Job Description

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Location: Staplewood Campus (and other locations when required)

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Permanent

Criminal Record Check: DBS Enhanced with Childs Barred List

What is the role?

We are looking for a Head Performance Chef to lead the end-to-end catering operation for the Club’s players and academy, overseeing the planning, preparation and delivery of performance-focused nutrition to optimise health, recovery and match readiness.

Responsible for setting and leading the Club’s food strategy and full catering operation across all playing squads and training ground based staff, including menu development, service standards, staffing, procurement, stock control, budget management and continuous improvement, whilst ensuring provision is aligned to performance objectives and the wider operational priorities of the football department.

What will you be doing?

Nutrition integration and menu strategy will be a key focus of this role. You will develop menus in partnership with the performance nutritionist and sports science staff, which are appealing and exciting but also fit for purpose, offering the highest level of nutrition as well as variety. You will create and deliver menus and meals which are suitable for different occasions and requirements such as training days, recovery, matchday and matchday preparation as well as travel food and injury rehab nutrition.

You will work with the medical team to ensure your menus are reflective of the team's (or individual players') medical needs in relation to regular blood screening (e.g iron status, cholesterol, omega-3) as well as offering interactive education sessions (when requested) such as cooking demos, briefings and nutrition workshops.

You will also take responsibility for ensuring food standards are maintained while off-site by liaising with away hotels and travel providers and take on board feedback from players and staff, adjusting menus accordingly.

Operational excellence and KPIs will also be your responsibility. You will provide strategic oversight of the full catering set-up and daily operation across the training ground, academy and matchday environments, ensuring appropriate infrastructure, equipment, service standards, preparation processes and staffing models are in place to support delivery.

You will lead procurement and supplier strategy, proactively working with suppliers to achieve the best products and services at the best possible price target, prioritising local, sustainable sourcing and working to minimise waste, aligning practices with environmental standards.

Taking ownership of the full catering budget, you will manage cost of goods, labour, stock control, forecasting, reporting and identifying opportunities to drive value, efficiency and continuous improvement across all food provision.

Lastly, you will take responsibility for the leadership of all catering staff, including setting the structure, rota planning, resource allocation and recruitment, ensuring there is a positive kitchen culture of development and high performance that lays the foundation for a good working and team environment. You will hold regular meetings with the whole team to collaborate, generate ideas and solve problems as well as individual 121s to provide support, guidance and mentorship to your team and discuss their own personal development.

Is this you?

You are an experienced chef with excellent leadership and communication skills, and an understanding of not only running a busy kitchen but also of managing the business aspects, such as costs and overall strategy.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Proven track record as a Head Chef.

• Significant experience in elite sport culinary roles.

• Strong background in sports nutrition integration and menu periodisation.

• Experience leading end-to-end catering operations, including budgeting, staffing, procurement, supplier management, governance and service delivery in a high-performance environment.

• An exceptionally strong work ethos, especially towards food quality.

• Allergy and dietary menu planning experience.

• Flexibility to work non-standard hours, early mornings, weekends, travel etc.

How this benefits you…

If you are successful, you can look forward to a healthy benefits package;

• Access to 2 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.

• Worldwide Travel Insurance for you and your family.

• Learning & Development opportunities - supporting you to develop your potential and achieve in your career.

• Free onsite parking.

• Cycle to Work Scheme.

• Collaborative & inclusive working culture.

How can I apply?

Just click on the apply button, enter your details and answer a quick pre-screening questionnaire, then attach your CV.

The closing date for this role is 05 July 2026

*We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if a high volume of applicants are received. *

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect everyone to share this commitment. You will be required to adhere to all relevant policies and uphold the Club’s commitment to safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk and to ensure that Southampton Football Club is free from discrimination and harassment.

The post holder will demonstrate a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, supporting the organisation’s strategic aims to remove barriers and address inequality. You will play an active role in promoting an inclusive, discrimination-free environment that ensures fair access to opportunities and resources. This includes fostering a culture of dignity, respect, and belonging where everyone is empowered to contribute, perform, and reach their full potential.