Position Overview
The Breakfast Chef at Dunmore House Hotel will lead the breakfast service, working with seasonal assistants to deliver exceptional morning dining experiences.
This role combines specialist breakfast expertise with the opportunity to extend into lunch service, finishing mid-afternoon.
During peak season, you'll lead a three-person breakfast team, ensuring smooth operations and maintaining the high standards expected in our Michelin Guide-listed establishment.
Ideal Candidate Profile
We are seeking a dedicated breakfast specialist who takes pride in creating outstanding morning experiences for guests.
This role offers a unique opportunity to work in a Michelin-recognised kitchen whilst enjoying a balanced lifestyle with early finish times and extended winter breaks.
Why This Opportunity Is Perfect For You
Specialist Leadership Role: Take ownership of the breakfast section, leading your own team during peak season and developing your skills as a section leader in a quality kitchen environment.
Work-Life Balance: Early start, early finish schedule (typically finishing mid-afternoon) allows for personal time and better work-life balance compared to evening service roles.
Quality Produce: Work with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients including produce from our permaculture kitchen gardens, elevating traditional breakfast offerings with seasonal, organic ingredients.
Michelin Recognition: Gain valuable experience working in a Michelin-listed establishment, bringing quality and finesse to breakfast service.
Winter Break Advantage: The 8-week paid closure period (January & February) is ideal for overseas candidates – return home to visit family or simply recharge.
You'll continue to receive full salary during this time.
Diverse Service: Opportunity to extend your skills into lunch service, broadening your culinary repertoire beyond breakfast specialisation.
Beautiful Location: Work in a stunning Irish coastal setting with quality staff accommodation available, all bills included.
Who Will Excel In This Role
Breakfast specialists from hotel or quality hospitality backgrounds who are passionate about creating exceptional morning dining experiences
Chefs who appreciate the rhythm of breakfast service and take pride in consistency, timing, and presentation during busy morning periods
Team-oriented professionals who can lead and support colleagues effectively in a fast-paced breakfast environment
Those seeking a specialist role with clear ownership and responsibility, rather than a general kitchen position
Chefs who value work-life balance and prefer early finishes to late-night service
If you're a breakfast specialist who takes pride in delivering quality morning service and seeks a role in a recognised establishment with excellent benefits, this position offers an exceptional opportunity.
Key ResponsibilitiesBreakfast Service Leadership
Service Management: Lead breakfast service, ensuring smooth operations and timely delivery of all breakfast orders.
Team Coordination: Lead and coordinate the breakfast team, particularly during peak season when managing two assistants.
Quality Standards: Maintain consistently high standards across all breakfast offerings, from cooked breakfasts to continental selections.
Preparation: Oversee mise en place for breakfast service, ensuring all stations are fully prepared and stocked.
Guest Experience: Respond to special dietary requirements and guest requests, ensuring positive breakfast experiences.
Extended Service Duties
Lunch Service Support: Extend into lunch service as required, supporting the main kitchen team during midday service.
Section Handover: Ensure proper handover of the breakfast section to other kitchen staff after morning service concludes.
Flexibility: Adapt to varying service demands based on hotel occupancy and seasonal patterns.
Operational Excellence
Stock Management: Monitor breakfast section stock levels and communicate requirements to senior kitchen staff.
Health & Safety: Maintain strict food safety standards, particularly important for breakfast items and allergen management.
Waste Control: Manage food waste effectively, implementing portion control and efficient use of ingredients.
Equipment Care: Ensure breakfast section equipment is properly maintained and cleaned.
Required Skills & Qualifications
Minimum 2-3 years' experience in breakfast service within a hotel or quality hospitality environment
Professional culinary qualifications or certified formal training
Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple breakfast orders simultaneously
Experience working with dietary requirements and allergen management
Excellent communication skills in English (essential for guest interaction and team coordination)
Relevant food safety certifications
Ability to lead and support a small team during busy service periods
Desired Qualities
Passionate about breakfast service and creating positive morning experiences for guests
Calm and efficient under pressure, particularly during busy breakfast periods
Team player who can work collaboratively with colleagues and seasonal assistants
Detail-oriented with consistent approach to food presentation and quality
Positive, welcoming personality suited to morning service
Interest in working with fresh, seasonal, and organic produce
Flexible and adaptable to varying service demands
Working Pattern
This role offers a distinctive working pattern that supports work-life balance:
Service Hours: Early morning start for breakfast preparation, typically finishing mid-afternoon after lunch service support
Peak Season: Lead a three-person breakfast team (lead chef plus two assistants)
Off-Peak Season: Smaller breakfast team with adjusted responsibilities
Winter Closure: 8-week paid closure period (January & February) with full salary continuation
Annual Leave: 20+ days holiday entitlement in addition to winter closure
Success Metrics
Performance in this role will be measured by:
Consistency and quality of breakfast service delivery
Guest satisfaction feedback regarding breakfast experience
Effective team coordination during peak service periods
Efficiency of breakfast section operations and waste management
Successful management of dietary requirements and special requests
Smooth integration into lunch service when required
Salary & Benefits
A competitive salary package will be offered based on experience and qualifications, including:
Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
12-month salaried contract for stability and security
Holiday entitlement of 20+ days
Paid during 8-week winter closure (January & February)
Quality staff accommodation with sea views available if required (all bills included, recently renovated)
Meals on duty
Work in a Michelin Guide-listed establishment
Beautiful Irish coastal location
Early finish times supporting work-life balance
Application Process
Qualified candidates should submit a CV and cover letter detailing their breakfast service experience and explaining their interest in this specialist role.
Please include details of any hotel or fine-dining breakfast experience, particularly in quality establishments.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a practical assessment and interview with the Executive Head Chef and hotel management.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: €27,******-€37,****** per year
Benefits:
Company pension
On-site parking
Work Location: In person
Reference ID: Breakfast chef
Expected start date: 02/03/2026