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- Tasks: Create healthy, balanced meals for elite football players with special dietary needs.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Southampton Football Club, dedicated to high-performance nutrition.
- Benefits: Enjoy free match tickets, health initiatives, 26 days holiday, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of an inclusive culture while making a real impact on athletes' performance.
- Qualifications: Experience in a professional kitchen and a minimum Level 2 NVQ in catering required.
- Other info: Work includes evenings, weekends, and away games; perfect for passionate foodies!
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Be part of our journey…
Hours: Full time, will include evenings, weekends and bank holidays when necessary
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: Staplewood Campus
Criminal Record Check: DBS Enhanced with Childs Barred List
What is the role?
You will work closely with the Head of Performance and Nutritionist to provide healthy, balanced meals for elite football players, working in accordance with special dietary requirements to offer creative and innovative menu choices. You will ensure food provision is carefully tailored to meet the needs of professional, high-performance athletes.
What will you be doing?
You will plan menus based upon player individual training and match requirements which include special diets (e.g., vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, halal) which take into consideration the availability of ingredients and budget constraints.
Taking pride in your work, you will ensure all dishes are prepared to a high standard and presented well, as well as taking on feedback and regularly liaising with other members of staff regarding meal choices and preferences.
You will be involved in all areas of player nutrition and catering from always maintaining the safety and hygiene of the kitchen area to keeping accurate records of food intake for individual players as required by the Clubs Performance department. Working closely with the Club Nutritionist you will improve the offering of the club and ensure high quality meals are available when required including away games.
You will manage the catering team at the Training Ground which consists of both permanent and casual staff in roles such as Front of House, Chefs and Kitchen Assistants. You will also be required to work all home and away games.
Is this you?
You’ll need to be able to work well under pressure, have good organisation and communication skills and can multitask is essential. You will have experience in a professional kitchen environment with a minimum of a level 2 NVQ in catering or equivalent.
With excellent customer service skills and a strong understanding of healthy eating principles, you can creatively cater to a variety of dietary needs.
How this benefits you…
If you are successful, you can look forward to an extensive benefit package;
- Access to x2 free match tickets for every home league game.
- Access to our staff Health & Wellbeing initiatives (Mental & Physical Health).
- Discounted Southampton Football Club merchandise.
- 26 days’ holiday per year excluding bank holidays plus your birthday off each year.
- Contributory Pension Scheme.
- Free onsite parking.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Collaborative & inclusive working culture.
How can I apply?
Click on the apply button below, enter your details and answer a quick pre-screening questionnaire, then attach your CV.
The closing date for applications is 04/07/2025.
*We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if a high volume of applicants are received.*
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Performance Chef employer: Southampton FC
Contact Detail:
Southampton FC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Performance Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary requirements of elite athletes. Understanding the nutritional needs for various diets like vegan, gluten-free, and halal will show that you are prepared to cater to the players' needs.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the sports nutrition and catering industry. Attend relevant events or workshops where you can meet people who work in similar roles, as they might provide insights or even referrals to help you land the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your ability to work under pressure by sharing examples from your previous experience. Highlight situations where you successfully managed a busy kitchen environment, especially during high-stakes events or matches.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your passion for healthy eating and innovative cooking. Consider creating a portfolio of your best dishes that cater to various dietary needs, which can be a great conversation starter during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Performance Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Performance Chef. Familiarise yourself with the dietary needs of elite athletes and how to create balanced meals that cater to various dietary restrictions.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your experience in professional kitchens, especially any roles that involved catering for specific dietary needs. Include relevant qualifications like your NVQ in catering and any other certifications that showcase your culinary skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for nutrition and cooking for athletes. Mention your ability to work under pressure and your experience managing kitchen teams, as these are crucial for the role.
Showcase Your Creativity: In your application, provide examples of innovative menu ideas or dishes you've created in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to think creatively while adhering to dietary requirements.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southampton FC
✨Know Your Nutrition
Familiarise yourself with the dietary requirements of elite athletes. Be prepared to discuss how you would create balanced meals for various diets, such as vegan or gluten-free, and demonstrate your understanding of nutrition principles.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare to present innovative menu ideas that cater to high-performance athletes. Think about how you can make healthy meals appealing and exciting, and be ready to share examples from your previous experience.
✨Demonstrate Team Leadership
As you'll be managing a catering team, highlight your leadership skills. Discuss your experience in coordinating staff, handling feedback, and ensuring high standards in food preparation and presentation.
✨Emphasise Organisation and Multitasking
Given the fast-paced environment, illustrate your ability to work under pressure. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed multiple tasks in a busy kitchen setting while maintaining quality and safety standards.