Head Chef

Job Location:      Selhurst Park Stadium, SE25 6PU

Contract Type:   Full-time

Deadline:            22nd November 2026

Who we are

We are Crystal Palace Football Club, a Premier League Football Club with more than 160 years of proud history. Spread across three different sites - brand new main offices at Selhurst Park Stadium, our London office, and our Training Ground/Academy, we offer the best atmosphere and culture for our fans and our employees. 

We strive for excellence in the workplace with a philosophy of high standards, professionalism, and a strong work ethic from our employees. We are constantly trying to grow, diversify and build with not only our team on the pitch, but also our team in the offices and on the ground.

About this role

To lead and manage the catering team at our Stadium Selhurst Park. The Head Chef will maintain the highest standards of food quality, safety and hygiene, oversee and direct all food preparation processes, and create a positive kitchen environment that others enjoy being part of.

Responsibilities

• Following the guidance of the Head of Culinary and have input in new ways of presentation or dishes
• Working quickly and accurately during busy periods, such as weekends and evenings
• Overall responsibility for the daily operations in all kitchens across premium areas on matchdays and non-matchday events
• Be hands on in the kitchen where needed
• Ensure all chefs inhouse, casual and agency are following instructions and maintaining standards
• Expectation to work all home matchdays where possible
• Verifying all food products are properly dated and organised for quality assurance. Including distributing foods from central main kitchen to satellite kitchens and checked ready for matchday service
• Providing guidance to junior kitchen staff members, including, but not limited, to line cooking, food preparation, and dish plating
• Participate fully in the delivery of the department’s budgets and targets including labour set by Head of Culinary
• Ensuring food safety best practices and makes sure that all kitchen staff members do the same
• Completing all relevant food hygiene, HACCP and delivery documentation
• Other duties and responsibilities as required by line manager.
• Upholding and promoting the Club’s policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities policies and procedures.

Experience, Skills and Qualifications

• A catering and hospitality qualification
• Food Hygiene Certificate Level 3(This can also be provided)
• Experience working as a Head Chef in a busy, fast paced environment
• Experience within an organisation where large numbers for catering are required including various food services
• A self-starter and able to take the initiative to complete tasks
• Able to cope under pressure in a calm and efficient manner to set and meet deadlines
• Willing to work flexible hours as regular weekend, bank holiday and evening work is required

Benefits

• Complimentary match day ticket
• Reward and Discount Scheme through our Tech Scheme and Simple Health app
• Health and Wellbeing benefit scheme
• 20% Discount in our Retail Stores
• Discounts in various gyms through GymFlex
• Volunteering Day - 1 Workday off to support a charity of your choice.
• Travel Season Ticket loan
• Holiday allowance: 25 Days 

Our commitment to Equality

At Crystal Palace Football Club, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion is spirited and continues to grow due to the working environment, which makes all staff feel appreciated and welcomed. Crystal Palace Football Club do this by encouraging good relations and practices towards different groups and are committed to promoting employment opportunities that celebrate diversity.

We are committed to attracting, recruiting, and retaining the most talented candidates and the club intends to ensure that everyone who wishes to engage with the club, whether as matchday fans, staff, players, board members, participants in Foundation programmes and any other person engaged with the club's activities, has a real and equal opportunity to do so.

Reasonable Adjustment

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role, ensuring equitable opportunities for everyone.

If you require disability-related adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact DLO@cpfc.co.uk (DLO inbox is for disability-related queries only, if you wish to gain further information regarding this vacancy, please contact cpfc.recruitment@cpfc.co.uk). We are here to help you through the whole recruitment process including trying to apply for a vacancy, getting in touch with us through the process, and/or helping with access in case you are required to come in for an interview.

Safeguarding

Crystal Palace Football Club is committed to safeguarding and ensuring the welfare and protection of children and vulnerable people and expects all staff to share this commitment. As such, the post holder will be required to undergo any relevant security checks, including a comprehensive background check, Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to ensure the safety and protection of children and vulnerable individuals.