Performance Chef

Oxford United Football Club; Oxford; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Oxford United FC is seeking a Performance Chef to prepare meals that support training load, performance and recovery. You will work in the training ground kitchen turning nutritional guidance into high-quality meals, and play a hands-on role in day-to-day service, ensuring consistency and high standards.

You will contribute to menu planning, tailor meals for dietary needs, and supervise junior staff while maintaining hygiene and safety records.

Qualifications

• Relevant professional catering qualifications, including a minimum of Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene for Catering (Level 3 desirable).
• Experience in a quality-focused kitchen; experience within professional sport or high-pressure catering environment desirable.
• Working knowledge of performance nutrition, hydration, fueling and recovery, or willingness to develop it.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver performance and recovery-focused meals aligned to training cycle and match schedule.
• Contribute ideas for menu planning to keep offerings varied and appealing.
• Prepare tailored meals for individual dietary requirements and allergies.
• Deliver consistent quality, portioning and presentation across every service.
• Support the wider dining experience with a welcoming environment and good displays.
• Maintain kitchen operations, hygiene, allergen control, records and statutory standards.
• Supervise and support junior kitchen and restaurant staff.
• Deputise for Head Performance Chef during absences.

Skills

Nutrition knowledge

Scratch cooking

Communication with players and staff

Team supervision

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene for Catering

Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene (desirable)

Job description

Job Title: Performance Chef

Date: September 2026

Reports To: Head Performance Chef

Location: Oxford United Training Centre

JOB ROLE

As Performance Chef, you will prepare and deliver food for the Club that directly supports training load, match performance and recovery, working to the standards and menu framework set by the Head Performance Chef.

Working within the training ground kitchen and restaurant, you will turn nutritional guidance into high-quality, purposeful meals for the squad, and take a hands‑on role in the day‑to‑day running of service.

This role requires strong craft skills, genuine interest in performance nutrition, and the reliability to deliver consistent standards every day. You will be visible and engaged with players and staff throughout service and will contribute to the culture and standards of the training centre.

KEY AREAS

• Prepare and deliver performance and recovery-focused meals aligned to the training cycle, match schedule and individual player demands.
• Contribute ideas and feedback to menu planning, supporting the Head Performance Chef in keeping the offer varied and appealing across the season.
• Prepare tailored individual meals for player dietary requirements, allergies, cultural preferences and performance or recovery goals.
• Deliver consistent quality, portioning and presentation across every service in the training ground restaurant.
• Support performance through the wider dining experience — a welcoming environment, considered food displays and buffet layouts, and a consistent willingness to go above and beyond for players and staff.
• Maintain kitchen operations day to day, including hygiene, food safety, allergen control, temperature and cleaning records, and compliance with all statutory standards.
• Supervise and support junior kitchen and restaurant staff, sharing knowledge and helping to uphold standards.
• Deputise for the Head Performance Chef during periods of absence, taking responsibility for service in their place.
• Support stock control, ordering, goods‑in checks and rotation, working within agreed budgets and minimising waste.
• Work with sustainability in mind, reducing waste and supporting environmentally conscious sourcing decisions.
• Support education sessions and cooking demonstrations for players and staff on fuelling, cooking skills and food hygiene.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Relevant professional catering qualifications, including a minimum of Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene for Catering (Level 3 desirable).
• Experience as a chef in a quality-focused kitchen; experience within professional sport, elite performance or another high‑pressure catering environment is desirable.
• Working knowledge of performance nutrition, hydration, fuelling and recovery, or a clear willingness to develop it through the role.
• Experience of preparing tailored meals for individual dietary requirements, allergies and intolerances.
• Strong scratch‑cooking and fresh preparation skills across a range of cuisines and cooking methods.
• Experience of working to food standards, allergen compliance and hygiene systems, including accurate record keeping.
• Ability to supervise and support junior team members, and to run a service section independently.
• Good communication skills, with the confidence to engage directly with players, coaches and staff during service.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to a changing fixture schedule, including matchdays and weekends.
• Reliable, organised and able to maintain consistent standards without close supervision.

Oxford United 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.

Please note, this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised deadline if we receive a high volume of suitable applications—early submission is strongly encouraged.