What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head Performance Chef position at U.S. Soccer Federation?
U.S. Soccer Overview
The U.S. Soccer Federation exists in service to soccer. Our aim is to ignite a national passion for the game. Because we believe that soccer is more than a sport; it is a force for good.
We understand the importance and the power of teamwork, on and off the pitch. That’s why we work closely with our Federation partners and members, to inspire, support and guide every level of the game: from the grassroots, to the National Teams. We want to bring soccer into every home and every community, right across America. Because we believe that soccer can transform lives like no other sport. Soccer can represent the best of US.
U.S. Soccer is in a period of significant growth, with ambitions plans for US soccer in the near and far future. We are therefore, looking for dynamic servant-leaders to join us on this journey: in service to soccer. Applicants must be able to demonstrate visionary leadership, analytical decision-making, professional flexibility and an empathic management style that builds bold teams and delivers globally significant results.
Position Description
The Head Performance Chef plays a pivotal role in enhancing athlete performance and well-being through culinary excellence. As a key member of the High Performance Department, you will oversee all culinary and kitchen operations, ensuring alignment with performance nutrition strategies and the highest standards of food quality and service. Combining your culinary expertise with a deep understanding of sports nutrition, you will oversee the design and delivery of tailored meal plans that optimize athletic performance for the National Teams.
Primary Responsibilities
- Manage a culinary and kitchen team working at the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center.
- Oversee proper culinary standards and techniques are in place for preparation of food items, including production, presentation, and service standards.
- Maintain all staff records, including training records, shift opening/closing checklists, and performance reviews.
- Manage food budget by overseeing ordering, inventory control, and cost-effective provisioning.
- Drive the creation of performance-optimized menus that use high-quality, locally sourced ingredients to balance taste, variety, and nutritional value.
- Integrate evidence-based nutritional strategies into the overall training program(s), working closely with sports nutrition, sports science, and sports medicine staff.
- Collaborate with the Head of Nutrition, Performance Chef(s), and Heads of Performance to help create comprehensive, personalized meal plans that align with the training objectives of each Senior National Team camp.
- Organize cooking webinars/workshops and other educational sessions to enhance athletes' understanding of nutrition’s role in performance.
- Assess the impact of dietary plans on athletes and refine approaches based on ongoing evaluations and scientific advancements.
- Cultivate strong relationships with clients and guests to enhance service quality and foster long-term partnerships.
- Ensure all culinary and kitchen operations comply with U.S. Soccer Federation, CONCACAF, FIFA, USADA, and WADA regulations.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelors’ degree in culinary nutrition, food science, nutrition and dietics and/or related field
- Licensure as required by the State of Georgia or per the location of the federation
- Minimum of five (5) years’ experience as a Performance Chef in professional sport or collegiate athletics
- Minimum of two (2) years' experience in a luxury hotel and/or resort, leading large-scale culinary operations
- ServSafe Certified
- In-depth knowledge of food service quality and safety procedures at federal, state and local levels
- In-depth knowledge of sports nutrition, with a commitment to staying updated on industry trends
- Able and willing to travel up to 20% of the year
- Able and willing to work non-traditional hours including evenings and weekends as needed
- Ability to lift 60 pounds or more
- General knowledge of soccer
- Capable of working in fast-paced and demanding environments
- Must be able to connect “micro” details to the “macro” vision and mission
- Proficient experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook)
- General knowledge of soccer
- Capable of working in fast-paced and demanding environments
- Must be able to connect “micro” details to the “macro” vision and mission
- Proficient experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook)
Desired Qualifications
- Master’s degree in clinical nutrition, food innovation, sports nutrition, and/or related field
- Bilingual (English and Spanish)
- Current CPR, AED, and First Aid certification
- Passion for soccer
- Previous experience with a professional club or national governing body
- Thorough institutional knowledge of U.S. Soccer’s mission, goals, technical plan, policies, practices, and procedures
U.S Soccer is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, citizenship, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, military status, political belief, or any other characteristic protected under the law. This policy applies to all our employment practices within our organization.
We strongly encourage women, people of color, LGBTQIA, veterans, parents, and persons with disabilities to apply.
