Head Chef

Head Chef – Boutique Historic Hotel (Kilkenny City Centre)

Salary: €55,000+ DOE + Bonus

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead the kitchen of a well-established, family-run boutique hotel in the heart of Kilkenny.

This is a unique opportunity to take ownership of a kitchen within a historic Georgian property dating back over 200 years, combining traditional Irish hospitality with a modern dining approach.

About the Role

You will lead a small, dedicated kitchen team, delivering high-quality food across a busy bar and restaurant operation. The food offering focuses on classic Irish cuisine with a modern twist, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients including seafood, steaks, and seasonal produce.

This is a hands-on role suited to a chef who enjoys autonomy, team development, and maintaining strong standards in a close-knit environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop a small kitchen team
• Oversee all day-to-day kitchen operations
• Maintain consistency and quality across lunch, dinner, and event service
• Design and evolve menus in line with the hotel’s traditional-meets-modern style
• Manage food cost, GP, and supplier relationships
• Ensure full compliance with HACCP and food safety standards

The Ideal Candidate

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or strong Sous Chef ready to step up
• Background in hotel or high-volume casual dining
• Passion for modern Irish cuisine and seasonal produce
• Strong leadership skills with a team-first mentality
• Ability to work in a hands-on, fast-paced environment

What’s on Offer

• €55,000+ DOE
• Performance-related bonus
• Opportunity to put your stamp on a well-known local venue
• Work within a family-run business with a strong team culture
• Central Kilkenny location, with a steady mix of tourists, locals, and events

Why Apply?

This role offers the chance to lead the kitchen in a character-filled, centrally located hotel with a loyal customer base and a long-standing reputation for warm hospitality and quality food.

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