Job Introduction
At Gather & Gather, we are known as one of the UK & Irelands most distinctive workplace catering experts, we are passionate about great food and great coffee and putting our employees and customers at the heart of everything that we do. We are currently recruiting for a Head Chef.
Location: Charlton Athletic Football Club Training Ground (Sparrows Lane, New Eltham, London SE9)
Reports to: Head of Performance / Performance Nutritionist
Contract Type: Full-Time 40 Hour Per Week (Including Weekends and Match Days as Required)
Salary: £60,000 per annum
Role Overview
We’re looking for an experienced and motivated Head Chef – Player Performance to join the Gather & Gather team at Charlton Athletic’s Training Ground. In this role, you’ll be instrumental in crafting and serving nutritious, delicious meals that meet the specific dietary needs of players and staff—empowering them to perform at their best.
Working closely with the Performance Nutritionist and wider performance team, you’ll create innovative menus, manage daily kitchen operations, and maintain the highest standards of food quality, hygiene, and presentation. You’ll also bring Gather & Gather’s passion for food and community to every dish, helping build a welcoming and engaging dining culture.
Key Responsibilities
- Create and deliver balanced, performance-driven meals tailored to individual and team nutrition goals.
- Collaborate with the club’s Performance Nutritionist to ensure meals meet training, match day and recovery needs.
- Oversee daily training meals, pre-match and post-match meals and travel catering.
- Adapt menus to incorporate seasonal ingredients and evolving player needs.
- Uphold the highest standards of cleanliness, food safety and kitchen organisation in line with Gather & Gather practices.
- Foster positive, approachable relationships with players and staff, encouraging a culture of nutrition and wellbeing.
- Source fresh, sustainable ingredients, managing budgets responsibly to minimise waste.
- Support informal nutrition education, sharing your knowledge and passion for food.
Person Specification
Essential:
- Strong culinary skills with the ability to craft appealing, nutritious dishes.
- Enthusiastic about sports nutrition and keen to learn and grow.
- Confident managing kitchen operations independently and in fast-paced environments.
- Excellent interpersonal skills—friendly, approachable, and adaptable.
- Organised and proactive, with great time management.
- Valid Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or higher).
Desirable:
- Experience working in elite sport or high-performance settings.
- Knowledge of specialist diets (e.g. plant-based, gluten-free) and cultural dietary requirements.
- Full, clean UK driving licence.
What's in it for you?
Working with Gather and Gather has its perks! People are at the heart of everything we do, so we've developed a range of benefits to keep you happy.
- Personal Development and Training opportunities
- Life assurance scheme
- Pension scheme
- Holiday allowance
- Private medical eligibility
- Eye care
- A great wellbeing strategy – including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary finance
- Family friendly support
- Regular social events and communication with our leaders
- A holiday purchase scheme
- Volunteering days
- Professional subscriptions
- Recognition schemes and people awards
- Long service awards
- Access to some great high street discount vouchers