Performance Senior Sous Chef

About the Performance and MedicineTeam: 

Our mission is to support every athlete in reaching peak performance while reducing injury risk. 

Through a multi-disciplinary approach that blends sports science, nutrition, medicine, and psychology, we deliver personalised programs tailored to each player’s needs. 

We work closely with coaches to balance training loads, guide recovery, and provide insights into player readiness. Mental wellness is also a key focus, with sports psychologists helping athletes build resilience under pressure. 

The Opportunity: 

Sunderland Football Club is seeking an ambitious and talented Performance Senior Sous Chef to help deliver an elite catering and nutrition programme for our first-team players. Working alongside the Performance Executive Head Chef, Performance Head Chef and Head of Nutrition, you will create exceptional, performance-focused meals that support training, recovery and matchday preparation.

This is a unique opportunity for a chef with a passion for high-quality food and sports nutrition to make a direct impact on player performance. You will develop innovative menus, tailor meals to individual dietary needs, maintain the highest standards of food safety and service, and play a key role in leading, coordinating and developing the performance catering team. Responsibilities include supervising Assistant Performance Chefs, conducting performance reviews, managing responsibilities in the absence of the Performance Head Chef, and supporting the ongoing development of team members through training and best practice.

You will also contribute to budget management through the effective purchasing of ingredients and equipment, ensuring nutritious, high-quality meals are delivered in a cost-effective manner.  Traveling with the first team on domestic and international fixtures offers a unique opportunity to be at the heart of elite football operations.

What We Ask For: 

The successful candidate will be a highly motivated and experienced chef with a recognised professional culinary qualification (NVQ Level 3 or equivalent) and a proven track record of delivering exceptional standards in a fast-paced, quality-driven environment. A strong commitment to continuous professional development is essential, with evidence of maintaining and enhancing professional knowledge and skills. Food Safety Level 3 and IOSH (or equivalent food safety/health and safety training) are desirable. The successful applicant will also be required to obtain an Enhanced DBS check through Sunderland AFC. If you thrive under pressure, are passionate about high-performance catering, and aspire to work within an elite sporting environment, this is an outstanding opportunity to join Sunderland Football Club.