Banqueting Head Chef

The Johnstown Estate; Navan; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Complimentary meals on duty

Staff discounts

Complimentary leisure facility use

Job summary

The Johnstown Estate is seeking an experienced Banqueting Head Chef to lead the banqueting kitchen, delivering exceptional food for weddings, conferences, galas and private events.

You will work with the Executive Chef and events team to craft menus, ensure quality and presentation, and mentor a busy kitchen while maintaining food safety standards.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Banqueting Head Chef or similar in a busy hotel or high-volume events operation.
• Ability to lead from the front and manage a kitchen team.
• Strong organisational skills to manage multiple events simultaneously.
• Knowledge of HACCP, food safety and kitchen compliance.
• Hands-on leadership style and willingness to work alongside the team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day‑to‑day operation of the banqueting kitchen.
• Involve in preparation, cooking and service for banqueting menus.
• Lead service for weddings, conferences, galas and private events.
• Develop seasonal menus with the Executive Chef.
• Mentor junior chefs and drive continuous improvement.
• Manage food ordering, stock and waste while maintaining margins.
• Ensure HACCP and health & safety standards are maintained.

Skills

Banqueting Lead

Large-scale events

Team leadership

HACCP knowledge

Food safety

Job description

Full-Time | The Johnstown Estate

Lead the Kitchen Behind Some of Ireland's Most Memorable Events

The Johnstown Estate is looking for an experienced, passionate and hands‑on Banqueting Head Chef to lead our banqueting kitchen and deliver exceptional food experiences for weddings, conferences, gala dinners, private events and celebrations.

This is an exciting opportunity for a chef who thrives in a fast‑paced events environment and enjoys being at the heart of service. You'll lead a dedicated banqueting brigade, working alongside our Executive Chef and wider culinary team to execute outstanding event menus with consistency, creativity and precision.

If you're passionate about producing exceptional food at scale and enjoy leading from the front, we'd love to hear from you.

About The Johnstown Estate

Located just 35 minutes from Dublin, The Johnstown Estate is one of Ireland's leading four‑star luxury resorts, renowned for its stunning weddings, large‑scale conferences, luxury accommodation and award‑winning hospitality.

Our success is built on our values of Passion, Customer Focus, Teamwork and Integrity, and we are committed to developing our people while delivering unforgettable guest experiences.

The Role

As Banqueting Head Chef, you will take ownership of the day‑to‑day operation of our banqueting kitchen, leading the preparation and execution of food for some of the largest and most prestigious events in the country.

This is a hands‑on leadership role, where you will be actively involved in every stage of service‑from preparation and cooking to plating and final execution. You will lead your team by example, ensuring every dish leaving the kitchen meets the highest standards of quality, presentation and consistency.

Working closely with the Executive Chef, Events Team and Food & Beverage Management, you'll ensure every event exceeds guest expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day‑to‑day operation of the banqueting kitchen.
• Be actively involved in the preparation, cooking and service of all banqueting menus.
• Lead service for weddings, conferences, gala dinners, corporate functions and private events, ensuring flawless execution.
• Manage and motivate the banqueting kitchen team, creating a positive, high‑performing working environment.
• Work closely with the Executive Chef to develop seasonal event menus and continually enhance the banqueting offering.
• Ensure consistency in food quality, presentation and portion control across every event.
• Plan kitchen operations effectively to deliver multiple events and services simultaneously.
• Train, mentor and develop junior chefs, encouraging high standards and continuous improvement.
• Manage food ordering, stock control and minimise waste while maintaining excellent food margins.
• Ensure all HACCP, food safety and health & safety standards are maintained at all times. li>
• Collaborate with the Events and Front of House teams to ensure seamless delivery from kitchen to guest.

About You

We're looking for a chef who is passionate about banqueting and enjoys the excitement of delivering exceptional events.

You will have:

• Proven experience as a Banqueting Head Chef, Senior Sous Chef or Sous Chef within a busy hotel or high‑volume events operation.
• A passion for producing exceptional food for large‑scale events without compromising quality.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop a busy kitchen team.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple events simultaneously.
• Experience delivering weddings, conferences and high‑volume banqueting operations.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, food safety and kitchen compliance.
• A calm, solutions‑focused approach under pressure.
• A hands‑on leadership style and a willingness to work alongside your team throughout service.

Why Join The Johnstown Estate?

• Join one of Ireland's leading wedding and events destinations.
• Lead a dedicated banqueting kitchen with the support of an experienced Executive Chef and culinary team.
• Be part of delivering hundreds of unforgettable weddings and events each year.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Ongoing training and career development opportunities.
• Complimentary meals while on duty.
• Staff discounts across the resort.
• Complimentary use of hotel leisure facilities.

Ready to Lead Our Banqueting Kitchen?

If you are an experienced chef who loves the energy of events, takes pride in leading from the front, and wants to play a key role in creating unforgettable guest experiences, we'd love to hear from you.