Head Chef

City Football Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading sports organization in Manchester seeks a Head Chef to lead a culinary team dedicated to supporting elite athletes. In this role, you will shape the food strategy, design nutrition-focused menus, and manage daily kitchen operations. You should have previous Head Chef experience in a professional setting, strong leadership skills, and a HACCP & Food Safety Level 3 certification. We offer a full-time permanent contract with attractive benefits including 26 days annual leave and additional perks.

Benefits

26 days annual leave

Private healthcare

Annual discretionary bonus

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Head Chef in a professional hospitality environment.
• Proven experience in menu planning, stock management and supplier relations.
• Ability to work independently and adapt quickly to changes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the kitchen team to ensure high performance.
• Oversee daily food preparation and menu design.
• Implement and maintain kitchen management systems and HACCP standards.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Customer service skills

Attention to detail

Creative food presentation

Education

HACCP & Food Safety Level 3 certification

Job description

Head Chef

Location: Manchester, GB

Full Time / Part Time: Full Time

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date of Applications – 9th Janaury 2026

Our Story

At Manchester City Women, we are proud to be part of City Football Group and one of the leading clubs in women’s football, competing at the highest level in the Women’s Super League, domestic cups, and European competition. Based at the Etihad Campus in Manchester, our team is built on ambition, innovation, and a commitment to excellence both on and off the pitch. We are passionate about developing the women’s game, inspiring the next generation of players and fans, and fostering an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive.

The team plays its home fixtures at Joie Stadium, a7,000capacityarena. The stadium sits on the wider Etihad Campus,which also encompasses the City Football Academy, where we are building a new world-class Women’s First Team Training Centre.

Our Winning Team

Manchester City continues to invest in world‑leading facilities that support excellence across the club. Our newly developed, purpose‑built training centre for Manchester City Women – designed in collaboration with players and performance staff – provides cutting‑edge spaces for preparation, recovery and development, including a high‑performance gym, hydrotherapy area and dedicated team environments. Located within the City Football Academy alongside the Joie Stadium, it reflects the club's commitment to growth, innovation and creating outstanding conditions for players and staff. This investment strengthens our high‑performance culture and underpins our ambition to remain at the forefront of the global game.

To coincide with the expansion, we are recruiting a Head Chef to lead a high‑performing culinary team dedicated to supporting elite athletes. You’ll shape the food strategy, drive innovation, and deliver exceptional, nutrition‑focused menus that enhance player health, performance and recovery. This role is perfect for an experienced, creative leader who thrives in a fast‑paced, high‑standards environment.

This is Your City

As part of our team, you will be entitled to 26 days annual leave plus an additional day off for your birthday, private healthcare and a simply health cash plan, an annual discretionary bonus, plus a range of partnership and lifestyle discounts.

Your Impact

To be successful in this role; you will:

• Lead, develop and manage the kitchen team, ensuring clear communication and high performance.
• Oversee daily food preparation aligned with nutrition requirements, including weekly menu design.
• Work closely with the Nutrition Department to integrate education and performance goals into every dish.
• Implement and maintain kitchen management systems, HACCP standards and all compliance paperwork.
• Manage stock control, supplier relationships, ordering and food cost management.
• Maintain the highest standards of hygiene, safety and service quality.
• Travel domestically and internationally to deliver team‑standard service when required.

What we are looking for

• Previous experience as a Head Chef in a professional hospitality environment.
• Strong leadership, communication and people‑management skills.
• Proven experience in menu planning, stock management and supplier relations.
• HACCP & Food Safety Level 3 certified.
• Creative approach to food presentation and current food trends.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, adapting quickly to changing needs.
• Excellent customer‑service skills and attention to detail.
• Beneficial: Knowledge of nutrition principles, experience working with performance nutritionists, a second language, or experience in elite sport.

We regularly review applications and reserve the right to close an advert early if we identify suitable candidates. To avoid disappointment, please submit your application as soon as possible.

City Football Group promotes equal opportunities in employment and we positively welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

We will screen all applicants and select candidates whose skills and experience seem to meet our needs. We will carefully consider your application during the initial screening and will contact you only if you selected for an interview.

Employment is subject to the provision of proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

Due to our safeguarding promise, all UK based CFG roles will be subject to a DBS check upon commencing employment with us. This will be either a basic, standard or enhanced check depending on the job role and responsibilities.