Pastry Sous Chef

Ashford Castle; Cong; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training programs

Accommodation discount

Staff events

Local discounts

Subsidised housing

Meals on duty

Dry cleaning

Referral bonus

Volunteer days

Holiday entitlement

Employee assistance

Job summary

Ashford Castle, part of Red Carnation Hotels, is seeking a Pastry Sous Chef to join our elite Pastry Kitchen. You will work under the Executive Head Pastry Chef to deliver exceptional pastry creations in a Forbes Five-Star environment.

Based in Cong, County Mayo, this full-time role offers career development, a showcase kitchen, and opportunities to contribute to a renowned luxury experience for guests seeking the very best in hospitality.

Qualifications

• Professional qualification in Culinary Arts or Pastry.
• Experience as Pastry Sous Chef in a luxury hotel.
• Strong pastry technical skills.
• Experience managing food and labour costs.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Fluent English.

Responsibilities

• Uphold and execute kitchen SOPs and standards.
• Support the Executive Pastry Chef in leading the brigade.
• Assist with daily kitchen operations and cost control.
• Maintain HACCP compliance and high food quality.
• Train and mentor team while fostering a positive culture.
• Deliver five-star service to guests.

Skills

Pastry skills

Team leadership

Cost control

HACCP compliance

English communication

Organisation

Education

Professional qualification in Culinary Arts or Pastry

Job description

Pastry Sous Chef – Luxury Hotel

We are currently recruiting an enthusiastic and dedicated Pastry Sous Chef to join the Pastry Kitchen team at Ashford Castle, working under our Executive Head Pastry Chef, Benjamin Bourgeois. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a world-class pastry operation, delivering exceptional quality in line with Forbes Five-Star standards and The Red Carnation Hotels standards.

Location: Cong, County Mayo, Ireland.

Employment type: Full-Time.

Working pattern: 5 days over 7 days (including some weekends & Bank Holidays).

Who Are We?

Joining Ashford Castle means becoming part of a legendary 800-year-old estate and a proud member of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection. Once home to the Guinness family, Ashford Castle is widely recognised as one of Ireland’s most prestigious luxury destinations, offering exceptional hospitality, fine dining, estate activities, and a world-class spa.

Voted No. 1 Resort Hotel in the UK & Ireland by Travel + Leisure, Ashford Castle proudly retains its Forbes Five-Star status.

Key Responsibilities:

• Uphold and consistently execute all kitchen SOPs and standards.
• Support the Executive Pastry Chef in leading the brigade and delivering exceptional cuisine.
• Assist with daily kitchen operations, cost control, and achieving target GP.
• Maintain the highest standards of food quality, hygiene, and HACCP compliance.
• Manage stock levels, minimise waste, and ensure quality purchasing.
• Ensure all kitchen equipment is safe, clean, and well maintained.
• Train, mentor, and support team members while fostering positive team culture.
• Deliver exceptional five-star service to every guest.

What We Are Looking For:

• A professional qualification in Culinary Arts or Pastry.
• Previous experience in a similar Pastry Sous Chef role within a four- or five-star hotel environment.
• Strong practical pastry skills and technical knowledge.
• Proven experience managing section cost controls, including food and labour costs.
• Passion for pastry, food production, and high-quality presentation.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to remain calm and effective in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexible, innovative, and adaptable approach.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• A passionate, motivated, and driven culinary professional.
• Proven experience in a similar Sous Chef or senior kitchen role.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
• Experience with training, rotas, cost control, stock management, and ordering.

What’s in It for You:

• Professional, award-winning training and development opportunities.
• Discounted accommodation across the Red Carnation Hotel Collection.
• Annual Staff Appreciation Party and employee recognition events.
• Discounted rates with local businesses and third-party service providers.
• Heavily subsidised accommodation (subject to availability).
• Meals provided on duty.
• Complimentary dry cleaning of business attire.
• Friend and family referral bonus scheme.
• Two paid volunteering days each year.
• Holiday allowance increasing with service, up to 25 days.
• Hotel-based recognition incentives.
• Free access to the Employee Assistance Programme.

Join us in this incredible opportunity.

Red Carnation Hotels is an Equal Opportunities Employer. The successful candidate must be legally eligible to work in Ireland. Right to Work documentation will be securely verified as part of the recruitment process.

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