Head Chef

Gracies Bar; Leinster; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

McCaffertys is seeking an experienced Head Chef to own the kitchen operations in a high-volume hospitality setting. You will lead and develop the kitchen team, maintain food quality and cost controls, and ensure every service runs smoothly.

You should bring proven leadership, hands-on management, and a strong passion for quality food, with a track record of delivering exceptional guest experiences in fast-paced venues.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading a kitchen in a busy hospitality setting.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP and food safety practices.
• Track record of managing food costs, GP, stock and waste.
• Excellent organisational and people-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of the day-to-day running of the kitchen.
• Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team, creating a high-performing environment.
• Deliver high standards of food quality, presentation and service.
• Ensure the kitchen is prepared and organised for busy services.
• Manage food preparation, service and kitchen operations efficiently.
• Monitor and control food costs, portions and waste.
• Manage stock levels, ordering and supplier relationships.
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness, hygiene and organisation.
• Recruit, train and develop kitchen team members where required.
• Prepare and manage kitchen rotas to ensure staffing levels.
• Collaborate with management on menus and recipe standards.
• Lead from the front during busy services, staying calm under pressure.
• Deliver excellent customer experiences in every service.

Skills

Head Chef experience

High-volume kitchen

Leadership

Food safety HACCP

Cost management

Job description

Job Description

McCaffertys is an Irish hospitality brand built around great food, great craic and genuine Irish hospitality. From our roots in Donegal, we have grown into an international group with venues across Ireland and beyond. Our kitchens are at the heart of what we do. We serve quality, hearty food in busy, vibrant venues where no two services are the same. As we continue to grow, we are looking for an experienced and ambitious Head Chef to take ownership of our kitchen operation and lead our team to deliver an exceptional food offering every day.

The Opportunity

This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate Head Chef who thrives in a high-volume, fast-paced hospitality environment and enjoys being hands-on. You will have full responsibility for the kitchen, from leading and developing your team to maintaining food quality, controlling costs and ensuring every service runs smoothly. We are looking for someone who can combine strong leadership with excellent culinary standards and who takes real pride in the food they serve.

Key Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of the day-to-day running of the kitchen.
• Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team, creating a positive and high-performing environment.
• Deliver consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and service.
• Ensure the kitchen is fully prepared and organised for busy services.
• Manage food preparation, service and kitchen operations efficiently.
• Monitor and control food costs, GP, portion sizes and waste.
• Manage stock levels, ordering and supplier relationships.
• Ensure all food is prepared, stored and handled in line with HACCP and food safety regulations.
• Maintain excellent standards of kitchen cleanliness, hygiene and organisation.
• Recruit, train and develop kitchen team members where required.
• Prepare and manage kitchen rotas to ensure appropriate staffing levels.
• Work closely with the General Manager and management team to achieve operational and financial targets.
• Contribute to menu development, specials and new food ideas.
• Ensure consistency across the menu and maintain recipe and presentation standards.
• Lead from the front during busy services, remaining calm and solution-focused under pressure.
• Ensure the kitchen team delivers an excellent experience for every customer.

What Were Looking For

We are looking for a chef who is passionate about food, confident leading a team and commercially minded.

You will ideally have:

• Previous experience as a Head Chef, Executive Sous Chef or experienced Sous Chef in a busy hospitality environment.
• Experience managing a high-volume kitchen.
• Strong leadership and people-management skills.
• A genuine passion for producing quality food consistently.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety, HACCP and kitchen best practices.
• Experience managing food costs, GP, stock and waste.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• The ability to work effectively under pressure while maintaining high standards.
• A hands on approach to kitchen management.
• The ambition and drive to develop both yourself and your team.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and during busy periods.

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