Head Chef - The Bastion Kitchen & Bar

Hollybank Trustees Ltd; Trim; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Complimentary meals

Discounted leisure facilities

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Trim Castle Hotel, a boutique four-star property in Trim, is seeking an experienced Head Chef for The Bastion Kitchen & Bar to lead day-to-day operations and drive a high-profile opening. You will shape menus, mentor the kitchen team and ensure exceptional quality and consistency across service.

This hands-on leadership role requires a passion for exceptional food, strong HACCP knowledge, and the ability to balance innovation with broad appeal while maintaining value for guests.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef, Senior Sous Chef or Sous Chef within a busy hotel.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to motivate and develop a kitchen team.
• Excellent organisational skills to manage multiple events simultaneously.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP and food safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Bastion Kitchen & Bar on day-to-day operations and service.
• Be actively involved in preparation, cooking and plating to ensure quality.
• Develop seasonal menus in collaboration with Head Chef Trim Castle Hotel.
• Train, mentor and develop junior chefs to uphold high standards.
• Manage food ordering, stock control and waste, maintaining food margins.
• Collaborate with Events and Front of House to ensure seamless guest experience.

Skills

Head Chef

Leadership

Menu development

HACCP knowledge

Food safety

Team motivation

Operations management

Job description

Location: On site / Trim, Co. Meath, Ireland
job type: Permanent / Full-time
Sector and subsector: Hospitality | Chefs
Salary: Negotiable salary

Trim Castle Hotel is a boutique four-star property situated in the heart of historic Trim, overlooking the iconic Trim Castle. With 66 contemporary guest rooms, a newly opened Rooftop Thermal experience and a strong reputation for warm Irish hospitality. Our success is built on our values of Passion, Customer Focus, Teamwork and Integrity and we are committed to developing our people while delivering unforgettable guest experiences.

The hotel is entering one of the most exciting periods in its development.

Central to this next chapter is The Bastion Kitchen & Bar, a major new food and beverage concept and the hotel’s most significant launch to date. The Bastion will be a destination in its own right, combining stylish interiors, striking castle views, speciality cocktails and relaxed yet refined dining. Its menus will celebrate the exceptional food of the Boyne Valley, showcasing quality local produce and suppliers through creative, flavour-led dishes, modern gastro-style dining and an outstanding Sunday carvery.

We are seeking an experienced, creative and commercially astute Head Chef to lead The Bastion team and bring this ambitious new concept to life. The successful candidate will understand what today’s customer wants and know how to balance innovation with broad appeal, consistency, quality and value. Reporting to the Head Chef - Trim Castle Hotel, they will take ownership of the culinary direction, assist in developing the menus and inspiring the kitchen team.

A dedicated PR and marketing campaign will support the launch, giving the Head Chef and the wider team an exciting platform to put The Bastion firmly on the map. This is a rare opportunity to lead a high-profile opening from the outset and help establish The Bastion as one of the Boyne Valley’s leading food and drink destinations.

The Role

As Head Chef, you will take ownership of the day-to-day operations, leading the preparation and execution of food for The Bastion Kitchen & Bar.

This is a hands‑on leadership role, where you will be actively involved in every stage of service—from preparation and cooking to plating and final execution. You will lead your team by example, ensuring every dish leaving the kitchen meets the highest standards of quality, presentation and consistency.

Working closely with the Head Chef and Food & Beverage Management to ensure our guest expectations are exceeded.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the Bastion Kitchen & Bar


• Be actively involved in the preparation, cooking and service of menus


• Assist in managing and motivating the kitchen team, creating a positive, high-performing working environment


• Work closely with the Head Chef Trim Castle Hotel to develop seasonal menus


• Ensure consistency in food quality, presentation and portion control


• Plan kitchen operations effectively to deliver multiple events and services simultaneously


• Train, mentor and develop junior chefs, encouraging high standards and continuous improvement


• Manage food ordering, stock control and minimise waste while maintaining excellent food margins


• Ensure all HACCP, food safety and health & safety standards are maintained at all times.


• Collaborate with the Events and Front of House teams to ensure seamless delivery from kitchen to guest.

About You

We are looking for a chef who is passionate about delivering exceptional culinary experiences.

You will have:

• Proven experience as a Head Chef, Senior Sous Chef or Sous Chef within a busy hotel


• A passion for producing exceptional food without compromising quality


• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop a busy kitchen team


• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple events simultaneously


• Strong knowledge of HACCP, food safety and kitchen compliance


• A calm, solutions‑focused approach under pressure


• A hands‑on leadership style and a willingness to work alongside your team throughout service

Why Join Trim Castle Hotel ?

• Ongoing training and career development opportunities


• Complimentary meals while on duty


• Discounted leisure facilities/membership at the Johnstown Estate

Ready to Lead Our Bastion Kitchen & Bar ?

If you are an experienced chef who takes pride in leading from the front, and wants to play a key role in creating unforgettable guest experiences, we'd love to hear from you.