Job Summary:
Now Hiring at The Grace
The Grace | Where Excellence meets Opportunity
Westport, County Mayo | FullTime | PreOpening Opportunity
Join The Grace Westport Estate, a remarkable new hotel opening in Spring 2026 on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way, at the heart of the captivating Westport Estate.
We are seeking an accomplished Banqueting Head Chef to lead the culinary operations at The Grace Westport Estate. This pivotal role demands a handson leader with proven expertise in managing largescale, highvolume food production while upholding uncompromising standards of quality, consistency, and presentation. With weddings and events forming a core part of our business, the successful candidate will deliver exceptional dining experiences that reflect both the prestige of our brand and the expectations of our discerning clientele.
Principle Responsibilities
* Lead and inspire the banqueting kitchen brigade, setting clear performance goals and nurturing a culture of excellence and accountability.
* Oversee the preparation and delivery of largevolume, highquality banqueting menus, tailored to weddings, corporate functions, and social events.
* Design and refine banqueting offerings that balance creativity, tradition, and operational efficiency, ensuring consistency across all covers.
* Ensure all kitchen facilities, equipment, and storerooms are maintained to the highest operational and hygiene standards.
* Control and manage food costs in line with budgetary targets, ensuring profitability without compromising quality.
* Monitor and adjust purchasing, stock control, and portioning to align with fluctuating event volumes.
* Maintain accurate costings, recipe documentation, and compliance with agreed financial benchmarks.
* Oversee staff scheduling and performance management to ensure optimal staffing during peak event periods.
* Guarantee full compliance with HACCP standards, governmental food safety regulations, and internal policies.
* Enforce strict hygiene and cleaning schedules, ensuring all backofhouse areas meet inspectionready standards.
* Champion a culture of safety, consistency, and accountability across the kitchen team.
This job description is not intended to be either prescriptive or exhaustive, it is issued as a framework to outline main areas of responsibility at the time of writing.
Required Experience & Skills
* Minimum 3 years' experience in a similar role in a luxury hotel environment
* Proven leadership and team management skills
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
* Strong organisational skills with a focus on the details
* Extensive knowledge of food safety standards