Head Chef

Job description

Job Title: Head Chef

Location: Co. Louth (commutable from Drogheda / Dundalk)

Role Type: Full-time | Permanent

Reports To: General Manager

About the Role

An established luxury hotel and wedding venue is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead its kitchen operation during an exciting period of continued growth. This role is heavily focused on high-volume banquets, weddings, and events, alongside overseeing day-to-day hotel food offerings.

The successful candidate will be a hands-on leader with strong organisational skills, a passion for quality produce, and proven experience delivering consistent, large-scale catering at a premium standard. You will be responsible for setting culinary direction, managing kitchen teams, and ensuring exceptional guest experiences across all events.

What’s in it for you?

• €60,000-€65,000

• Opportunity to lead a well-established and respected wedding venue

• Creative input into menus and event offerings

• Supportive senior management team

• Long-term career stability in a flagship hospitality operation

• Staff meals and on-site facilities

• Opportunity to build and develop a high-performing kitchen brigade

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and motivate the kitchen team across banqueting, weddings, and hotel services

• Plan and execute high-volume wedding and event menus to a consistently high standard

• Ensure smooth delivery of multiple events, often concurrently

• Maintain excellent food quality, presentation, and consistency

• Manage food cost control, stock ordering, and supplier relationships

• Ensure full compliance with HACCP, food safety, and health & safety regulations

• Recruit, train, and develop kitchen staff

• Work closely with events, sales, and operations teams to deliver seamless guest experiences

• Oversee menu development in line with seasonal produce and customer expectations

Key Requirements

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a hotel or wedding venue environment

• Strong background in banqueting and large-scale event catering

• Excellent leadership and team management skills

• Strong organisational and time-management abilities

• Experience with cost control, budgeting, and kitchen administration

• In-depth knowledge of food safety and HACCP standards

• Flexible approach to working hours, including weekends and peak event periods

• Passion for delivering high-quality food in a fast-paced, high-volume setting