Head Chef

GT Recruitment Partners; Dublin; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Permanent, full-time

4-day working week

Bike to work scheme

Job summary

GT Recruitment Partners is representing a well-established food service business seeking a Head Chef. This permanent, hands-on leadership role offers strategic and operational ownership of culinary operations, leading the kitchen team, driving menu innovation, and managing high-volume service while staying hands-on on the pass.

The ideal candidate will have proven Head Chef experience in fast-paced environments, strong leadership, and Level 3+ food safety certification.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef in a busy kitchen.
• Experience in high-volume, fast-paced operations.
• Certified in food safety and hygiene, Level 3 or above.
• Hands-on cooking ability; works the pass and the line.
• Strong leadership with the ability to manage experienced teams.
• Resilience and agility in a demanding service environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the kitchen team to deliver consistent, high-quality food.
• Work hands-on in the kitchen; be on the line during service.
• Mentor senior sous chefs and kitchen managers.
• Manage high-volume service during peak trading periods.
• Create and innovate menus and drive the culinary offering.
• Own kitchen operations, standards, and team performance.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health regulations.

Skills

Head Chef

High-volume service

Leadership

Cooking on pass & line

Food safety Level 3+

Job description

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

• Annual bonus: paid quarterly based on performance criteria
• Permanent, full-time contract
• 4-day working week (scheduled over 7 days)
• 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.

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.