Performance Nutrition Chef - First Team Kitchen Lead

Stadium MK Ltd; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Milton Keynes Dons Football Club is seeking a Performance Chef to lead the First team food provision from the on-site hotel kitchen. You will design performance and recovery meals in collaboration with the club's nutritionists and sports science staff, ensuring meals support training loads, match performance and recovery.

You will manage kitchen and front-of-house operations, engage with players during service and contribute to a strong food culture around the First team.

Qualifications

• Experience as a chef in a performance environment.
• Minimum of 2 years' experience.
• Working knowledge of performance nutrition, hydration and recovery.
• Experience tailoring meals for dietary needs and allergies.
• Strong scratch-cooking skills with international flavours.
• NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery or equivalent.
• Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene required.
• COSHH understanding.
• Experience leading a team (front of house a plus).
• Excellent communication and ability to engage players and staff.
• Able to work under pressure and adapt to fixtures.
• Weekend/evening/bank holiday flexibility, and travel with team.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver performance and recovery-focused menus aligned to training cycles and match demands.
• Plan and produce training ground, pre-match, match day and travel food.
• Cook from raw ingredients for First team meals in the on-site hotel kitchen.
• Collaborate with the Performance Nutritionist to communicate nutritional breakdowns behind dishes.
• Tailor meals to individual dietary needs and allergies, with nutrition guidance.
• Lead and manage front of house and service standards for the First team food provision.
• Control stock, ordering, budgets, waste management and portion control.
• Ensure HACCP compliance and food safety practices.
• Travel with the First team for away fixtures when required.

Skills

Performance cooking

Team leadership

Scratch cooking

Food safety

Communication

English spoken

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery

Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene

Job description

Milton Keynes Dons Football Club is seeking a Performance Chef to lead the First team food provision from the on-site hotel kitchen. You will design performance and recovery meals in collaboration with the club's nutritionists and sports science staff, ensuring meals support training loads, match performance and recovery.

You will manage kitchen and front-of-house operations, engage with players during service and contribute to a strong food culture around the First team.