Head Chef

Manchester United; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Manchester United as a Head Chef, where you will oversee culinary operations at the iconic Old Trafford stadium. Your role will involve leading a large team, ensuring high food quality and safety standards across multiple kitchens, and driving culinary innovation for matchday hospitality and events. This high-impact leadership position requires a strong culinary background and deep commitment to excellence, embracing a collaboration-driven environment at one of the world's most famous football clubs.

Benefits

Annual incentive scheme

Wellness Support including mental health resources

Exclusive Discounts from the club and partners

Gym Facilities on site

Enhanced family leave benefits

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years' experience in a senior chef position overseeing multiple kitchens.
• Deep understanding of food production workflows.
• Strong financial acumen with a proven track record on budgets.

Responsibilities

• Oversee food production across 29 kitchens within Old Trafford.
• Set and maintain exceptional standards of food quality and safety.
• Lead and manage a brigade of up to 155 chefs during events.

Skills

Leadership

Food Safety Knowledge

Culinary Operations Management

Education

Level 3 Food Hygiene Certification

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

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ld Trafford Stadium

At Manchester United, we believe that excellence on the pitch starts with excellence off the pitch. Our team thrives in a high-performance environment, united by a shared passion for success. We aim to elevate the standard of performance through collaboration and continuous growth, creating a space where everyone can contribute their best to our common goals.

We work together at our iconic Manchester United offices, enabling connection and innovation as we look ahead to what we can achieve as a global football club. We are excited to bring in passionate people who share our vision and drive for success.

The Purpose

Reporting to the Executive Head Chef, the Head Chef will play a pivotal role in driving culinary operations within the stadium of Old Trafford, overseeing food production across 29 kitchens within the stadium. This key leadership position is responsible for upholding and enhancing standards of food quality, safety, and innovation across a diverse catering portfolio —including premium matchday and events hospitality and bespoke fine dining experiences.

Location: Old Trafford Stadium

At Manchester United, we believe that excellence on the pitch starts with excellence off the pitch. Our team thrives in a high-performance environment, united by a shared passion for success. We aim to elevate the standard of performance through collaboration and continuous growth, creating a space where everyone can contribute their best to our common goals.

We work together at our iconic Manchester United offices, enabling connection and innovation as we look ahead to what we can achieve as a global football club. We are excited to bring in passionate people who share our vision and drive for success.

The Purpose

Reporting to the Executive Head Chef, the Head Chef will play a pivotal role in driving culinary operations within the stadium of Old Trafford, overseeing food production across 29 kitchens within the stadium. This key leadership position is responsible for upholding and enhancing standards of food quality, safety, and innovation across a diverse catering portfolio —including premium matchday and events hospitality and bespoke fine dining experiences.

The Role

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the driving force behind culinary operations at Old Trafford, overseeing food production across 29 kitchens within the stadium
• Set and maintain exceptional standards of food quality, safety, and innovation across a wide range of catering services, staff meals, matchday hospitality, Famous Red Cafe and bespoke fine dining
• Manage and coordinate all food production processes to ensure consistent, high-quality output across all kitchens and events
• Lead by example in upholding and advancing culinary standards, incorporating innovative food production and service techniques to enhance the guest experience
• Oversee the delivery of services ranging from casual staff dining to high-end corporate and VIP hospitality
• Lead, inspire, and manage a large brigade of up to 155 chefs, 10 Goods Received and 80 back-of-house staff during matchdays and major events
• Delegate responsibilities clearly and ensure smooth operations with safe systems of work across all culinary areas
• Foster a team culture built on collaboration, accountability, and continuous development
• Maintain high visibility during events, engaging with guests, gathering real-time feedback, and responding promptly to service demands
• Use guest insights to improve menu offerings, presentation standards, and overall culinary experience
• Oversee the repair, maintenance, and timely replacement of kitchen equipment, ensuring cost-efficiency and minimal disruption to service
• Work closely with facilities and procurement teams to ensure kitchens are fully operational and adequately resourced
• Ensure the Club consistently upholds outstanding food safety and hygiene standards
• Collaborate with the Back of House Manager and Regulatory Services Team to keep all risk assessments up to date and ensure staff are trained in food safety responsibilities
• Build and maintain strong professional relationships with local health authorities and regulatory bodies
  
  
  

The Person:

Skills & Experiences

Essential:

• Minimum of 3 years' experience in a senior chef position overseeing multiple kitchens with a diverse catering portfolio, including fine dining, banqueting, and large-scale food production
• Deep understanding of food production workflows and demonstrated ability to lead culinary teams in high-pressure, fast-paced environments
• Comprehensive knowledge of food safety legislation and hygiene standards; holds a minimum of Level 3 Food Hygiene certification
• Strong financial acumen with a proven track record of managing and delivering on food and labour budgets
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel for managing recipes, costings, stock control, and food performance data
• Outstanding leadership and communication skills, with experience managing large, multi-disciplinary culinary teams
  
  
  

Desirable:

• Experience working within stadiums, large event venues, or professional sports club catering operations
• Advanced understanding of global food trends and menu development
• Additional formal culinary training and relevant health and safety certifications beyond the minimum requirements
  
  
  

What We Offer:

At Manchester United, We Recognise That Our People Are At The Heart Of Our Success. That’s Why We Offer a Range Of Rewards Designed To Support Your Professional And Personal Well-being

• Annual incentive scheme
• Wellness Support with access to mental health resources, digital health checks, and & nutritionists through Aviva Digicare+ Workplace
• Exclusive Discounts through our United Rewards platform, giving you access to exclusive deals from the club and partners
• Gym Facilities in our onsite locations and opportunities for regular social events and team-building activities
• Enhanced family Leave Benefits and an opportunity to purchase additional holiday days
• Enhanced Career Development with access to professional learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning, and internal training programs
• A Supportive Work Environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion, and individual growth
  
  
  

Our Commitment to You:

At Manchester United, we believe that a diverse and inclusive environment makes us stronger. We are committed to building a team where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the core of our recruitment strategy, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Ready to Join Us?

If this sounds like the perfect role for you, please submit your application by Thursday 10th July 2025

Manchester United is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and as part of this commitment, all candidates will undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check and reference checks.

If you need any adjustments to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, please feel free to contact us, and we will be happy to discuss them with you.

It is unlawful to employ a person in a UK-based job who does not have permission to live and work in the UK. You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to you before applying for any of our roles.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Director

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management and Manufacturing

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