Performance Chef

Portsmouth FC; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Portsmouth Football Club is seeking a passionate Performance Chef to lead kitchen operations at its training ground, delivering nutritious meals for the First Team, Pompey FC Academy, Café and Pompey Women FC.

Reporting to the Sporting Director, you will develop performance-focused menus, manage the kitchen team, budgets and food safety, and ensure dietary needs and cultural requirements are met in consultation with the Performance Nutritionist and medical staff.

Qualifications

• Significant experience as a Head Chef.
• Experience leading a team and managing a budget.
• Knowledge of specialist diets and cultural dietary requirements.
• Enhanced DBS check is required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all training-ground food provision, including breakfast, lunch, recovery meals and snacks.
• Develop varied, performance-focused menus with the Performance Nutritionist.
• Cater for individual requirements, including allergies, intolerances and religious and cultural needs.
• Plan pre- and post-match food for away travel with the Performance Nutritionist and Club Secretary.
• Lead food safety, hygiene and allergen management and manage budgets and food waste.
• Lead, develop and motivate the kitchen team, including rotas and training.

Skills

Head Chef experience

Team leadership

Budget management

Dietary knowledge

Education

NVQ Level 3 Professional Cookery

Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene Certificate

Sports nutrition qualification

Job description

Portsmouth Football Club is looking for a passionate and experienced Performance Chef to lead kitchen operations at its training ground.

The Role

Reporting to the Sporting Director, you will oversee food provision for the First Team, Pompey FC Academy, Café and Pompey Women FC, working closely with the Performance Nutritionist and the wider Performance and Medical teams to deliver nutritious food that supports player health, recovery and performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all training-ground food provision, including breakfast, lunch, recovery meals and snacks
• Develop varied, performance-focused menus with the Performance Nutritionist
• Cater for individual requirements, including allergies, intolerances and religious and cultural needs
• Plan pre- and post-match food for away travel with the Performance Nutritionist and Club Secretary
• Lead food safety, hygiene and allergen management and manage budgets and food waste
• Lead, develop and motivate the kitchen team, including rotas and training

About You

• Significant experience as a Head Chef
• Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate
• A track record of leading a team and managing a budget
• Knowledge of specialist diets (e.g. plant-based, gluten-free) and cultural dietary requirements
• NVQ Level 3 Professional Cookery, a sports nutrition qualification and elite sport experience are desirable
• Enhanced DBS check required

Key Details

• Location: Portsmouth FC Training Ground, Pompey Health and Fitness, 442 Copnor Road, Hilsea (PO3 5EW)
• Contract: Permanent, full time (42.5 hours per week, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays)
• Salary: Competitive, based on experience
• Closing date: 8 November 2026