real difference. As a global team of 50,000 people across Defence, Transport, Justice, Immigration, Healthcare, Leisure and Citizen Services, we’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the services that communities rely on. Guided by our values of Trust, Care, Innovation and Pride, our people make meaningful impact, every single day.

Our inclusive recruitment commitment:
We prioritise your skills and potential. As a Disability Confident Leader, the Top Great British Employer of Veterans 2026, and a Gold Inclusive Employer Standard holder, we champion equal opportunities for all. We offer flexible and hybrid working where possible and make reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment.

• Guaranteed Interview Scheme: Applicants with disabilities, veterans and people with convictions, who meet the minimum job criteria, are guaranteed an interview. Simply opt into the relevant scheme on the application form.


• Ban The Box: We also support fair access for those with unspent criminal convictions through our ‘Ban the Box’ pledge (some roles may have security exemptions).

For support with your application, please contact [email protected].

Let’s impact a better future, together. Apply today.

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