Head Chef

TOPCHEFS; Galway; On-site; EUR 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Guaranteed contracted hours

Competitive hourly rate for additional hours

Creative input into food offerings

Accommodation options available nearby

Job summary

A well-regarded country pub restaurant in County Galway is seeking a talented Head Chef. This permanent role emphasizes work-life balance with a four-day working week from Thursday to Sunday. Responsibilities include overseeing all kitchen operations, menu planning, and leading a small team. Experience in running a kitchen in a quality dining environment is crucial. The role also offers guaranteed hours and opportunities for creative input in menu development.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Head Chef or a Sous Chef ready for promotion.
• Experience in a quality pub, gastropub, or restaurant.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen and manage all meal services.
• Plan and develop menus tailored for a pub setting.
• Mentor and lead a small kitchen team.
• Ensure food quality, presentation, and hygiene standards are met.
• Handle kitchen administration and food cost management.

Skills

Organisational skills

Leadership

Menu planning

Food quality management

Job description

Head Chef | County Galway | 4-Day Week

Are you a talented, hands‑on Head Chef looking for a role that offers genuine work‑life balance without sacrificing quality or professional fulfilment? A well-regarded country pub restaurant in County Galway is seeking an experienced Head Chef to take full ownership of their kitchen. This is a permanent role with guaranteed, contracted hours.

The Role

This is a strong opportunity for a Head Chef — or an ambitious Sous Chef ready to make the step up — to lead a focused, food‑driven kitchen in a busy and well‑supported pub dining environment. The operation runs four days per week — Thursday through Sunday plus bank holidays — covering full service across breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s a structured, predictable week with no mid‑week grind, giving you real time to rest, recharge, and perform at your best on the days that matter.

What the Role Involves

• Full ownership of the kitchen across breakfast, lunch, and dinner service
• Menu planning and development within a country pub dining context
• Leading and mentoring a small, close‑knit kitchen team
• Maintaining consistent standards of food quality, presentation, and hygiene
• Managing food cost, ordering, and day‑to‑day kitchen administration

What’s on Offer

• Guaranteed contracted hours (39 hours per week)
• Additional hours paid at an hourly rate (any hours worked over 39)
• Four‑day working week — Thursday to Sunday plus bank holidays
• A stable, well‑run venue with a loyal local following
• Creative input into the food offering and kitchen direction

Who Thrives in This Role

You are a confident, organised Head Chef with solid experience running a kitchen or a strong section in a quality pub, gastropub, or restaurant. You work well with a small team, take pride in consistent output, and you're ready for a role that rewards your commitment with a structured week and a competitive hourly rate. Candidates based outside the immediate Galway area are very welcome — the venue is accessible from a number of nearby towns, and accommodation options are available in the local area.

How to Apply

This role is live now and is expected to move quickly. If it sounds like the right fit, apply now. To avoid any wasted time on either side, it’s important to highlight that work permit sponsorship isn’t available for this vacancy. Applicants should already have permission to work in Ireland.