Head Chef

Limerick City

Full-Time | 5 days over 7 | Competitive Package

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead the kitchen of a busy, high‑quality hotel operation. This venue features a vibrant main dining area serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, a banqueting suite for up to 120 guests, a conference space for up to 150 delegates, plus additional breakout rooms and two boardrooms — offering variety, creativity and scope for an ambitious culinary leader.

We’re seeking a Head Chef who is food‑focused, commercially aware, and team‑driven. Someone who can deliver exceptional hotel dining experiences while managing costs, leading a strong kitchen team, and maintaining the highest standards of HACCP compliance. This role suits a well‑rounded Chef who values collaboration, consistency, and smart menu planning — not just a “foodie,” but a leader who brings people together.

Key Responsibilities

Kitchen Leadership & Operations

• Oversee all kitchen operations, ensuring every dish is prepared to the highest standard.
• Lead, motivate and support the kitchen team, fostering a positive, cohesive working environment.
• Manage rosters, labour costs, recruitment and staff performance.
• Maintain strong communication with management and all hotel departments.

Menu Development & Food Quality

• Create seasonal menus, special event offerings and innovative dishes that enhance the guest experience.
• Ensure consistent quality, presentation and timely preparation of all food items.
• Promote strong supplier relationships and ensure best‑in‑class product sourcing.

Compliance, Standards & Cost Control

• Ensure full HACCP compliance and maintain all kitchen documentation to required standards.
• Implement cost‑effective menu planning, stock control and waste reduction initiatives.
• Support sustainability efforts, including energy and food waste reduction.

Training & Team Development

• Train, mentor and coach kitchen staff to achieve excellence.
• Oversee onboarding and continuous training for new and existing team members.
• Provide clear direction, delegation and follow‑up to ensure smooth service delivery.

Requirements

• Previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high‑quality hotel or similar environment.
• Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills.
• HACCP trained with a strong focus on hygiene and compliance.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast‑paced environment.
• Passionate about delivering exceptional food and guest experiences.
• Innovative, professional, and committed to high standards.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.
• Flexibility to work varying shifts, including weekends.
• Legally entitled to work full‑time in Ireland.

What’s on Offer

• A supportive company culture that values its people.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• Career progression within a growing hospitality group.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Company life insurance scheme.
• Staff meals on duty.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Friends & Family accommodation rates.

For additional information and a confidential discussion on this Head Chef position and similar opportunities contact: Eoin 056-7786631 / 087 0505417 or Eoin@optimizerecruitment.ie

Eoin is available for a call between 9am and 5.30pm daily (outside of work hours calls / meetings can be arranged upon request). 

Please submit your CV via the link provided, in confidence.

All applications will be dealt with in the strictest confidence and your CV will never be released without your prior approval.

Job Ref Number: OR-14496

www.optimizerecruitment.ie

 #ORjobs