
Hire a Chief Steward/Stewardess for Your Yacht
Exceptional Leadership for Hospitality and Guest Service
A chief steward/stewardess is essential to delivering a luxury onboard experience, ensuring impeccable service and the seamless management of guest areas. At Cara Lees Yacht Crew, we specialise in recruiting experienced chief stewards/stewardesses who excel in guest service, team leadership, and maintaining the highest hospitality standards.
Whether you own a private yacht, superyacht, or charter vessel, we connect you with professionals who bring elegance, efficiency, and exceptional attention to detail to your yacht’s interior operations.
Ready to Find Your Ideal Chief Steward/Stewardess?
Speak To Cara to arrange a consultation.

Why Choose Cara Lees Yacht Crew for Chief Steward/Stewardess Recruitment?
With over 30 years in the yachting industry, Cara Lees understands the key role a chief steward/ess plays in creating a welcoming and polished environment for guests. Cara personally oversees every recruitment process, ensuring candidates bring both expertise and a passion for service.
What makes us different?
- Tailored recruitment to match your yacht’s service standards and guest profile.
- Rigorous vetting to ensure candidates meet the highest levels of professionalism.
- Ongoing support to facilitate a smooth onboarding process.
Our mission is to connect you with a chief steward/ess who enhances your guests’ experience and ensures the interior operations run flawlessly.
Key Responsibilities of a Chief Steward/Stewardess
A chief steward/ess leads the interior team and ensures guests enjoy a five-star experience on board. Key responsibilities include:
- Overseeing Guest Service – Managing and delivering personalised service to meet guest expectations.
- Training and Supervising Junior Stewards – Leading the interior team to maintain exceptional standards of hospitality and efficiency.
- Managing Guest Areas – Ensuring all guest spaces are immaculately maintained and beautifully presented.
- Inventory and Supplies – Managing stock levels of provisions, linens, and cleaning supplies to ensure readiness at all times.
- Event Planning and Execution – Organising and managing events, dining experiences, and special occasions on board.
Cara Lees Yacht Crew sources chief stewards/stewardesses with the skills and experience to excel in these responsibilities, ensuring your guests receive unparalleled service.
The ideal chief steward/ess combines technical expertise with a welcoming and professional demeanour. Candidates we recruit possess:
- Hospitality Expertise – Experience in high-end guest service and a background in luxury hospitality.
- Team Leadership – Proven ability to manage and train a team of junior stewards/stewardesses.
- Organisation and Attention to Detail – Exceptional skills in organising guest areas and maintaining impeccable standards.
- Guest Relations – The ability to anticipate and respond to guest needs with discretion and professionalism.
- Multi-tasking Abilities – Comfortable managing a variety of tasks in a dynamic environment.
Our recruitment process ensures every chief steward/ess meets these qualifications and aligns with your yacht’s operational and cultural needs.
Skills and Qualifications for a Chief Steward/Stewardess
Our Process: How We Recruit the Right Chief Steward/Stewardess for Your Yacht
At Cara Lees Yacht Crew, we follow a structured recruitment process to connect you with the perfect chief steward/ess:
- Consultation – We begin by understanding your yacht’s hospitality requirements and guest preferences.
- Candidate Search – Leveraging our extensive network, we identify candidates with the expertise and leadership skills you need.
- Comprehensive Interviews – Cara conducts detailed interviews to assess service skills, leadership abilities, and compatibility with your yacht’s culture.
- Rigorous Vetting – Reference and background checks confirm each candidate’s reliability, professionalism, and track record.
- Shortlisting – We present a curated selection of top candidates for your review and interviews.
- Onboarding Support – Cara provides guidance during the onboarding process, ensuring a smooth transition for your new chief steward/ess.
Find a Chief Steward/ess Today
Ready to Find a Chief Steward/ess?
Let Cara Lees Yacht Crew help you find a professional chief steward/ess to lead your hospitality team and deliver exceptional guest experiences. With our expertise and personalised recruitment process, we connect you with candidates who bring excellence and elegance to your yacht’s interior operations.
Frequently Asked Questions For Hiring A Chief Officer For Your Yacht
Most frequent questions and answers
What qualifications should a chief officer have?
A chief officer should hold STCW certification and demonstrate strong skills in deck operations, safety management, navigation, and leadership.
How long does the recruitment process take?
Typically, it takes 2–4 weeks, depending on your specific needs and the availability of suitable candidates.
Can I interview multiple candidates before deciding?
Yes. We’ll present a shortlist of qualified candidates, and you’re welcome to interview them before making your choice.
Can I hire a chief officer for a temporary or seasonal position?
Absolutely. We offer flexible recruitment solutions for both temporary and permanent roles.
What level of experience is recommended?
Ideally, a chief officer should have 3–5 years of experience on yachts of similar size and function, particularly in safety and deck management.
What qualities make a great chief officer?
Exceptional leadership, decision-making, communication skills, and a proactive approach to operations and safety.
Does the chief officer manage the deck crew?
Yes, overseeing the deck crew is one of their primary responsibilities, ensuring efficient and safe deck operations.
Do you provide post-hire support?
Yes, we offer post-placement support during the onboarding period to ensure a smooth transition.
How much does it cost to hire a chief officer?
Costs vary based on the role’s requirements, experience level, and contract length. All costs are discussed transparently at the outset.
What if the chief officer isn’t the right fit?
We offer a replacement guarantee within a set period to ensure your satisfaction with the placement.