At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a high-performance kitchen team to prepare meals for elite athletes.
- Company: Dynamic football club with a focus on nutrition and player performance.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience in a professional kitchen and travel with the team.
- Other info: Full-time role with flexible hours, including match days and travel.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting environment that fuels top athletes' performance.
- Qualifications: Positive attitude, willingness to learn, and a valid food hygiene certificate.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
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.
First Team Chef (CDP) in Luton employer: Luton Town Football Club
Luton Town FC Community Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where employees can make a meaningful impact in the local community. With a strong focus on professional development, the Trust provides opportunities for growth and learning while fostering a supportive and inclusive culture. Located in Luton, this role not only allows you to contribute to vital community initiatives but also to be part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering high-quality services and support.
