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Performance Chef - Kia Oval

Job Introduction

Performance Chef - The Kia Oval
  • £50,000 per annum 
  • 5 out of 7 days per week 
  • Medicash – Healthcare benefits, including dental, optical and therapy treatments (includes up to 4 dependent children)
  • Aviva Digicare – Free annual healthcare check 
  • Exclusive Benefits & Wellbeing site (Perks at Work)
    • Entertainment discounts – up to 55% off cinema tickets
    • Health & Wellbeing discounts – Discounts for Nuffield Health (20%) and Pure Gym (10%) 
    • Travel discounts – Discounts with holiday companies such as TUI and Expedia
    • Shopping discounts – Save up to 15% at high street and online stores
  • Meals on duty
  • Vodaphone discounts
  • Pension scheme and Life Assurance
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • 23 days + BH’s and an additional day off for your birthday
  • 2 days additional leave, following return from Maternity leave during the first year back
  • Competitive and supportive family benefits
  • Day off for baby's 1st birthday
  • Holiday purchase scheme
  • On-going training & development and career pathways
  • Professional subscriptions paid
  • Financial wellbeing programme and preferred rates on salary finance products

Levy UK & Ireland, a vibrant and exciting division of Compass Group, specializes in creating legendary food, drink, and hospitality experiences at world-class venues. In the UK, Levy partners with renowned locations such as Wimbledon, Twickenham, Tottenham Hotspur, and ExCel London, focusing on sustainability, wellbeing, and diversity. Known for its culinary excellence, Levy champions sustainably sourced ingredients and exceptional service, aligning with its mission to "do the right thing" for people and the planet. As proud partners of the British Paralympic Association, they ensure all team members are paid at least the Real Living Wage or London Living Wage and collaborate with innovative brands to deliver best-in-class experiences.

Oval Events Limited (OEL), a joint venture between Compass Group Plc and Kennington Oval Limited, manages catering and event services at The Oval, an iconic international cricket ground in South London. Home to Surrey County Cricket Club since 1845, The Oval hosted England's first test cricket match in 1880 and has become a hub for significant sporting events, including football's first international match in 1870 and the 2023 World Test Championship Final. Beyond cricket, its rich history encompasses rugby and football milestones, reinforcing its legacy as a premier sports venue.

About the role:

We’re offering an extraordinary opportunity to be part of a prestigious professional cricket club as a Performance Chef. This is a unique chance for an experienced chef to showcase their culinary talents while supporting the physical performance of top-tier athletes. You’ll be crafting exceptional, nutritious meals tailored to meet the rigorous demands of professional cricket, ensuring every dish fuels peak performance.

As a Performance Chef, you will collaborate with our Performance Nutritionist to create a menu that maximizes player energy, recovery, and overall well-being. While prior experience in catering for professional sports teams is a plus, it’s not essential. What we value most is your passion for food, a keen interest in performance nutrition, and a drive to learn and grow in the world of elite sport nutrition.


  • Own the Culinary Experience: Ensure the quality of food and atmosphere in the players’ restaurant aligns with the highest standards.

  • Build Strong Relationships: Develop rapport with athletes and staff, fostering trust and respect.

  • Inspire Through Expertise: Use your culinary knowledge to educate athletes on food choices that enhance their performance.

  • Customize for Athletes: Create and modify recipes to meet individual dietary needs and preferences.

  • Global Cuisine Mastery: Cater to a diverse squad by incorporating a wide range of global cuisines.

  • Continuous Learning: Stay updated on culinary trends and performance nutrition, incorporating new techniques and ingredients into your work.

  • Collaborate with Nutrition Experts: Work closely with the performance nutritionist to develop menus and lead cooking sessions focused on performance goals.

  • Lead & Empower the Team: Demonstrate strong leadership, ensuring catering staff work efficiently, safely, and to the highest standards while maintaining a supportive team culture.


About you:
  • Professional Catering Qualifications & Experience – Bring your relevant industry qualifications and proven experience in catering for elite sports teams.
  • Leadership & Team Management – Lead and motivate a team with strong people management skills, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.
  • Ability to Perform Under Pressure – Thrive in high-pressure environments, maintaining focus and delivering top-quality results.
  • Creative Culinary Expertise – Show your passion and creativity in the kitchen, crafting delicious and innovative dishes tailored to athletes’ needs.
  • Strong Communication & Rapport Building – Build strong, effective relationships with staff, athletes, and stakeholders to ensure smooth operation.
  • Commitment to Excellence & Continuous Improvement – Stay motivated to improve your skills and drive high standards for yourself and your team.
  • Knowledge of Performance Nutrition – Use your understanding of nutrition to create meals that support the athletic performance of professional teams.
  • Professional Development & Safeguarding – Dedicate yourself to ongoing training, development, and adherence to the Club’s brand values and safeguarding protocols.

Why Join Us? 
At Levy UK & Ireland, we take pride in fostering a workplace culture that celebrates diversity and promotes inclusion. We believe that our differences are our greatest strengths, and we are committed to creating an environment where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered.

Our team is a vibrant tapestry of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, which enriches our creativity, innovation, and overall success. We are dedicated to providing equal opportunities, promoting fairness, and ensuring that all voices are heard.
We firmly believe that a diverse team leads to innovation and creativity. We welcome candidates from all walks of life and backgrounds to join us in our mission to create a supportive and equitable work environment where everyone has the chance to excel and collaborate.

Join us in our journey towards a more diverse and inclusive world, where every person has the chance to thrive and contribute their unique talents. Together, we can achieve greatness.
Apply

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