At Gather & Gather, we are known as one of the UK & Irelands most distinctive workplace catering experts, we are passionate about great food and great coffee and putting our employees and customers at the heart of everything that we do. We are currently recruiting for a Head Chef.
Location: Charlton Athletic Football Club Training Ground (Sparrows Lane, New Eltham, London SE9)
Reports to: Head of Performance / Performance Nutritionist
Contract Type: Full-Time 40 Hour Per Week (Including Weekends and Match Days as Required)
Salary: 60,000 per annum
Role Overview
We\'re looking for an experienced and motivated Head Chef - Player Performance to join the Gather & Gather team at Charlton Athletic\'s Training Ground. In this role, you\'ll be instrumental in crafting and serving nutritious, delicious meals that meet the specific dietary needs of players and staff-empowering them to perform at their best.
Working closely with the Performance Nutritionist and wider performance team, you\'ll create innovative menus, manage daily kitchen operations, and maintain the highest standards of food quality, hygiene, and presentation. You\'ll also bring Gather & Gather\'s passion for food and community to every dish, helping build a welcoming and engaging dining culture.
Key Responsibilities
- Create and deliver balanced, performance-driven meals tailored to individual and team nutrition goals.
- Collaborate with the club\'s Performance Nutritionist to ensure meals meet training, match day and recovery needs.
- Oversee daily training meals, pre-match and post-match meals and travel catering.
- Adapt menus to incorporate seasonal ingredients and evolving player needs.
- Uphold the highest standards of cleanliness, food safety and kitchen organisation in line with Gather & Gather practices.
- Foster positive, approachable relationships with players and staff, encouraging a culture of nutrition and wellbeing.
- Source fresh, sustainable ingredients, managing budgets responsibly to minimise waste.
- Support informal nutrition education, sharing your knowledge and passion for food.
Person Specification
Essential:
- Strong culinary skills with the ability to craft appealing, nutritious dishes.
- Enthusiastic about sports nutrition and keen to learn and grow.
- Confident managing kitchen operations independently and in fast-paced environments.
- Excellent interpersonal skills-friendly, approachable, and adaptable.
- Organised and proactive, with great time management.
- Valid Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or higher).
Desirable:
- Experience working in elite sport or high-performance settings.
- Knowledge of specialist diets (e.g. plant-based, gluten-free) and cultural dietary requirements.
- Full, clean UK driving licence.
What\'s in it for you?
Working with Gather and Gather has its perks! People are at the heart of everything we do, so we\'ve developed a range of benefits to keep you happy.
- Personal Development and Training opportunities
- Life assurance scheme
- Pension scheme
- Holiday allowance
- Private medical eligibility
- Eye care
- A great wellbeing strategy - including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary finance
- Family friendly support
- Regular social events and communication with our leaders
- A holiday purchase scheme
- Volunteering days
- Professional subscriptions
- Recognition schemes and people awards
- Long service awards
- Access to some great high street discount vouchers
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Charlton Athletic Football Club Training Ground in London
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like ESS. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to ESS
Don't be shy about reaching out to ESS directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about ESS and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at ESS
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
