Rugby Club cook

Darlington RFC are seeking a talented and motivated Cook/Chef to lead kitchen operations and deliver high-quality hospitality across both clubs. This is a varied, hands-on role involving matchday catering, players' meals, supporter food service, themed events, and full kitchen management. Working hours will change throughout the year, with more hours required during the busy winter season and reduced hours/off-time at the end of the season.

Key Responsibilities

Rugby – Players' Meals & Matchday Hospitality

• Prepare and serve players' meals for Darlington RFC, ensuring balanced, nutritious food tailored for athletes.
• Prepare two-course hospitality meals for rugby guests on matchdays (Tuesdays & Saturdays occasionally BH Mondays).
• Maintain high standards of portion control, consistency, quality, and presentation.
• Train kitchen staff and volunteers to follow recipes, portion guidelines, and hygiene practices.

Football – Matchday Hospitality

• Prepare and serve two-course hospitality meals for Darlington FC matchdays, VIPs, sponsors, and special events.

Matchday Food for Supporters

• Prepare and serve hot food for supporters for both rugby and football matchdays.
• Offer efficient, high-quality service at peak times, ensuring consistent portion sizes and fast turnaround.
• Lead staff/volunteers to deliver supporter food to a high standard (e.g., burgers, hot dogs, chips, pies, parmos, etc.).

Sunday & Weekly Offerings

• Run Sunday breakfasts for rugby players and members, including full cooked breakfasts and lighter options.
• Serve Sunday lunches at Darlington RFC, offering traditional two-course meals for members and the local community.
• Manage Thursday Burger & Parmo Nights, producing popular dishes efficiently while maintaining high hygiene and safety standards.

Events & Themed Nights

• Plan and deliver buffets, themed nights, and special events (e.g., curry nights, tapas evenings, steak nights) to increase club revenue.
• Work with management to cost menus, maintain correct margins, and manage budgets.
• Develop creative new food offerings to attract more visitors and build the clubs' reputations.

Kitchen Management & Administration

• Oversee the full day-to-day running of the kitchen, including cleaning, stock rotation, ordering, and equipment care.
• Use a computer to:
• Process supplier orders
• Manage stock levels and record stock takes
• Cost menus and calculate profit margins
• Log food hygiene records and compliance documentation
• Ensure all food hygiene, health & safety, allergen, and legal requirements are followed.
• Maintain accurate kitchen paperwork, including temperature logs, allergen files, and menu documentation.

About You

• Experienced cook or chef confident delivering players' meals, two-course hospitality, supporter food, themed nights, breakfasts, and buffets.
• Knowledgeable in food hygiene regulations (Level 2 or above preferred).
• Literate and highly organised, with the ability to manage menus, paperwork, stock, and budgets.
• Competent with computer systems for stocktaking, ordering, menu costing, and kitchen admin.
• Skilled in training and leading staff, ensuring portion control and consistent food quality.
• Creative, proactive, and comfortable introducing new ideas and themed food nights.
• Flexible with working hours and willing to commit to more hours during busy winter periods.
• Enthusiastic about working in a sports club and community-focused environment.

What We Offer

• A varied role covering rugby players' meals, football and rugby hospitality, supporter food, Sunday service, themed nights, and special events.
• Flexibility with hours to suit seasonality and business needs (more hours in winter, quieter off-season with time off).
• Supportive teams at both clubs and a welcoming working environment.
• Opportunity to shape menus, themed nights, and overall food strategy across two major clubs.
• Competitive pay based on experience.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £13,520.00-£23,400.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person