Development Chef in Liverpool

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We have an exciting opportunity for a Development Chef to join our Liverpool FC team.

As Development Chef, you will immerse yourself in a dynamic and innovative environment where culinary creativity and passion are at the forefront of product development.

With a strong focus on culinary trends and product innovation, you will have the opportunity to showcase your skills, collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders, and bring new product ideas to life in the kitchen.

By working in the Central Production kitchen, you will be part of a supportive and collaborative culture that values personal growth and development, offering opportunities for training, upskilling, and exposure to a wide range of culinary experiences.

What will you be doing?

• Develop innovative menu ideas, food concepts and product ranges.
• Research culinary trends and translate insights into new ideas for menus and products.
• Present findings, run tastings and deliver product showcases for key stakeholders.
• Create new and exclusive food concepts that support the club’s wider catering offer.
• Write clear, consistent recipes that can be followed across relevant teams and food categories.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including the Executive Head Chef and Retail Catering team.
• Ensure that products align with club goals, customer expectations and operational requirements.
• Support menu development for matchdays, day-to-day catering and retail food products.
• Comply with all uniform standards as required by legislation and Liverpool FC.
• Support the recruitment of the kitchen brigade, including full-time and casual colleagues, in line with company and statutory standards.
• Carry out annual performance reviews with direct reports, ensuring objectives are clear and well defined.
• Work closely with the hospitality, tourism and events teams to support the delivery of an excellent customer experience.
• Inspire and motivate the kitchen brigade to deliver high-quality food in line with specifications, while supporting budgeted sales and profit targets.
• Attend departmental meetings as required and contribute positively as part of the management team.
• Regularly review the quality and pricing of food suppliers to build strong partnerships and ensure the right products are in place.

Suppliers should be audited before appointment and annually thereafter.

• Meet prospective and existing clients attending events to support the sales process and build effective relationships.

Who are we looking for?

• Proven current experience as a professional chef, within a busy, multi-site stadium or sports environment.
• Ability to create and deliver high-quality, innovative recipes across a range of food categories.
• Strong knowledge of culinary techniques, flavour profiles, ingredients and food trends, with the ability to turn insights into creative food concepts and menus.
• Confident using Microsoft Office, particularly Power Point, to create engaging presentations that inspire stakeholders and communicate new product development ideas.
• Excellent organisation, communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally and build positive relationships with managers, supervisors, colleagues and customers.
• Able to work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment, manage time well, work under pressure and use your own initiative when required.
• High standards of hygiene, presentation and professionalism, with sound recipe-writing practices.
• Up-to-date knowledge of current food safety legislation, including allergen requirements and Natasha’s Law.
• Creative approach to problem-solving, with the ability to innovate and stay up to date with changes across the food industry.
• Ability to plan and lead small events, with flexibility to work occasional evenings when required.

Desirable experience and skills

• Experience in a similar role within a football stadium or sports venue.
• Experience working in a front-of-house environment.
• Ability to work to strict deadlines in a pressured environment.
• Ability to speak an additional language.

Why should you apply?

This is a full-time, permanent role working 35 hours per week. Your main base will be our Anfield Stadium.

To reward your hard work and commitment we offer a competitive salary, 25 days holiday (plus 8 bank holidays and the option to purchase up to an additional 5 days) and access to our benefits kit bag which includes but not limited to:

• Contributory pension scheme matching up to 5.5%
• Life Assurance Cover
• Free financial guidance and mortgage advice
• Car salary sacrifice scheme for affordable driving
• Cycle to Work scheme to keep you active
• Purchase season ticket loans for easier commuting
• Exclusive shopping discounts & cashback with top retailers
• Will Writing Service for future planning
• Employee Assistance Programme for confidential support
• Medicash Health Cash Plan for everyday healthcare needs
• Volunteering opportunities to give back to the community
• Special LFC perks – retail discounts, partner offers, free LFCTV GO access, and priority tickets for matches, events & concerts

At Liverpool Football Club, we have an unwavering commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and are always looking to making a positive difference in the communities that we operate within.

We are proud of our achievements in this area; maintaining the Premier League Equality Standard Advanced Level, becoming a founding signatory of the Football Association’s Football Leadership Diversity Code and being recognised as a leader in this important area on and off the pitch.

We take our responsibilities in this area seriously and through the work being done across the club, we are committed to increasing the diversity of our people and becoming an increasingly inclusive workplace for all.

We are committed to hiring great people representative of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills across our entire business.

If you share our enthusiasm and passion for inclusivity, then we want to hear from you.

Liverpool FC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all Colleagues and Volunteers to share this commitment.

This role is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.

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