1st Team Sous Chef

Levy UK; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company in Birmingham is seeking an experienced 1st Team Sous Chef to prepare and present high-quality meals for Aston Villa FC's Training Ground. The ideal candidate will have professional culinary training and experience in high-performance environments. Responsibilities include menu execution and ensuring food safety standards are met. This role supports the team's success and may require assistance on matchdays at Villa Park. A passion for food and nutrition is essential.

Qualifications

• Professional culinary training and relevant certifications.
• Previous experience as a Sous Chef in high-performance or sports environments.
• Strong cooking ability with excellent attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and present meals to the highest standards.
• Assist with first team catering at Villa Park on matchdays.
• Collaborate with the Head Chef and nutrition department.

Skills

Culinary training

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Food safety knowledge

Education

NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent

Job description

Overview

1st Team Sous Chef - Aston Villa FC Training Ground

Reports to: Head Chef - Aston Villa FC Training Ground

Location: Aston Villa FC Training Ground - Bodymoor Heath

Sector: Levy UK

Aston Villa Key Relationships: Executive Performance Chef, Catering Manager, Head of Nutrition & Performance Nutritionists

Role purpose

The Sous Chef at Aston Villa FC’s Training Ground plays a vital role in delivering nutritionally balanced, high-quality meals for players, coaches, and staff in an elite sporting environment. Working under the guidance of the Senior Sous Chef, Head Chef and Executive Performance Chef. The Sous Chef is responsible for preparing and presenting dishes that meet the highest standards of taste, nutrition, and consistency, supporting performance and recovery needs.

The role involves hands-on cooking, menu execution, and maintaining impeccable food safety and hygiene standards. The Sous Chef may also support performance catering at Villa Park on matchdays, helping ensure first-team meals are delivered seamlessly.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute directly to Aston Villa’s pursuit of excellence, aligned with the club’s philosophy: “Proud History, Bright Future.”

About Bodymoor Heath Training Ground

Aston Villa’s Bodymoor Heath Training Ground is one of the most advanced football training facilities in the country. It is home to the men’s and women’s first teams as well as the academy, serving as a central hub for player development, sports science, and elite performance. The kitchens and dining areas form a vital part of this environment, providing tailored, performance-focused nutrition that powers Aston Villa athletes every day.

Key Responsibilities

• Food Preparation and Service: Prepare, cook, and present meals to the highest standards, ensuring nutritional balance and consistency across all services. There could be a requirement to lead on certain tasks or services.
• Menu Execution: Deliver and support the creation of menus designed by the Head Chef and Aston Villa’s Performance Nutrition department to support fuelling, recovery, and wellbeing goals for athletes.
• Matchday Support: If required, assist with first team catering at Villa Park on matchdays, ensuring performance-focused menus are executed to the required standards.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with the Head Chef, fellow chefs, and nutrition department to deliver seamless service across daily meal periods.
• Food Safety & Hygiene: Maintain strict compliance with food hygiene, allergen management, and health and safety standards at all times.
• Stock & Waste Management: Assist with stock control, storage, and waste reduction, ensuring ingredients are used efficiently.
• Continuous Improvement: Contribute ideas for menu development and culinary innovation, staying aligned with trends in nutrition and performance catering.
• Training & Development: Support junior team members where required, sharing knowledge and upholding kitchen standards.

Person Specification

• Culinary Qualifications: Professional culinary training and relevant certifications (NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent).
• Experience: Previous experience as a Sous Chef ideally in high-performance, sports, training ground, or premium hospitality settings.
• Technical Skills: Strong cooking ability with excellent attention to detail in presentation and quality.
• Nutrition Awareness: Interest in, or knowledge of, sports nutrition principles and performance-led cooking.
• Team Player: Collaborative approach with excellent communication skills to work effectively with chefs, nutritionists, and performance staff.
• Organisation & Efficiency: Ability to manage time effectively and deliver consistently in a fast-paced environment.
• Food Safety Knowledge: Solid understanding of HACCP, allergen procedures, and health and safety compliance.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Willingness to work flexible hours in line with training schedules, match preparation, and club requirements. This may at times be at short notice.
• Passion & Drive: Enthusiasm for food, nutrition, and contributing to the success of Aston Villa Football Club.
• Growth Mindset: Sport is always evolving, so a positive and open mindset is required to adapt to its changing nature.