First Team Chef (CDP)

Role Overview

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Chef de Partie to join our First Team catering operation. While professional kitchen experience is welcome, it is not essential - what matters most is the right attitude, a genuine eagerness to learn, and the ability to conduct yourself with professionalism and discretion in a first team environment. Working as part of a high-performance kitchen team, you will play a key role in preparing and delivering nutritionally optimised meals for first team players and staff at the training ground and across all competitive fixtures - home and away.

Key Responsibilities

Training Ground

• Prepare and deliver daily breakfast, lunch, and recovery meals for first team players and coaching staff

• Manage your section with full ownership of prep, service, and clean-down to the highest standards of hygiene and quality

• Work closely with the Head Chef and club nutritionist to design and execute menus aligned with player performance and recovery needs

• Maintain accurate stock records, assist with ordering, and minimise waste on your section

Match Days - Home Fixtures

• Lead preparation and service of pre-match, half-time, and post-match meals for players.

• Coordinate with the wider kitchen team to ensure precise timing around kick-off schedules

• Ensure all food meets the nutritional standards and portion specifications set by the performance team

Away Fixtures

• Travel with the first team squad to all away fixtures.

• Liaise with hotel and venue kitchens in advance to confirm facilities, equipment, and dietary requirements

• Pack and transport specialist ingredients, equipment, and supplements as directed

• Prepare and deliver pre-match and recovery meals on the road, adapting to variable kitchen environments while maintaining consistent standards

• Represent the club professionally at all times when working in third-party venues

Person Specification

Essential

• A positive, can-do attitude and genuine enthusiasm for the role

• Willingness to learn and take direction from the Head Chef and performance team

• Professionalism and discretion when working in a first team environment - the ability to build trust with players and staff is paramount

• Full, clean UK driving licence

• Valid food hygiene certificate (Level 2 minimum), or willingness to obtain one before starting

• Ability and willingness to travel extensively, including overnight stays and weekends

• Flexibility to work irregular hours including early mornings, evenings, and match days

• Strong work ethic and the ability to stay calm and organised under pressure

• Excellent personal hygiene and commitment to food safety standards

Desirable

• NVQ Level 2 / City & Guilds qualification in Professional Cookery (or equivalent)

• Any professional kitchen experience, whether in hospitality, catering, or sport

• Knowledge of sports nutrition or experience cooking to dietary and performance briefs

• Knowledge of allergen management and experience catering for diverse dietary requirements (halal, vegan, gluten-free, etc.)

• A genuine interest in professional football and elite athlete performance

Additional Requirements

• This is a full time role, including all first team fixtures, both home and away. This is a non-negotiable requirement of the role

• This role requires a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check