Job Information
Company: Bitrecruit Client / Employer: Occupop
Location: Westport, County Mayo, Ireland
Posted: 20.05.2026
Job reference: 999a85ff34069d826dafae5a633f9fa0
Job Summary
We are looking for a passionate and experienced Head Chef to lead our culinary team at The Grace Westport Estate. This role requires a hands‑on leader who can not only manage daily kitchen operations but also drive business growth and maintain the highest standards of culinary excellence and food safety across all our venues.
Culinary & Operational Leadership
Lead, manage, and motivate a high-performing kitchen team in both fine dining and high-volume service environments.
Design and continuously refine menus that balance premium, detail-driven dishes with efficient execution for large service volumes.
Oversee all kitchen operations, ensuring consistency in quality, speed of service, and presentation across varying demand levels.
Implement structured processes for procurement, recipe standardisation, and workflow efficiency to support scalability without compromising standards.
Maintain all kitchen equipment and storage areas to the highest operational and hygiene standards, ensuring readiness for peak service periods.
Financial Management
Manage food purchasing and inventory to consistently achieve targeted food cost percentages across both premium and high-turnover service models.
Drive profitability by optimising margins, reducing waste, and maintaining cost control during high-volume trading periods.
Ensure all menu items are accurately costed and documented, supporting pricing strategies aligned with both quality and volume objectives.
Team Development & Management
Lead, train, and develop kitchen staff to deliver fine dining quality at scale, maintaining consistency under pressure.
Embed strong culinary, hygiene, and compliance standards through structured onboarding and ongoing training.
Coach teams on service efficiency, coordination, and timing to meet the demands of high-volume operations without compromising guest experience.
Manage performance through regular appraisals, clear KPIs, and continuous feedback to drive accountability and growth.
Compliance & Safety
Ensure complete adherence to governmental food safety regulations and company policies.
Implement and enforce a cleaning schedule and ensure all staff are aware of the importance of maintaining back-of-house areas.
Perform ad-hoc tasks or projects as assigned by Management.
Qualifications
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.
The Grace Westport Estate is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create and maintain a diverse workforce where everyone is respected and included.
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