Head Chef

Job description

Head Chef

Location: West of Ireland
Salary: €65,000 – €75,000 DOE
Accommodation: Free private apartment with rent and household bills covered
Additional Earnings: Gratuities
Start Date: January 2027

The Role

We are currently recruiting an experienced and ambitious Head Chef for a prestigious high-end hotel in the West of Ireland.

This is an excellent opportunity for a talented chef to take ownership of an established kitchen operation, lead and develop a strong team, and play a key role in the future direction of the hotel’s food offering.

The property is looking for someone who can maintain its existing character and reputation while continuing to raise culinary standards. For a Head Chef with ambitions to work towards Michelin-star recognition, the owners are open to supporting that journey and providing the successful candidate with the opportunity to develop the offering in that direction.

Key Responsibilities

• Take full responsibility for the day-to-day management and leadership of the kitchen.
• Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team, creating a professional and positive working environment.
• Set and maintain consistently high standards across food quality, preparation and presentation.
• Oversee all food service, including breakfast, lunch, casual dining and high-end evening dining.
• Manage preparation and service effectively, ensuring strong organisation and plate timing.
• Maintain consistency across every service and ensure dishes leave the kitchen to the required standard.
• Work closely with the hotel and front-of-house management teams to ensure a seamless guest experience.
• Develop and evolve menus while respecting the existing identity and style of the property.
• Take responsibility for food costs, stock control, ordering and waste management.
• Maintain excellent food safety, hygiene and kitchen standards.
• Train and mentor members of the kitchen team and establish clear expectations around performance and quality.
• Drive continuous improvements within the kitchen and wider food offering.

About You

The ideal candidate will have:

• Previous experience as a Head Chef, Executive Chef or Senior Sous Chef within a high-end hospitality environment.
• Ideally 3+ years’ experience at senior kitchen management level.
• A strong background in fine dining, luxury hotels or high-end restaurants.
• Proven experience managing and developing a kitchen team.
• Excellent culinary standards with a strong eye for detail and presentation.
• Strong service management, organisation and time-management skills.
• The ability to set standards and ensure they are consistently maintained by the wider team.
• Strong commercial awareness, including food costs, stock management and waste control.
• A hands-on leadership style and the ability to remain calm and organised during busy services.
• A genuine passion for high-quality food and memorable guest experiences.

Package

• €65,000 – €75,000 salary DOE
• Free private accommodation
• Rent fully covered
• Household bills covered
• Gratuities
• Generous annual and seasonal time off
• Extended closure periods during parts of December and January
• Additional scheduled time off during July
• Opportunity to take significant ownership of the culinary direction
• Support to pursue Michelin-level standards and recognition, should this align with the successful chef’s ambitions

Apply below!