At a Glance
- Tasks: Create performance-focused meals for professional football players and support their recovery through nutrition.
- Company: Join Milton Keynes Dons FC, a newly promoted team in EFL League One.
- Benefits: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities to travel and engage with athletes.
- Other info: Flexible hours based on the football schedule, including weekends and holidays.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on players' performance while showcasing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a chef in a performance setting and knowledge of nutrition.
The predicted salary is between 25920 - 31680 £ per year.
Milton Keynes Dons Football Club, newly promoted to EFL League One, play at Stadium MK, a 30,500-capacity venue that sits at the heart of the wider Stadium MK Group.
The Group's assets also include Arena MK, the Double Tree by Hilton Milton Keynes, a 304-bedroom hotel, and a 65,000-capacity music venue the National Bowl, making it one of the most diverse sport, leisure, and hospitality operations in the UK.
About the role
If you are a chef with experience cooking in a performance environment, this is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of a professional football club, directly supporting First team player preparation, performance and recovery through food.
As Performance Chef, you will lead the First team food provision for MK Dons FC, designing and cooking performance and recovery-focused meals alongside the club's Performance Nutritionist and sports science staff.
Your food will support training loads, match performance and recovery, translating nutritional strategy into meals that are purposeful, performance-led and appealing to a diverse squad.
The role is based in the on-site hotel kitchen, where you will work with support from the hotel kitchen team to deliver the first-team food offering.
You will also lead the front of house team, making sure service, presentation and the overall dining experience are of a consistently high standard.
You will engage with players and staff during meal service to make sure their needs are met, and you will help build a strong food culture around the First team.
Working hours are dictated by the football schedule, so the role will involve working weekends, evenings and bank holidays when required, including over the Christmas and New Year fixture period.
We're looking for someone credible, creative and passionate about performance nutrition – not just great food, but the right food.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and deliver performance and recovery-focused menus aligned to training cycles, the fixture schedule and match demands
- Plan and produce training ground, pre-match, match day and travel food provision, including snacks and recovery options
- Cook from raw ingredients for First team breakfast, lunch and recovery meals in the on-site hotel kitchen
- Work closely with the Performance Nutritionist to communicate the nutritional breakdown and purpose behind dishes
- Tailor individual meals to player dietary needs, allergies and performance or recovery goals, in agreement with the Performance Nutritionist
- Make day-to-day decisions on menus, service and staffing for the First team food provision
- Lead First team food provision from the on-site hotel kitchen, working alongside and with support from the hotel kitchen staff
- Lead and manage the front of house team, setting standards for service, food displays and buffet layouts
- Create a welcoming dining environment and build a strong food culture around the first team
- Collaborate with the performance, medical and coaching staff to connect nutrition strategy with the kitchen
- Comply with allergen policy and make sure all food is prepared, stored and cooked in line with HACCP regulations, including daily HACCP checks
- Make sure all health and safety, food safety and company policies are met, and keep compliance training up to date
- Control stock, ordering and budgets for the First team food provision, including waste management, portion control and stock rotation
- Use seasonal produce where possible and minimise waste
- Support the training and development of kitchen and front-of-house staff, delegating tasks where appropriate
- Deliver occasional education sessions on cooking and nutrition to players
- Travel with the First team for away fixtures when required
Essential & Desirable Requirements
- Essential Relevant experience as a chef in a performance environment
- Minimum of 2 years' experience
- Working knowledge of performance nutrition, hydration, fuelling and recovery, with the ability to translate guidance from the nutrition team into food that supports performance and recovery
- Experience delivering tailored meals for individual dietary needs and allergies
- Strong scratch-cooking skills with an understanding of a range of international flavours
- NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery or equivalent
- Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene
- Good understanding of COSHH
- Experience leading a team, ideally including front of house staff
- Excellent communication skills with the confidence to engage players and staff
- Ability to work under pressure and adapt to a changing fixture and training schedule
- Flexibility to work weekends, evenings and bank holidays as dictated by the football schedule, and to travel with the team
- Good level of spoken English
- Desirable NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery or equivalent
- Experience working in professional sport
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
First Team Performance Chef in Milton Keynes employer: Stadium MK Ltd
As a Senior Grounds Operative, you will join a dynamic team dedicated to maintaining elite sports facilities in a vibrant and supportive environment. Our company prioritises employee growth through ongoing training and mentorship, fostering a culture of teamwork and accountability. Located in a thriving community, we offer competitive benefits and a commitment to safety and innovation, making us an exceptional employer for those passionate about sports turf management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land First Team Performance Chef in Milton Keynes
✨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 Stadium MK Ltd. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Stadium MK Ltd
Don't be shy about reaching out to Stadium MK Ltd 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!
We think you need these skills to ace First Team Performance Chef in Milton Keynes
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 Stadium MK Ltd 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 Stadium MK Ltd
✨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!
