Head Chef: Lead Culinary Excellence & Menu Innovation

The Address Collective; Sligo; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Address Sligo is seeking a dynamic Head Chef to lead culinary operations at North Restaurant within TheAddress Sligo. This senior role owns menu development, kitchen management, food standards and financial performance while ensuring HACCP and health & safety compliance.

You will recruit, mentor, and motivate the kitchen team, drive profitability, and maintain high standards across restaurant, bar, and events.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-volume hotel or restaurant.
• Strong commercial awareness with demonstrated success in managing food costs and wage percentages.
• In-depth knowledge of HACCP and Health & Safety legislation.
• Experience in menu development and trend-driven culinary innovation.
• Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the preparation, production, and service of food to the highest standards in accordance with HACCP regulations.
• Implement and continuously refine SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) to ensure consistent delivery of exceptional guest experiences.
• Standardise recipes and ensure all dishes are delivered to agreed specifications.
• Conduct bi-annual menu reviews, introducing innovative dishes aligned with current food trends.
• Promote Irish produce across all menus, supporting local suppliers and seasonal offerings.
• Maintain the highest presentation and quality standards across restaurant, bar, and event offerings.
• Lead the daily operations and overall upkeep of the kitchen.
• Implement structured cleaning schedules and ensure all back-of-house areas are maintained to impeccable standards.
• Ensure all electrical and kitchen equipment is safe, compliant, regularly monitored, and properly maintained.
• Maintain HACCP and Health & Safety compliance, ensuring all staff follow correct food safety systems.
• Maintain agreed wage percentage targets and improve food profit margins.
• Monitor and control stock levels; train team members in effective stock management practices.
• Achieve budget targets set by senior management and contribute to strategic planning.
• Recruit, interview, and hire new kitchen staff; train and mentor the culinary team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, consistency, and excellence; ensure staff are trained in brand standards.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

HACCP compliance

Food cost management

Staff training

Supplier relations

Irish produce focus

Operational oversight

Budgeting

Job description

The Address Sligo is seeking a dynamic Head Chef to lead culinary operations at North Restaurant within TheAddress Sligo. This senior role owns menu development, kitchen management, food standards and financial performance while ensuring HACCP and health & safety compliance.

You will recruit, mentor, and motivate the kitchen team, drive profitability, and maintain high standards across restaurant, bar, and events.