Trainee Performance Chef
Department: Executive Kitchen
Location: Across all Club sites
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (flexible around training and matchday schedules)
Reports to: Head Chef
Birmingham City Football Club is on the rise.
With an incredible history dating back to 1875, Birmingham City Football Club is part of an exciting period of accelerated growth and modernisation, and is playing it's part in once-in-a-generation opportunity to support the transformation of England's second city as part of the Sports Quarter project.
With significant investment across our football, commercial, and community operations, we are rebuilding the Club for long-term success — on and off the pitch. The journey we're on involves strengthening our structures, elevating our performance environments, growing our teams, and investing heavily in the people, processes and culture that will define the next chapter of Birmingham City FC.
We are looking for a passionate and motivated Trainee Performance Chef to support the preparation and delivery of high-quality, nutritionally balanced meals for our players and staff across the Senior Training Centre, Senior Women's Programme, U21s and Academy.
This is an exciting opportunity for an aspiring chef to develop their culinary skills within an elite football performance environment, working closely with experienced Performance Chefs and multidisciplinary teams to support player health, recovery and performance.
About the Role
You will play an important role in the day-to-day operation of our training ground kitchens, contributing to menu delivery, food safety standards and the evolving demands of high-performance sport.
Key Responsibilities
Support the preparation, cooking and presentation of performance-focused meals for players and staff.
Work alongside Performance Chefs on menu planning, recipe development and execution aligned to nutrition strategies.
Assist with preparation of meat, fish and vegetables to the required elite standards.
Maintain excellent kitchen organisation, cleanliness and hygiene at all times.
Support allergen management, portion control, stock rotation and food waste reduction.
Assist with food ordering, deliveries and safe storage procedures.
Provide catering support for matchdays, travel days, residential camps and tournaments (including off-site preparation).
Work flexibly in line with training schedules and competition demands, including travel with teams when required.
Ensure full compliance with Club policies, including Equality & Diversity, Safeguarding, Health & Safety and EFL regulations.
About You
We are looking for someone with energy, enthusiasm and a strong desire to learn in an elite sporting environment.
Essential:
NVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation & Cookery (or equivalent).
Level 2 Food Hygiene (or willingness to obtain).
Level 2 Allergen Awareness (or willingness to obtain).
Basic food preparation and knife-handling skills.
Strong attention to detail, professionalism and high standards of cleanliness.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Flexible and reliable, with strong timekeeping and organisation.
Desirable:
Experience working in a professional kitchen.
Interest or knowledge in sports nutrition and performance catering.
Full UK driving licence.
Interest in football or high-performance sport environments
.
What can we offer you?
23 days annual leave plus bank holidays
Complimentary matchday tickets for Men's and Women's home fixtures
Employee Assistance Programme () — including mental health support, virtual GP access, and more for you and your family
Enhanced Company Pension Scheme
Life Assurance cover (2x annual salary)
Club discounts and offers
The opportunity to work in a dynamic, collaborative, and professional sporting environment where technology drives progress
Birmingham City FC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The safety and well-being of our players is our top priority, and we expect all staff to share this commitment. All successful applicants will be required to undergo a thorough background check and training in safeguarding as part of the recruitment process.
Birmingham City FC is an equal opportunities and Disability Confident employer. We welcome applications from all sectors of the community and assess candidates solely on merit, regardless of gender, race, age, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, political or religious belief, background, or family circumstances. We promote a diverse and inclusive environment and encourage all individuals to apply. If you need any adjustments to our recruitment or interview process, please inform us when applying.