Training Ground Sous Chef

Leeds United FC; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Benefits package

Job summary

Leeds United FC is seeking an experienced Training Ground Sous Chef to join our Facilities team in Wetherby. You will work closely with the Senior Sous Chef to deliver high-quality, nutritionally-focused meals that support performance, recovery, and wellbeing for First Team and Academy players and staff.

You will lead by example, maintain food safety standards, and help plan menus while ensuring service timelines are met in a demanding sporting environment.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2/3 in professional cookery is required.
• Food hygiene certificates (level 2 or 3) are essential.
• High standards of food safety and allergen knowledge.
• Strong nutrition knowledge and dietary requirements understanding.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to work under pressure in a busy kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Support Senior Sous Chef in preparing and delivering meals.
• Produce meals meeting elite athlete nutrition and performance standards.
• Assist with breakfast, lunch, post-training recovery meals and occasional dinner service.
• Maintain high standards of food quality, consistency, and presentation.
• Ensure meals are delivered efficiently to service schedules.
• Lead and supervise junior kitchen staff and maintain HACCP compliance.

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery

NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery

Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or 3)

Excellent communication skills

Job description

Training Ground Sous Chef

Location: Training Ground, Thorp Arch, Wetherby, LS23 7BA

Contract: Permanent

Hours of Work: 37.5 Hours Per Week (Including Weekends)

What You’ll Be Doing

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Sous Chef to join our Training Ground Facilities team.

Working closely with the Senior Sous Chef, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality, nutritionally focused meals that support the performance, recovery, and wellbeing of First Team and Academy players, coaching staff, and Club employees.

This is an exciting opportunity to work within an elite sporting environment where nutrition and food quality contribute directly to performance on and off the pitch.

Key Responsibilities:

Food Preparation & Service

• Support the Senior Sous Chef in preparing and delivering fresh, high-quality meals.
• Produce meals that meet elite athlete nutrition and performance standards.
• Support breakfast, lunch, post-training recovery meals, and occasional dinner service.
• Maintain exceptional standards of food quality, consistency, and presentation.
• Ensure meals are delivered efficiently and to agreed service schedules.

Performance Nutrition Support

• Work closely with nutritionists, performance staff, and kitchen colleagues.
• Follow specific dietary requirements and nutritional guidelines.
• Prepare specialist meals including:
  • High-protein recovery meals
  • Carbohydrate-focused pre-match meals
  • Hydration and recovery snacks
• Support performance-focused catering provision for players and staff.

Kitchen Operations

• Assist with menu planning and menu preparation.
• Support ordering processes, stock control, and supplier management.
• Help ensure kitchen operations run smoothly and efficiently during service periods.
• Monitor stock levels and report shortages or ordering requirements.

Food Safety & Compliance

• Maintain the highest standards of food hygiene, HACCP, and food safety.
• Ensure correct food storage, labelling, stock rotation, and temperature control.
• Follow health & safety procedures and Club policies at all times.
• Maintain allergen controls and food safety best practice.

Team Leadership

• Support, supervise, and guide Breakfast Chefs, Kitchen Assistants, and Kitchen Porters.
• Assist with training and development of junior kitchen staff.
• Promote a professional, positive, and collaborative kitchen culture.
• Lead by example through high standards and strong work ethic.

What We’re Looking For

You’ll have:

NVQ Level 2 or Level 3 in Professional Cookery.

Level 2 or Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate.

Excellent food safety and allergen knowledge.

Strong knowledge of nutrition, healthy eating, and dietary requirements.

Excellent communication skills.

Strong organisational and time management skills.

Excellent attention to detail.

Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.

Experience

Minimum 3-5 years' experience working as a Sous Chef within a high-volume, high-quality environment.

Experience preparing fresh food to consistently high standards.

Experience working within structured kitchen operations.

Experience managing or supervising kitchen teams.

Experience maintaining HACCP and food safety procedures.

Experience delivering high-quality service in a fast-paced environment.

Experience working with varied dietary and nutritional requirements.

Desirable

Experience working within professional sport, elite performance environments, hospitality, hotels, or contract catering.

Experience working alongside nutritionists or sports performance teams.

Understanding of athlete nutrition and recovery strategies.

Experience supporting performance-focused catering operations.

Experience managing stock control and supplier relationships.

Why Should You Join Leeds United?

Whether you are on the pitch or behind the scenes here, we’re united by passion, pride, and a drive to always improve. You’ll be joining a supportive team where your voice is valued and your development matters.

In return for your dedication, you’ll receive a competitive salary package and pension scheme, along with a range of exciting benefits perks.

Deadline: 30th November 2026