Chef recruitment is one of our primary specialisms. Our chef recruiter, Shaun, brings over 20 years of culinary experience, with 15 of those years spent on yachts of various sizes. Drawing on knowledge developed through hundreds of owner and charter trips, we ensure that your chef search is handled with professionalism, delivering candidates perfectly suited to your needs.
Chef positions are famously challenging to fill across the yachting industry, as they require unique considerations different from other onboard roles. We have refined a recruitment process tailored specifically for chefs. By employing a head-hunting approach and using a robust network of industry contacts, we are well-positioned to source candidates from a wide range of trusted connections.
During our internal interviews with chef candidates, we explore several key areas critical to the success of galley operations.
Provisioning: Recognised as one of the most demanding aspects of onboard chef work, provisioning requires careful planning. We discuss candidates’ strategies for working with provisioning companies or local suppliers, managing stock levels, and accommodating extended trips.
Dietary Requirements: From vegan, kosher, pescatarian, coeliac diets to allergies and other medical restrictions, chefs must be equipped with foundational knowledge in dietary accommodations. We ensure candidates understand these essentials.
Charter and Trip Planning: Whether for a weekend trip or a two-month owner’s cruise, meticulous trip planning is essential. We discuss the candidate’s approach to pre-planning, including menu design, provisions templates, and other logistical elements.
Galley Management: For experienced yacht chefs or chefs transitioning from restaurants, galley management skills evolve from day one. We explore each chef’s approach to galley management, focusing on key areas like ship sanitation inspections, stock rotation, and efficient team coordination.
Chef Development in Multi-Chef Galleys: On yachts with more than one chef, mentoring crew or sous chefs is both a valuable asset and a responsibility. For non-sole chef positions, we address the candidate’s experience in training and nurturing junior chefs.
We also offer candidates advice on continuous professional development, drawing on an expanding portfolio of industry-recognised courses and professional contacts.
We extend the following support to clients:
Interview Preparation: We offer pre-interview guidance to help clients approach specialised questions with confidence.
Trial Structure: we have pre-developed chef trial programmes, we can also customise trial programmes to align with your vessel and role requirements, providing ongoing support throughout the trial period.
Package Guidance: Upon request, we provide insights into competitive compensation packages to help you secure top talent.
If you are looking to fill chef positions for current roles or future planning for the upcoming season, we would be delighted to discuss your specific requirements.