Head Chef

Head Chef

My client, a well-established food service business, is seeking to hire a Head Chef. This is a critical hands-on leadership role reporting directly to senior management.

The Role

This is a permanent position offering genuine strategic and operational ownership of culinary operations. You'll lead the kitchen team, drive menu innovation, and manage high-volume service whilst maintaining a hands-on approach to cooking. This role suits an experienced Head Chef who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

About the Company

This is an established business operating a successful food venue. They are experiencing continued growth and are investing in culinary leadership to support ongoing expansion, in a dynamic, quality-focused environment.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead and develop the kitchen team, ensuring consistent, high-quality food delivery
• Work hands-on in the kitchen; this is a cooking role; you'll be on the line during service
• Manage and mentor senior sous chefs and kitchen managers
• Handle high-volume service during peak trading periods with professionalism and precision
• Create and innovate menus, driving the evolution of the food offering
• Take full ownership of kitchen operations, standards, food quality, and team performance
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, hygiene, and health regulations

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience as a Head Chef; this is not a first-time head chef role
• Experience from high-volume, fast-paced operations is essential
• Certified in food safety and hygiene, Level 3 or above
• Demonstrable hands-on cooking ability; you must be a chef who works the pass and the line
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to command respect and take control of kitchen operations
• Experience managing experienced team members and strong personalities
• Resilience and agility; you're comfortable working in an environment where service demands are high and priorities can shift

What's On Offer

• Salary: €55,000 - €60,000
• Annual bonus: paid quarterly based on performance criteria
• Permanent, full-time contract
• 4-day working week (scheduled over 7 days)
• Employee discount
• Bike to work scheme

How They Work

The culture is fast-paced, high-energy, and team-driven. You'll be working with long-standing team members, so building trust and commanding respect through skill and leadership is key to success.

How to Apply

To apply for this opportunity, please submit your CV. Suitable candidates will be contacted to discuss the role in more detail, and client information will be shared at that stage.

The client is ready to interview immediately and is looking for someone who can start within 4-6 weeks, though they are prepared to wait longer for the right candidate.