At a Glance
- Tasks: Create exceptional meals that boost athlete performance and support their nutrition needs.
- Company: Join Sunderland AFC, a leading football club dedicated to athlete wellness.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, complimentary season tickets, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Travel with the first team and enjoy opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on athletes' performance while working in elite sports.
- Qualifications: Professional culinary qualification and experience in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom, SR6 7UW
Employment Type: Permanent - Full-time
About the Performance and Medicine Team
Our mission is to support every athlete in reaching peak performance while reducing injury risk. Through a multi‑disciplinary approach that blends sports science, nutrition, medicine, and psychology, we deliver personalised programs tailored to each player’s needs. We work closely with coaches to balance training loads, guide recovery, and provide insights into player readiness. Mental wellness is also a key focus, with sports psychologists helping athletes build resilience under pressure.
The Opportunity
Sunderland Football Club is seeking an ambitious and talented Performance Senior Sous Chef to help deliver an elite catering and nutrition programme for our first‑team players. Working alongside the Performance Executive Head Chef, Performance Head Chef and Head of Nutrition, you will create exceptional, performance‑focused meals that support training, recovery and matchday preparation. This is a unique opportunity for a chef with a passion for high‑quality food and sports nutrition to make a direct impact on player performance. You will develop innovative menus, tailor meals to individual dietary needs, maintain the highest standards of food safety and service, and play a key role in leading, coordinating and developing the performance catering team.
Responsibilities include supervising Assistant Performance Chefs, conducting performance reviews, managing responsibilities in the absence of the Performance Head Chef, and supporting the ongoing development of team members through training and best practice. You will also contribute to budget management through the effective purchasing of ingredients and equipment, ensuring nutritious, high‑quality meals are delivered in a cost‑effective manner. Traveling with the first team on domestic and international fixtures offers a unique opportunity to be at the heart of elite football operations.
What We Ask For
The successful candidate will be a highly motivated and experienced chef with a recognised professional culinary qualification (NVQ Level 3 or equivalent) and a proven track record of delivering exceptional standards in a fast‑paced, quality‑driven environment. A strong commitment to continuous professional development is essential, with evidence of maintaining and enhancing professional knowledge and skills. Food Safety Level 3 and IOSH (or equivalent food safety/health and safety training) are desirable. The successful applicant will also be required to obtain an Enhanced DBS check through Sunderland AFC.
Benefits
- Annual Leave: 25 days leave (in addition to public holidays), increasing to 27 days after 5 years’ service
- Death in Service Benefit: Provides a safety net of four times the basic annual salary in the unfortunate event of a loss
- Salary Exchange Schemes: Reduce salary through schemes for tax savings, increased pension contributions, eco‑friendly travel, and healthier commutes
- Complimentary Season Tickets: Score two free tickets for all home fixtures
- Enhanced Family and Parental Pay: Enhanced paternity, maternity, and adoption pay providing additional financial support
- Employee Assistance Programs: Confidential support services, counselling, resources, and tools to tackle personal challenges and enhance overall well‑being
- Free Parking: At both the Stadium of Light and the Academy of Light
- Discounts: SAFC employees enjoy various discount packages from our partners, including exclusive offers at the club store
Equal Opportunity Statement
Sunderland AFC is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a policy of treating all employees and job applicants equally. Our aim is that all colleagues should be able to work in an environment free from discrimination, harassment and bullying.
Performance Senior Sous Chef in Sunderland employer: Sunderland Association Football Club
Sunderland AFC is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff, particularly in the role of Performance Senior Sous Chef. With a strong focus on delivering high-quality nutrition for elite athletes, employees benefit from a supportive work culture, comprehensive training opportunities, and unique experiences such as travelling with the first team. The club also offers generous annual leave, enhanced family pay, and various employee discounts, making it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about sports and culinary excellence.
Contact Details:
Sunderland Association Football Club Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Performance Senior Sous Chef in Sunderland
✨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!
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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!
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✨Reach Out Directly to Sunderland Association Football Club
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We think you need these skills to ace Performance Senior Sous Chef in Sunderland
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 Sunderland Association Football Club 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 Sunderland Association Football Club
✨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!
