Job Description

Join the Legacy and Future of West Ham United:

Founded in 1895, West Ham United is a club that blends rich tradition with a forward-thinking approach, creating an exciting, ever-evolving football culture. Based in the heart of London, we proudly call the London Stadium home -- a state-of-the-art venue with a capacity of 62,500, making it one of the largest in the country. We are also dedicated to providing the most affordable Premier League tickets in London, championing Accessible Family Football for all.



Our women's team, achieving professional status in 2018, has soared to new heights in the Women's Super League and reached the prestigious FA Cup final. Meanwhile, our cutting-edge Academy, which opened in 2019, is nurturing future stars, producing first-team players like Declan Rice and Ben Johnson.



With ongoing improvements to the stadium, including the iconic Billy Bonds Stand, West Ham is constantly evolving, making sure our fans experience the best in matchday atmosphere and comfort. We are also incredibly proud to hold the Disability Confident Leader status, reflecting our dedication to inclusivity and accessibility.



As we continue to grow, so does our workforce. With a dedicated team of 300 core staff and 500 event and Foundation employees, West Ham United offers a truly unique working environment. We're especially proud to have been awarded the Premier League's Advanced Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Standard in 2023 -- our second consecutive recognition -- underlining our ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and dynamic workplace.



Join us and become part of a club that stands at the crossroads of history, ambition, and innovation. West Ham United is where passion, progress, and inclusivity come together to create something special.

Why Join Us?

Diversity & Inclusion: We believe a diverse team drives creativity and strengthens performance. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and identities to apply.



Health & Wellbeing: We are committed to protecting the physical and mental health of our staff, ensuring a balanced and supportive work environment.



Career Growth: As part of a premier football club, you will have opportunities to grow and innovate in an exciting and fast-paced environment.


If you're ready to bring your passion for hospitality and football to one of the world's most iconic clubs, apply now!

Position:

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Job Title: Lead Performance Chef

Reports to: Executive Performance Chef

Location: Academy- Chadwell Heath-

May be required to provide coverage at additional locations based on operational needs.

Salary: Competitive

Position Summary:

We are looking for an experienced and driven Lead Performance Chef to join our elite culinary team, dedicated to supporting athletes through high-quality, performance-focused nutrition. This role requires an in-depth understanding of functional nutrition, precision cooking, and the demands of high-performance sport. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and play a pivotal role in delivering food strategies that fuel athletic excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

Performance Menu Design

Develop and execute innovative, nutrient-dense menus that align with athlete-specific training cycles, recovery needs, and performance objectives.

Food Preparation & Execution

Deliver consistently high-quality meals tailored to enhance athletic output, recovery, and wellbeing, ensuring both flavor and function.

Collaboration with Multidisciplinary Team

Work alongside the Executive Performance Chef, performance nutritionists, sport scientists, and coaching staff to align culinary output with data-driven performance targets.

Ingredient Sourcing & Sustainability

Source premium, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients. Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure the highest food quality standards.

Personalization & Dietary Adaptation

Customize meals to accommodate individual preferences, allergies, intolerances, and performance-related dietary protocols.

Kitchen Operations Management

Oversee day-to-day kitchen operations, including inventory, procurement, budgeting, HACCP compliance, and cleanliness to meet elite performance standards.

Player & Staff Engagement

Deliver nutrition education through workshops, cooking demos, and 1:1 sessions, empowering players to make informed food choices.

Performance Impact Assessment

Collaborate with performance staff to monitor and adapt food offerings based on athlete feedback, biometrics, and recovery markers.

Compliance & Training

Ensure adherence to all food safety regulations. Lead kitchen staff training in COSHH, food hygiene, and best practices in performance nutrition cooking.

Culinary Excellence

Maintain exceptional standards in food presentation, taste, and hygiene, demonstrating pride and professionalism in every aspect of service.

Requirements:

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Qualifications & Experience:

Education:

Culinary degree or equivalent qualification required. Additional training in nutrition, sports science, or functional medicine preferred.

Experience:

3+ years working in a high-performance or health-focused culinary setting (elite sport, private wellness chef, or similar environment).

Core Skills:

Deep knowledge of sports nutrition and performance-enhancing culinary techniques Strong leadership and communication skills Creative flair balanced with evidence-based cooking practices Efficient multitasking, organization, and time management Proficient in kitchen management software and compliance documentation

Personal Attributes:

Passionate about nutrition, sport, and high-performance environments Confident, adaptable, and solutions-oriented under pressure Collaborative mindset with a commitment to excellence Continuous learner with a drive to innovate in the performance nutrition space

Working Conditions:

Full-time role with flexible scheduling, including evenings, weekends, and travel as required by team activities and fixtures Based at team training facility, with occasional travel to support team at different locations or events.

Other information:

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Benefits on offer

(may vary based on contract type and location)



25 days annual leave plus your birthday off Pension and life insurance Healthcare cash scheme Travel season ticket loan Cycle to work scheme Priority access to apply for match tickets Discounted season tickets Staff discounts in the club store, cafe and our official partners products and services Discounted gym membership and onsite fitness room facilities Family friendly leave policies Company Social events

EDI Statement

Our club's history is rooted in a solid commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and we openly strive to be leaders in promoting EDI values. West Ham United is tactical in its approach to addressing inequity and prioritising the undertaking of meaningful and lasting change for all.



We prioritise removing barriers to attracting and engaging the best talent from all communities. We are proactive in creating equal access to opportunities and benefits for everyone and a discrimination-free environment where everyone experiences being treated with dignity and respect regardless of their background, circumstances, or protected characteristics.

Safeguarding

At our Club and Foundation, we advocate a proactive approach to ensure every child and adult has the right to experience safety and be treated with care, respect, and dignity. Therefore, we prioritise protection from harm and promote safeguarding good practice and compliance as an integral part of all our operations and engagement. This includes conducting robust, safer recruitment checks to identify any potential risks associated with individuals who may pose a threat to children or adults who are at risk of harm.



Everyone, including third parties who work with the Club or the West Ham Foundation, is responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals. It is non-negotiable to remain vigilant, promptly report any concerns as outlined in our safeguarding policies and guidelines, and take decisive action to prevent harm, abuse, and neglect. Each person must actively contribute to creating a safe environment for everyone.

How to Apply

To apply, Please reply to the link with your full CV and a supporting statement outlining your motivation for applying and how you feel you meet the the profile of the candidate we are looking for.



The deadline for applications is

Midday Tuesday 20th May 2025.

Please note that the vacancy may close early if there is a high volume of applicants.

Queries

Thank you for your interest. If you have any queries, or require support with your application, please contact careers@westhamunited.co.uk