At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and present high-quality meals for elite athletes at Aston Villa FC.
- Company: Join the prestigious Aston Villa FC Training Ground team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for culinary growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with a focus on innovation and excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on athletes' performance through nutrition in a top-tier sports setting.
- Qualifications: Culinary qualifications and experience in high-performance environments preferred.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
Salary: Competitive Salary
Shift hours: Full Time
Reports to: Head Chef – Aston Villa FC Training Ground
Location: Aston Villa FC Training Ground – Bodymoor Heath
Sector: Levy UK
Aston Villa Key Relationships: Executive Performance Chef, Catering Manager, Head of Nutrition & Performance Nutritionists
ROLE PURPOSE
The Sous Chef at Aston Villa FC’s Training Ground plays a vital role in delivering nutritionally balanced, high-quality meals for players, coaches, and staff in an elite sporting environment. Working under the guidance of the Senior Sous Chef, Head Chef and Executive Performance Chef, the Sous Chef is responsible for preparing and presenting dishes that meet the highest standards of taste, nutrition, and consistency, supporting performance and recovery needs. The role involves hands-on cooking, menu execution, and maintaining impeccable food safety and hygiene standards. The Sous Chef may also support performance catering at Villa Park on matchdays, helping ensure first-team meals are delivered seamlessly. This is a unique opportunity to contribute directly to Aston Villa’s pursuit of excellence, aligned with the club’s philosophy: “Proud History, Bright Future.”
ABOUT BODYMOOR HEATH TRAINING GROUND
Aston Villa’s Bodymoor Heath Training Ground is one of the most advanced football training facilities in the country. It is home to the men’s and women’s first teams as well as the academy, serving as a central hub for player development, sports science, and elite performance. The kitchens and dining areas form a vital part of this environment, providing tailored, performance-focused nutrition that powers Aston Villa athletes every day.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Food Preparation and Service: Prepare, cook, and present meals to the highest standards, ensuring nutritional balance and consistency across all services. There could be a requirement to lead on certain tasks or services.
- Menu Execution: Deliver and support the creation of menus designed by the Head Chef and Aston Villa’s Performance Nutrition department to support fuelling, recovery, and wellbeing goals for athletes.
- Matchday Support: If required, assist with first team catering at Villa Park on matchdays, ensuring performance-focused menus are executed to the required standards.
- Team Collaboration: Work closely with the Head Chef, fellow chefs, and nutrition department to deliver seamless service across daily meal periods.
- Food Safety & Hygiene: Maintain strict compliance with food hygiene, allergen management, and health and safety standards at all times.
- Stock & Waste Management: Assist with stock control, storage, and waste reduction, ensuring ingredients are used efficiently.
- Continuous Improvement: Contribute ideas for menu development and culinary innovation, staying aligned with trends in nutrition and performance catering.
- Training & Development: Support junior team members where required, sharing knowledge and upholding kitchen standards.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
- Culinary Qualifications: Professional culinary training and relevant certifications (NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent).
- Experience: Previous experience as a Sous Chef ideally in high-performance, sports, training ground, or premium hospitality settings.
- Technical Skills: Strong cooking ability with excellent attention to detail in presentation and quality.
- Nutrition Awareness: Interest in, or knowledge of, sports nutrition principles and performance-led cooking.
- Team Player: Collaborative approach with excellent communication skills to work effectively with chefs, nutritionists, and performance staff.
- Organisation & Efficiency: Ability to manage time effectively and deliver consistently in a fast-paced environment.
- Food Safety Knowledge: Solid understanding of HACCP, allergen procedures, and health and safety compliance.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: Willingness to work flexible hours in line with training schedules, match preparation, and club requirements. This may at times be at short notice.
- Passion & Drive: Enthusiasm for food, nutrition, and contributing to the success of Aston Villa Football Club.
- Growth Mindset: Sport is always evolving, so a positive and open mindset is required to adapt to its changing nature.
1st Team Sous Chef- Aston Villa Training Ground - Full Time - Birmingham employer: Compass Group
Aston Villa FC offers an exceptional working environment at the Bodymoor Heath Training Ground, where you will play a crucial role in delivering high-quality, performance-focused meals for elite athletes. With a strong emphasis on teamwork, continuous improvement, and professional development, employees benefit from a culture that values culinary excellence and innovation. The unique setting of one of the UK's most advanced training facilities provides unparalleled opportunities to contribute to the success of a prestigious football club while enjoying competitive salaries and flexible working arrangements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 1st Team Sous Chef- Aston Villa Training Ground - Full Time - Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Aston Villa or in similar roles. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, bring a dish or two to share during an interview or networking event. It’s a tasty way to demonstrate your culinary flair and passion for performance-focused cooking.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk nutrition! Brush up on sports nutrition principles and how they relate to meal prep. We want to see that you understand the importance of fuelling athletes for peak performance.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining the Aston Villa family.
We think you need these skills to ace 1st Team Sous Chef- Aston Villa Training Ground - Full Time - Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through! Share any experiences that highlight your culinary journey and how it aligns with the role at Aston Villa. We want to see your enthusiasm for creating high-quality meals!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your previous experience as a Sous Chef and any relevant culinary qualifications. We appreciate when applicants take the time to connect their background to our needs!
Emphasise Team Collaboration:Since this role involves working closely with other chefs and nutritionists, be sure to mention your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in past roles. We value a team player who can contribute to our kitchen's success!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining the Aston Villa family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group
✨Know Your Nutrition
Brush up on sports nutrition principles and how they relate to performance. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the players' recovery and wellbeing through your culinary skills.
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Prepare to talk about your previous experiences in high-performance kitchens. Bring examples of dishes you've created that align with nutritional goals, and be ready to demonstrate your cooking techniques if asked.
✨Teamwork is Key
Highlight your ability to collaborate with chefs, nutritionists, and performance staff. Share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team to deliver seamless service, especially in fast-paced environments.
✨Emphasise Food Safety Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of food safety standards, HACCP, and allergen management. This role demands strict compliance, so showing your commitment to hygiene and safety will impress the interviewers.
