Job Description

JOB ADVERT:

Role: Senior Performance Chef

Location: Academy of Light

Employment Type: Permanent

Application Closing Date: 13 September 2025

About Us:

Sunderland AFC is more than just a football club; we are a proud community institution that embodies the spirit of our city.

At the heart of our club is "The Relentless Obsession"--an unwavering passion which fuels our pursuit of success, inspires our players, and ignites the spirit of our supporters. We embrace every challenge with determination, striving to play the beautiful game with flair and tenacity.

At SAFC, we believe in the power of football to unite and inspire. Our commitment extends beyond the pitch as we strive to make a positive impact through various community initiatives, empowering individuals and celebrating diversity.

Join us on our journey as we continue to build on our legacy, fuelled by "The Relentless Obsession" for greatness.

About the Team:

The Performance and Medicine Team play a crucial role at Sunderland AFC, where science meets sport to optimise player health and enhance performance!

Our mission is to create a robust support system that ensures every athlete can perform at their peak while minimising the risk of injury.

We employ a multi-disciplinary approach, integrating sports science, nutrition, and medical expertise to tailor our programs to each player's specific needs.

Join us as we continue to elevate the standards of player care and performance enhancement at Sunderland AFC, ensuring our athletes are not just fit, but thriving in all aspects of their game!

The Opportunity:

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated chef, ideally with a background in catering for professional sports teams, to join the Sunderland AFC Performance Catering Team based at the Academy of Light. The ideal candidate will be passionate about nutrition and elevating the food offering, while also demonstrating the flexibility to adapt to dynamic training schedules and undertake regular travel with the team.

The Senior Performance Chef plays a key role in supporting the delivery of an elite catering service to a Premier League football club. This position is suited to a highly motivated and enthusiastic chef with a genuine passion for creating high-quality dishes and a strong understanding of sports nutrition and its impact on player performance. In this role, you will work closely with the Performance Head Chef and Performance Senior Sous Chef to meet the nutritional needs of first-team players.

A strong focus on performance nutrition is essential, with the goal of providing exceptional food and five-star service. The role demands innovation, creativity, and the ability to perform under pressure. Applicants must hold the relevant professional catering qualifications, and while previous experience in an elite sports environment is desirable, it is not essential.

Working collaboratively with the Performance Head Chef, Senior Sous Chef, and Performance Nutritionist, you will help ensure that food provision is tailored to the demands of training and match schedules. Through the design and implementation of performance-focused menus and fuelling strategies, the Senior Performance Chef will support players in preparing for competition, enhancing recovery, and reducing the risk of injury and illness. As the demands placed on elite athletes continue to evolve, the role requires a proactive approach, a commitment to continuous development, and a willingness to innovate.

You will be responsible for delivering food and beverages of the highest nutritional value, with a strong understanding of nutritional composition. This includes the ability to tailor individual meals to accommodate players' dietary requirements, allergies, or performance goals. You will assist in the planning and development of new, exciting menus that align with our nutritional philosophy, ensuring consistency through the creation and implementation of standard operating procedures. Dishes must be designed to complement the physical demands of training and competition.

Engaging with players and staff to gather feedback will be important in evaluating and improving food services. In collaboration with catering staff at the Stadium of Light, you will also support the provision of high-quality meals before and after home fixtures. Additionally, you will help deliver educational sessions on cooking, nutrition, and food hygiene at the Academy site, supporting the development of youth players by guiding Academy chefs in implementing age-appropriate menus.

This role also requires domestic and international travel with the team as needed, ensuring that high standards of food quality and nutritional care are maintained wherever the team goes.

What We Ask For:

The Senior Performance Chef will be responsible for maintaining the highest standards of food safety and hygiene at all times, with a Food Safety Level 3 qualification being essential for this role. You will play a key role in coordinating and supporting junior chefs, ensuring they uphold the club's standards and contribute effectively to the performance catering operation. In the absence of the Performance Senior Sous Chef, you will be expected to assume leadership responsibilities, maintaining continuity and quality within the kitchen. Additionally, you will be required to keep professional qualifications up to date and engage in appropriate continuing professional development to ensure your skills and knowledge remain current and aligned with best practices in elite sports catering.

An Enhanced DBS from Sunderland AFC is required.

Why Join Us at SAFC:

At Sunderland AFC, you're not just becoming part of a football club; you're entering a vibrant community fuelled by passion and pride. Our commitment to making a difference means you'll engage with local initiatives that truly matter, allowing you to leave a positive impact right here at home.

You'll thrive in an exciting, dynamic atmosphere where every day is a new adventure filled with the thrill of football and teamwork. We believe in nurturing talent, so you'll have access to training programs and mentorship opportunities.

Our diverse and inclusive culture celebrates individuality, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. You'll be part of a team that unites in the spirit of collaboration and respect, making your work environment both rewarding and inspiring.

As standard, we also offer the following benefits:

- 22 days leave (in addition to public holidays), increasing to 27 days after 5 years' service

- Death in Service

- Pension Salary Exchange

- Complimentary Season Tickets

- Enhanced Paternity, Maternity and Adoption Leave

- Employee Assistant Programs

- Various Discount Packages including Club Store

- Free Parking

Additional benefits may be available, depending on the job role and experience.

Equal Opportunities:

Sunderland AFC is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a policy of treating all employees and job applicants equally. Our aim is that all colleagues should be able to work in an environment free from discrimination, harassment and bullying.

Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults

Sunderland AFC recognises that the safeguarding and protection of children and vulnerable adults is of paramount importance within the organisation. Sunderland AFC owes a duty of care to safeguard all children and vulnerable adults involved in activities organised by the football club. Sunderland AFC will ensure that safety and protection is given to all children and vulnerable adults involved in activities through adherence to the Safeguarding guidelines adopted by the Club.

Importantly, safeguarding is not the responsibility of a single individual or team; it is a collective responsibility that involves everyone associated with the club. From staff and volunteers to players and supporters, each person has a crucial role in creating a safe and welcoming environment. All members of the Sunderland AFC community are encouraged to remain vigilant, follow safeguarding procedures, and report any concerns promptly, knowing that safeguarding is a shared responsibility that helps protect those most vulnerable.

Job Type: Permanent

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 13/09/2025
Reference ID: Senior Performance Chef