Head Chef - Award-Winning Gastro Bar About the Role We're working with a highly regarded, award-winning Gastro Bar based in Portlaoise that has built a strong reputation for its vibrant atmosphere, creative menus, and consistently high standards. With a very busy, high-volume food operation, this venue is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. They are now seeking a Head Chef who can lead from the front - someone with the experience, creativity, and leadership to run a fast-paced kitchen while maintaining exceptional food quality and consistency. This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate and driven chef who thrives under pressure and is ready to take ownership of a dynamic kitchen. Key Responsibilities Lead and manage a talented kitchen team in a high-volume, fast-paced environment Oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, including food prep, service, hygiene, and compliance Consistently deliver top-quality dishes, even during peak service times Design and implement seasonal menus that reflect the venue's identity and customer expectations Take full responsibility for kitchen budgets, food cost control, and supplier management Create and manage staff rosters to ensure efficient coverage and a balanced workload Ensure full compliance with HACCP and all food safety regulations Recruit, train, and develop kitchen staff, fostering a positive, professional, and high-performing team culture Work closely with the front-of-house and senior management teams to ensure smooth, coordinated service Monitor kitchen performance and implement improvements where needed What We're Looking For Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a busy, high-volume kitchen A strong leader who can motivate, support, and develop their team Excellent organisational skills and the ability to stay calm and focused under pressure A passion for food and creativity, with a flair for modern Irish and European cuisine Strong financial acumen with experience managing kitchen budgets and achieving cost targets Confident in creating and managing effective rosters Deep understanding of food safety, hygiene, and kitchen best practices Relevant culinary qualifications and a hands-on, can-do attitude What's on Offer Autonomy to lead the kitchen and influence the culinary direction of a well-established, award-winning venue Creative freedom to design seasonal menus and shape the food offering Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses The opportunity to lead a professional, motivated kitchen team in a fast-paced, high-volume environment Clear career progression opportunities within a respected and growing hospitality group A dynamic, rewarding role where your skills and leadership will make a real impact Interested? If you're ready to take the next step in your culinary career, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today or contact Laura Byrne for a confidential chat. Skills: Head Chef Leadership Sous Chef