Head Performance Chef

Job Title: Head Performance Chef

Date: September 2026

Reports To: Head of Football Operations

Location: Oxford United Training Centre

JOB ROLE

As Head Performance Chef, you will lead the culinary provision for the Club, designing and delivering food that directly supports training load, match performance and recovery.

Working closely with the Performance department, you will translate nutritional strategy into outstanding, purposeful meals for the squad, while leading the day-to-day operation of the training ground kitchen and restaurant.

This is a leadership role requiring credibility in a high-performance environment, genuine knowledge of performance nutrition, and a passion for culinary excellence. You will be visible and engaged with players and staff throughout service and will play an important part in shaping the culture and standards of the training centre.

KEY AREAS

•       Design and deliver performance and recovery-focused menus aligned to the training cycle, match schedule and individual player demands.

•       Tailor individual meals to player dietary requirements, allergies, cultural preferences and performance or recovery goals.

•       Lead the food offer across the training ground restaurant, ensuring consistency, quality and presentation at every service.

•       Support performance through the wider dining experience — a welcoming environment, considered food displays and buffet layouts, and a consistent willingness to go above and beyond for players and staff.

•       Manage kitchen operations, including hygiene, food safety, allergen control and compliance with all statutory standards.

•       Lead, develop and upskill the restaurant team, setting clear standards and supporting individual progression.

•       Control stock, ordering, supplier relationships and budgets, balancing quality with commercial responsibility.

•       Work with sustainability in mind, reducing waste and making environmentally conscious sourcing decisions.

•       Deliver education sessions and cooking demonstrations for players and staff on fuelling, cooking skills and food hygiene, including support for players living independently for the first time.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

•       Relevant professional catering qualifications, including a minimum of Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene for Catering.

•       Significant experience as a chef in professional sport, elite performance or another high-pressure catering environment.

•       Strong working knowledge of performance nutrition, hydration, fuelling and recovery, gained through professional experience and/or formal qualification.

•       Demonstrable experience of delivering tailored athlete meal planning and managing individual dietary requirements.

•       Proven leadership and kitchen management capability, including recruitment and staff development.

•       Experience managing food standards, allergen compliance and hygiene systems to a high level, with a track record of strong EHO ratings.

•       Experience of budget management, stock control and supplier negotiation.

•       Excellent communication skills, with the confidence and credibility to engage directly with players, coaches and senior staff.

•       Ability to work under pressure and adapt to a changing fixture schedule, including matchdays and weekends.

Oxford United FC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all Colleagues and Volunteers to share this commitment. This role is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.

Please note, this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised deadline if we receive a high volume of suitable applications—early submission is strongly encouraged.

How to Apply

•           Please apply by sending a cover letter and CV to vacancy@oufc.co.uk