VENDÔM – New Opportunity – Head Chef (M/F) – Ashford Castle
Vendôm is delighted to present an exceptional career opportunity for a
Head Chef
(M/F)
within the prestigious
Ashford Castle
, a renowned luxury hotel.
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. Working alongside our Executive Head Chef, Liam Finnegan, this is an exceptional opportunity to join the culinary leadership team at one of Ireland's most iconic luxury destinations. A passionate advocate of classic, ingredient-led cooking, Liam's philosophy centres on simplicity, exceptional sourcing, and flawless execution. As Head Chef, you will play a key role in supporting this vision while helping to lead and inspire the Cullen's kitchen brigade.
Ashford Castle has been voted No. 1 Resort Hotel in the UK & Ireland by Travel + Leisure and proudly retains its Double Forbes Five-Star status.
The Role – Head Chef (Maternity Cover):
Key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
* Ensuring full compliance with all departmental SOPs and company standards.
* Managing the efficient day-to-day kitchen operations at Cullens at The Cottage.
* Leading the kitchen in a hands-on capacity, deputising for the Executive Head Chef when required.
* Supporting and monitoring standards across other kitchen outlet.
* Maintaining the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, HACCP, health & safety, and fire regulations.
* Conducting regular hygiene audits, spot checks, and corrective actions where required.
* Driving continuous improvement across standards, systems, procedures, and product delivery.
* Ensuring cleaning and deep-cleaning schedules are implemented and adhered to.
* Managing stock control, rotation, purchasing, and supplier compliance.
* Implementing strong cost controls across food, labour, waste, and quality.
* Supporting recruitment, training, and development of kitchen team members.
* Managing labour planning, rosters, wage control, and purchasing costs.
Profil
What We Are Looking For:
* A motivated and driven culinary leader with a passion for food and hospitality.
* Significant previous experience in a Head Chef or senior kitchen leadership role.
* Proven experience managing large-scale kitchen operations.
* Strong background in staff training, rotas, financial reporting, stock control, and cost management.
* Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
* Ability to remain calm and effective in a high-pressure environment.
* Flexible, innovative, and adaptable approach.
* Fluent written and spoken English.
* Legal eligibility to work in Ireland.
We invite you to share this opportunity with any qualified contacts who may be interested in joining an environment where excellence, service standards, and attention to detail are paramount.
To apply
, please submit your application directly via our website: Head Chef (W/M) | Vendôm
Important note:
By applying through this position, you expressly authorize Vendôm to share your CV directly with our client.