Creggan Court Hotel is seeking a highly skilled and passionate Hotel Head Chef to join our team in Athlone. The successful candidate will bring extensive experience in kitchen leadership and operations, with strong administrative abilities including roster planning, cost management, and supplier coordination. We are looking for a detail-oriented, computer-literate professional with a proven ability to maintain the highest culinary and hygiene standards.
About the Role
As Hotel Head Chef, you will oversee all aspects of daily kitchen operations, ensuring excellence in food quality, presentation, and consistency. You will lead, inspire, and develop a skilled kitchen team to deliver an exceptional dining experience for our guests, aligned with the hotel's brand and customer expectations.
Responsibilities
* Oversee and manage all kitchen operations, from preparation to service.
* Lead, train, and supervise kitchen staff, fostering a positive and high-performing team culture.
* Ensure all dishes are prepared and presented to the highest standards of quality and consistency.
* Design and implement seasonal menus, balancing creativity, customer appeal, and cost efficiency.
* Manage inventory, purchasing, and supplier relationships to ensure quality and value.
* Monitor food costs, portion control, and wastage to optimise profitability.
* Ensure strict compliance with HACCP, food safety, and health & safety regulations.
* Maintain kitchen cleanliness, organisation, and equipment upkeep.
* Prepare staff rosters and support scheduling needs to ensure adequate coverage.
* Address operational issues promptly, maintaining smooth kitchen performance even during peak service times.
Qualifications
* Minimum 3–5 years' experience in a Head Chef or senior chef role in a hotel or high-volume kitchen.
* HACCP Level 3 certification (or equivalent).
* Culinary qualifications or equivalent professional experience.
Required Skills
* Proven leadership and staff management skills, with the ability to train, motivate, and retain a strong team.
* Extensive knowledge of cooking techniques, menu design, and food safety standards.
* Strong organisational skills with attention to detail and the ability to thrive under pressure.
* Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate with management and front-of-house teams.
* Computer literate with experience in kitchen management systems, cost control, and rostering.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: €48,111.91-€60,000.00 per year
Experience:
* Head chef: 2 years (preferred)
Location:
* Athlone, CO. Westmeath (preferred)
Work Location: In person