Head Chef

Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa; Dunboyne; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career progression opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounted room & dining rates

Training and development opportunities

Employee recognition

Job summary

Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa in Meath invites an accomplished Head Chef to lead our busy kitchen and uphold the highest standards of quality, presentation and service across all outlets. Reporting to the General Manager, you will manage a large team, develop menus, source premium ingredients and drive cost control while maintaining a hands-on, guest-focused operation within Dunboyne Castle's luxury estate.

This role offers career progression within the Windward group and opportunities to

Qualifications

• Strong leadership with proven Head Chef or senior kitchen management experience.
• Extensive experience in a high-volume, quality kitchen.
• Excellent culinary skills with focus on presentation.
• Proven ability to manage food costs, menu costing and stock control.
• Ability to train and develop kitchen staff.
• Excellent communication, both spoken and written.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the daily operation of the Kitchen Department, ensuring high-quality food across all outlets.
• Supervise, train and develop the kitchen team to deliver excellence.
• Collaborate with F&B and hotel teams to ensure guest satisfaction.
• Drive menu development, source quality ingredients and introduce new dishes.
• Control food costs, labour costs, stock and department budgets.
• Maintain hygiene, health and safety standards across the kitchen.

Skills

Leadership

Head Chef

Kitchen management

Food cost control

Staff development

Training & coaching

Health & Safety

Communication

Hands-on

Job description

A fantastic opportunity to join the team at Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spaas Head Chef

About Us

Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa is a luxury estate, nestled in 21 acres of lush green Meath countryside. The Georgian mansion which welcomes visitors today was originally built in 1764, on the same site as the original castle. Dunboyne Castle was acquired by Mr. Thomas Röggla in December 2022. The hotel joined his collection of luxury Irish hotels forming the TMR Hotel Collection, including Farnham Estate Spa & Golf Resort, Harvey’s Point, Mount Wolseley & Aghadoe Heights.

As part of the TMR Collection & under the guidance of Windward Management, Dunboyne Castle offers great opportunities for growth & progression in your hospitality career.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the General Manager, the Head Chef will take overall responsibility for the daily operation of the Kitchen Department, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, presentation, hygiene and service across all food outlets at Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa.

As part of your role:

• Lead and manage the daily operation of the Kitchen Department, ensuring consistently high-quality food across all outlets.
• Supervise, motivate and develop the kitchen team, providing effective training, coaching and support.
• Work closely with the Food & Beverage and wider hotel teams to ensure smooth daily operations and an excellent guest experience.
• Take responsibility for menu development, product sourcing and introducing new dishes and culinary trends.
• Ensure effective control of food costs, labour costs, stock levels and departmental budgets.
• Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation and consistency through regular monitoring and follow-up.
• Ensure all food preparation, cooking and kitchen operations comply with Health & Hygiene, Health & Safety and hotel standards.
• Manage employee performance and employee relations matters professionally, working closely with the HR Department where required.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels and efficient labour practices are maintained within the department.
• Monitor guest feedback and operational reports, taking action to continually improve the food operation.
• Lead regular kitchen briefings and contribute to departmental and hotel meetings.
• Promote a positive team culture and maintain strong working relationships across all hotel departments.

About this role

Requirements

• Excellent leadership capabilities to effectively manage a large team.
• Proven experience as a Head Chef, Senior Sous Chef or similar senior kitchen management role
• Extensive experience working in a busy, high-quality kitchen environment.
• Strong culinary skills with a passion for quality, consistency and presentation.
• Proven experience managing food costs, menu costing, stock control and departmental budgets.
• Proven ability to supervise, motivate and develop colleagues.
• Experience in training and coaching kitchen team members.
• Strong ability to work efficiently and deal with busy periods competently.
• Strong understanding of Health & Safety, food hygiene and kitchen operating standards.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Self-Motivated and Enthusiastic.
• Excellent Interpersonal Skills.
• Ability to work flexibly and maintain a hands-on approach within a busy hotel operation.

Perks and Benefits of working at Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa

• Career progression opportunities across the Windward group
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Discounted room & dining rates in Windward properties for you as well as friends and family
• Training and development opportunities dedicated to your development
• Employee awards & staff recognition scheme including employee of the month, long service awards, team recognition days and random treat days

Salary Information

The advertised pay range represents the salary available for this role. Final starting salary will be determined within this range, based on relevant skills, qualifications, experience, and business requirements.

About Windward Management

Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spais managed by Windward Management.

Windward Management is a team of highly experienced hotel operators and investors with a hotel portfolio of approx. 2,000 keys* in Ireland. Founded in 2007, Windward is a leading hospitality management company, managing and operating hotels on behalf of their owners.