We are hiring on behalf of our client (Luxury 4-Star Hotel) in County Louth. We are seeking a highly skilled, innovative, and experienced Head Chef to lead the culinary operations of a prestigious 4-star property. This is a senior leadership role requiring strong culinary expertise, operational management skills, and the ability to deliver exceptional dining experiences across multiple outlets, including fine dining, banqueting, weddings, and hotel restaurant services. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the entire kitchen operation, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, presentation, hygiene, and consistency while managing a diverse team of chefs and kitchen staff. Key Responsibilities 1. Kitchen Leadership & Team Management Lead, motivate, and manage a large kitchen brigade, including Sous Chefs, Chef de Partie, Commis Chefs, and kitchen assistants Conduct regular training, mentoring, and performance reviews Maintain a positive and professional kitchen culture Schedule shifts efficiently to ensure smooth operations across all service periods 2. Menu Development & Culinary Innovation Design, plan, and regularly update menus in line with current culinary trends Create seasonal menus using fresh, locally sourced ingredients Develop signature dishes that enhance the hotels brand and dining reputation Cater for diverse dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-specific meals 3. Food Quality & Presentation Ensure all dishes meet high luxury standards in taste, texture, and presentation Maintain consistency across all dining outlets, including restaurant, bar, room service, and events Implement quality control checks at every stage of food preparation 4. Food Safety, Hygiene & Compliance Ensure full compliance with HACCP regulations and Irish food safety standards Maintain strict cleanliness and sanitation in all kitchen areas Conduct regular kitchen inspections and audits Keep accurate records related to food safety and hygiene 5. Cost Control & Budget Management Manage food costs, inventory, and supplier relationships Minimise food wastage through efficient planning and portion control Negotiate with suppliers to ensure high-quality ingredients at competitive prices Monitor kitchen budgets and financial performance 6. Banqueting & Event Catering Oversee large-scale event catering, including weddings, conferences, and corporate events Collaborate with the hotels events team to design customised menus Ensure seamless coordination between kitchen and service teams during peak events 7. Collaboration with Hotel Management Work closely with the General Manager, F&B Manager, and Restaurant Manager Participate in strategic planning for food and beverage offerings Contribute to the overall guest experience and hotel reputation Essential Requirements The ideal candidate must have: Minimum 5+ years of experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a 4-star or 5-star hotel / high-end restaurant Strong background in modern European or contemporary cuisine Proven leadership experience managing a large kitchen team Excellent communication and organisational skills Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced luxury environment In-depth knowledge of food trends, plating techniques, and fine dining standards Strong understanding of food costing, procurement, and supplier management