First Team Chef

Job Role:
Tranmere Rovers Football Club is seeking a talented and motivated First Team Chef to lead the culinary operation at our training ground. This role focuses on delivering daily, performance-driven meals to support our professional football players' nutritional needs, both during training and on matchdays. The Campus Chef will also be responsible for overseeing any catering requirements for international visitors to the Campus.

This is a key operational role that includes budget management, compliance with Environmental Health Officer (EHO) requirements, and the leadership of a small team.

Duties

· Plan, prepare, and deliver nutritionally balanced, high-quality meals using fresh produce, tailored to professional footballers.

· Collaborate closely with performance staff and nutritionists to meet individual and team dietary requirements.

· Oversee all culinary operations at the Campus, including service for visiting international guests.

· Lead, manage, and motivate a team of kitchen staff to ensure high standards of efficiency and food quality.

· Maintain strict adherence to hygiene, food safety, and health regulations, ensuring full compliance with EHO requirements.

· Act as the main point of contact for EHO visits, managing documentation, inspections, and follow-up actions.

· Manage the kitchen budget effectively, including cost control, procurement, and stock management.

· Ensure the kitchen is maintained to a high standard of cleanliness, safety, and operational excellence.

· Be available to work matchdays as part of the core schedule.

· Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times in a high-performance sporting environment.

· Any other tasks deemed reasonable as requested by the Club

Requirements

· Proven experience as a Chef or Sous Chef, ideally in a high-performance or health-conscious setting.

· Demonstrable experience in budget management and cost-effective kitchen operations.

· Knowledge of EHO standards and experience managing inspections and reports.

· Strong leadership and team management skills.

· Good understanding of sports nutrition and athlete dietary requirements.

· Excellent organisational and communication skills.

· Flexible availability including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and matchdays.

· This position offers an engaging environment for passionate culinary professionals eager to showcase their skills while leading a dedicated team.

· Minimum NVQ Level 3 in Food Hygiene (or equivalent qualification).

· A full UK driving licence is essential; a mini bus licence (D1) is desirable but not required.

DBS required: Yes

Shortlisting will be on 2nd February with interviews being held on 9th February 2026.

Equality and Diversity

Tranmere Rovers FC is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment and its employment policies for recruitment, selection, training, development and promotion are designed to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, ethnic and national origin, disability or gender reassignment.

Safer Recruitment

Tranmere Rovers FC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. The successful applicant will be required to undertake appropriate safeguarding checks as well as providing proof of right to work in the UK.