What the job involves
The head of service owns everything the guests eat and drink from the moment it leaves the galley. YPI Crew describes the post as leading all service on board: setting the direction for each meal, running the stews on service, setting up tables and decorations, providing drinks whenever guests want them and planning theme parties. The head of service also helps keep the interior in order between services.
Behind the guest-facing work sits a good deal of administration. Recent Yotspot adverts for the post on 80m+ yachts list keeping the service worklist and standards up to date, managing service inventories, ordering and provisioning, and training junior stews. A 120m+ advert also asked for experience writing standard operating procedures and working in Microsoft Office. Expect to spend quiet days counting glassware, updating service manuals and training the team.
Where the post sits in the interior
On a large yacht the interior splits into service, housekeeping and laundry, each with its own lead. YPI Crew places the head of service directly under the chief stew. Some Yotspot adverts use the title Lead Service Steward(ess) for the same job, and on yachts with an interior manager the head of service reports there instead. The 120m+ advert on Yotspot had the head of service working with both a chief stewardess and an interior manager.
The head of service is the link between the service stews and interior management. Two Yotspot adverts for 80m+ private yachts expected the head of service to take charge of service operations and step up while the interior manager was on leave. That cover work is how most people prove they are ready for a chief stew post. On smaller yachts there is rarely a separate service lead, and the chief stew or second stew runs service.
What yachts look for when hiring
Captains and chief stews hire proven service leaders. Yotspot adverts for 80m+ yachts asked for two to three years in a senior or lead service role on 60m+ yachts, plus experience managing and developing a team. A 120m+ yacht asked for a previous senior service role on a 100m+ yacht, strong wine knowledge and evidence of longevity.
The skills list is specific. YPI Crew names wine knowledge, cocktail and barista skills, cigar knowledge, table decoration and flower arranging, alongside etiquette and management. Every crew member still needs STCW Basic Safety Training and a seafarer medical such as the ENG1, and US-based adverts asked for a valid B1/B2 visa. Polished presentation matters, and one large-yacht advert stated it outright.
Pay, leave and rotation
Northrop & Johnson's 2026 guide gives head of service pay only from 60m upwards: US$4,500 to 6,000 a month at 60 to 80m, US$5,500 to 6,500 at 80 to 100m and US$6,000 and up at 100m+. YPI Crew's 2026 guide gives the same figures in euros, with 90 days' leave or equal rotation at 60 to 80m and equal rotation above that.
Live adverts show the leave patterns in practice. A 120m+ yacht on Yotspot offered a 10:10 rotation, and one 80m+ advert gave 90 days' leave a year. Several adverts list salary as depending on experience, so the owner, the programme and how long you have held a senior service post move the offer within the band.
Pay
USD a month. Figures from the Northrop & Johnson 2026 crew salary guide; YPI Crew 2026 gives the same bands in euros. Neither guide gives a figure under 60m. Yacht size and experience move the figure. Refer to the head of service pay page for pay by yacht size.
What you need
- STCW Basic Safety TrainingYPI Crew says every crew member needs a valid STCW Basic Safety Training certificate before an agency can place them.
- Seafarer medicalA recognised seafarer medical certificate is required. The ENG1, issued by an MCA-approved doctor, is the most common.
- Senior service experienceAdverts ask for two to three years leading service on 60m+ yachts. A 120m+ yacht asked for a previous senior service role on a 100m+ yacht.
- Beverage and table skillsYPI Crew names wine knowledge, cocktails, barista work, cigars, table decoration and flower arranging.
- Team leadershipYou must train, schedule and manage a team of service stews and keep the service worklist and standards current.
- AdministrationService inventories, ordering, SOPs and Microsoft Office appear in adverts for 80m+ and 120m+ yachts.
- Visa where neededAdverts for yachts based in the United States asked for a valid B1/B2 visa, and a Mediterranean advert asked for a Schengen visa if applicable.
How to get there
- StartJunior stewLearn service, housekeeping and laundry, holding STCW Basic Safety Training and an ENG1.
- Next stepsStew, then second stewTake on more service and start supervising junior crew. Yotspot describes the second stew as supporting the chief stew.
- 2-3 yearsSenior or lead service stewLead service on a 60m+ yacht. Adverts ask for two to three years at this level.
- Senior postHead of serviceRun all guest service on a 70m+ yacht under the chief stew or interior manager, and cover their leave.
- Next moveChief stew or interior managerYotspot names chief stew or interior manager as the top of the interior ladder.
Open now on SuperyachtRoles.com
Related pages
Questions people ask
Is a head of service the same as a chief stew?
No. The chief stew runs the whole interior department, while the head of service runs guest service only and reports to the chief stew or interior manager. On smaller yachts the chief stew does both jobs.
What size yacht has a head of service?
YPI Crew says the post is typically found on yachts over 70m. Current adverts are for 80m, 100m and 120m private motor yachts, and the pay guides give no figure under 60m.
What is the job called in adverts?
Head of Service is the usual title, but some Yotspot adverts list the post as Lead Service Steward(ess). The duties are the same: leading the service team and setting service standards.
How much does a head of service earn?
Northrop & Johnson's 2026 guide gives US$4,500 to 6,000 a month on 60 to 80m yachts, US$5,500 to 6,500 at 80 to 100m and US$6,000 and up at 100m+. YPI Crew gives the same bands in euros.
Is the post rotational?
Often, on the largest yachts. YPI Crew lists equal rotation from 80m upwards, and live adverts have offered a 10:10 rotation or 90 days' leave.
Do I need a hospitality qualification?
No single ticket is required beyond STCW Basic Safety Training and a seafarer medical. Yachts hire on proven senior service time, along with wine, bar and table-styling skills.
