Senior Chef

Mercy Ships is an international charity that brings hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor through state-of-the-art hospital ships. Since 1978, our volunteer crew—made up of medical professionals and skilled workers from over 60 nations—has delivered free surgeries and medical care to over 2.8 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa, transforming lives one patient and one port at a time. Join our global team of over 3,000 volunteers and help us change lives daily.

About this role

The Senior Chef is responsible for the daily planning and preparation of the on-board menus, training of the Galley Team, hygiene, safety and cleanliness of the Galley areas. This position supports the Food Services Manager by ensuring the Galley Team Leaders have everything they need to complete their daily tasks and supply the crew with well-balanced, nutritious, and enjoyable meals.

What you will contribute

• Ensure coordination for supplies and food preparation between Galley teams.
• Contribute and coordinate with Food Services Manager for the 6-week menu and long-term supply order.
• Oversight of cleanliness and hygiene of Galley areas by conducting daily spot checks.
• Carry out final walk-through of the Galley in the evening to ensure high standard of cleanliness and all equipment is switched off and stowed appropriately.
• Train Galley crew in preparation, hygiene and safety procedures as laid out in Food Services SOP.
• Take lead on special functions and coordinate for events requiring catering.
• Working outside of regular hours as required.
• Assist the Food Services Manager.
• Attend departmental meetings on all workdays.

For This Role, You Will Need

• Successful completion of Mercy Ships On Boarding program
• Supportive of Mercy Ships mission and vision and committed to its core values.
• Understand and apply servant leadership, work collaboratively with integrity and demonstrate accountability.
• Able to live in and contribute to community life, requiring stable and healthy interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multitask and work well within a team dynamic.
• Able to lift 30 lbs./14 kg. regularly and have endurance for physical labor activities including bending, kneeling, and walking up and down stairs.
• Prior cooking experience in a restaurant, fast food, cafeteria, or equivalent commercial kitchen is required.
• Prior leadership experience strongly preferred, ideally in a restaurant or culinary setting.
• Culinary degree or relevant culinary training preferred.

The experience of a lifetime is calling.

More than 1,200 volunteers from over 60 nations serve with Mercy Ships each year.

At Mercy Ships, we are proud to be recognized around the world for the life-changing surgeries and training we deliver. We could not achieve this without our dedicated community of talented volunteers.

Imagine finishing your shift and stepping onto deck as the sun sets—knowing that today you’ve helped transform the lives of those who need it most. Apply now to start a journey that will reshape the lives of those you serve — and your own.