Position Overview
The Senior Sous Chef at Dunmore House Hotel will work directly with Manuel, the Executive Head Chef, whilst taking on specific leadership responsibilities to develop towards a future Head Chef role.
This position combines traditional Sous Chef duties with structured exposure to higher-level kitchen management, offering a unique development opportunity for an ambitious culinary professional.
Ideal Candidate Profile
We are seeking an ambitious, internationally-minded culinary professional who thrives in diverse, high-energy kitchen environments.
This role offers a rare opportunity to develop your career in a unique Irish setting that combines Michelin Guide recognition with real-world versatility.
Why This Opportunity Is Perfect For You
Michelin Guide Experience: Gain valuable experience working in a Michelin-listed establishment, learning refined techniques and elevated culinary standards that will distinguish your career globally.
Diverse Culinary Challenges: Master multiple culinary disciplines in one role – from intimate fine dining to large-scale banqueting (weddings and galas for up to 250 guests) and relaxed bar food service.
This breadth of experience is invaluable for future Head Chef roles.
Innovation & Creativity: Work with fresh, locally-grown produce from our permaculture kitchen gardens, exploring innovative dishes that blend international influences with Irish ingredients.
Your Asian culinary perspective will be particularly valued in menu development.
Cultural Exchange: Join an international kitchen team in Ireland, bringing your unique culinary heritage whilst learning European techniques and Irish hospitality traditions.
Winter Break Advantage: The 8-week paid closure period (January & February) is ideal for overseas candidates – return home to visit family, explore other culinary cultures, or simply recharge.
You'll continue to receive full salary during this time.
Structured Career Development: Unlike typical Sous Chef roles, this position offers documented mentorship with clear progression milestones – perfect for building a verifiable track record as you develop towards Head Chef level.
Who Will Excel In This Role
Chefs from Asian or international backgrounds with strong classical training who are passionate about exploring modern European and Irish cuisine
Professionals who enjoy variety and challenge – comfortable moving between refined plating for intimate dinners and managing high-volume banquet service
Ambitious culinary leaders eager to gain comprehensive kitchen management experience in a supportive, mentored environment
Those seeking a genuine career investment – not just a job, but a documented pathway to Head Chef credentials recognised internationally
Chefs who value work-life balance and the unique opportunity for extended paid time off to maintain connections with home
If you're ready to expand your culinary repertoire, develop leadership skills, and gain experience that will set you apart in the international hospitality market, this role offers an exceptional platform for your ambitions.
Key Responsibilities
Traditional Sous Chef Duties
Daily Operations: Assist in managing daily kitchen operations, ensuring smooth service delivery and high-quality standards.
Food Preparation: Oversee food preparation, plating and presentation according to established standards.
Quality Control: Maintain consistent food quality across all dishes, conducting regular checks throughout service.
Service Leadership: Lead kitchen service during designated shifts, ensuring timely execution and coordination between stations.
Health & Safety: Uphold strict food safety standards and ensure compliance with health regulations.
Development Path Responsibilities
Staff Management: Take primary responsibility for kitchen staffing matters, including rota creation, absence management, and first-line response to staffing issues.
Team Leadership: Develop and implement strategies to foster a positive kitchen culture, addressing minor conflicts and promoting teamwork.
Training Delivery: Deliver training sessions to junior kitchen staff, developing your coaching and mentorship abilities.
Menu Input: Collaborate with the Executive Head Chef on menu development, contributing ideas and receiving guidance on menu planning principles.
Guest Experience: Work with the Executive Head Chef to identify and implement ways to exceed guest expectations through culinary excellence.
Professional Development Focus
Structured Mentorship: Receive direct mentoring from the Executive Head Chef with regular skills assessment and feedback.
Leadership Coaching: Access to professional Leadership & Teams Coach to develop management capabilities.
Operational Shadowing: Scheduled opportunities to shadow the Executive Head Chef in higher-level management duties.
Progressive Responsibility: Gradual increase in management responsibilities as skills develop, with clear milestones for progression.
Development Framework
This role includes a structured development pathway towards Head Chef capabilities:
Area
Initial Responsibility
Development Path
Staff Rotas
Creating weekly schedules with supervision
Progress to independent rota management
Team Leadership
Day-to-day team coordination
Develop advanced conflict resolution and team building skills
Menu Planning
Input on specific menu items
Progress to section menu design with guidance
Quality Control
Maintaining standards during service
Develop systems for consistent quality across all shifts
Financial Awareness
Basic cost control awareness
Progress to understanding full P&L implications of kitchen decisions
Required Skills & Qualifications
Minimum 3-5 years' Sous Chef experience in a quality kitchen environment
Previous experience in a mid-leadership position (e.g., Experienced Sous Chef )
Strong culinary skills with attention to detail & presentation, and a passion for delivering excellent food & service
Clear understanding of kitchen management principles
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Relevant culinary qualifications and food safety certifications
Genuine ambition to progress to Head Chef level
Desired Qualities
Passionate about culinary excellence, innovation, and utilising the fresh produce grown using permaculture principles by our in-house horticultural team in our very own "Kitchen Gardens"
Natural leadership ability with a positive, team-oriented approach
Open to feedback and continuous professional development
Well-organised with strong attention to detail
Resilient under pressure with excellent time management
Customer-focused with a genuine desire to exceed expectations
Development Support
The successful candidate will receive comprehensive support to develop Head Chef capabilities:
Executive Head Chef Mentorship: Direct guidance from our experienced Executive Head Chef, In-house horticulture team and kitchen team colleagues.
Professional Coaching: Access to our Leadership & Teams Coach for structured management development
Regular Performance Reviews: Quarterly development discussions with clear progression milestones.
Mapped, measured and minuted for your records
External Training: Opportunities to attend relevant culinary and management courses
Career Path Planning: Clear framework for progression to providing Head Chef Experience & Exposure
Success Metrics
Performance in this role will be measured by:
Quality and consistency of food produced during service
Effectiveness of staff management and leadership
Team satisfaction and retention rates
Progression against agreed development milestones
Guest satisfaction feedback
Contribution to menu development and innovation
Salary & Benefits
A competitive salary package will be offered based on experience and qualifications, including:
Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
Holiday entitlement of 20+ days
Paid during 8 week winter shutdown
Staff accommodation available if required
Meals on duty
Professional development funding
Staff discount programme
Application Process
Qualified candidates should submit a CV and cover letter detailing their culinary experience and explaining their interest in this development opportunity.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a practical assessment and interview with the Executive Head Chef and hotel management.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: €40,******-€60,****** per year
Benefits:
Company pension
Ability to commute/relocate:
Clonakilty, CO.
Cork: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Experience:
Sous Chef: 3 years (required)
Language:
English (required)
Work Location: In person
Reference ID: Senior Sous Chef
Expected start date: 02/03/2026