First Team Performance Chef

Stadium MK; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Stadium MK is seeking a Performance Chef to lead First Team food provision at Stadium MK. You will design and cook performance-focused meals in collaboration with the Performance Nutritionist and sports science staff, while also leading the front of house team.

Based in the on-site hotel kitchen, your role includes planning meals around training loads and matches, and working hours align with football schedule, including weekends and bank holidays. DBS checks apply.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience as a chef in a performance environment.
• Knowledge of performance nutrition, hydration, fuelling and recovery.
• Strong scratch-cooking skills and ability to tailor meals to dietary needs and allergies.
• Good understanding of COSHH and experience leading a team.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver menus aligned to training cycles, fixtures and match demands.
• Plan training ground, pre-match, matchday and travel food, including snacks and recovery options.
• Cook from scratch for First Team breakfast, lunch and recovery meals.
• Tailor meals to player dietary needs, allergies and goals with the Performance Nutritionist.
• Lead the front of house team and build a strong food culture.
• Comply with allergen policy and HACCP, and control stock, ordering and budgets.
• Deliver occasional cooking and nutrition sessions to players and travel with the team when required.

Skills

Performance cooking

Scratch cooking

Team leadership

Nutrition knowledge

COSHH

Food safety

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery

Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene

NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery (Desirable)

Job description

MK Dons, newly promoted to EFL League One, is looking for a Performance Chef to lead First Team food provision at Stadium MK.

The Role

Working alongside the club’s Performance Nutritionist and sports science staff, you will design and cook performance and recovery-focused meals that support training loads, match performance and recovery.

The role is based in the on-site hotel kitchen, with support from the hotel kitchen team, and you will also lead the front of house team. Working hours follow the football schedule, including weekends, evenings and bank holidays.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and deliver menus aligned to training cycles, fixtures and match demands
• Plan training ground, pre-match, matchday and travel food, including snacks and recovery options
• Cook from scratch for First Team breakfast, lunch and recovery meals
• Tailor meals to player dietary needs, allergies and goals with the Performance Nutritionist
• Lead the front of house team and build a strong food culture
• Comply with allergen policy and HACCP, and control stock, ordering and budgets
• Deliver occasional cooking and nutrition sessions to players and travel with the team when required

About You

• At least 2 years’ experience as a chef in a performance environment
• Working knowledge of performance nutrition, hydration, fuelling and recovery
• Strong scratch-cooking skills and experience tailoring meals to dietary needs and allergies
• NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery or equivalent and Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene
• Good understanding of COSHH and experience leading a team
• Desirable: NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery and experience in professional sport

Key Details

• Location: Stadium MK, Milton Keynes
• Contract: Full time
• Enhanced DBS and pre-employment checks apply
• Closing date: 22 November 2026