Mount Juliet Estate, a Marriott Autograph Collection, is a 5* Resort, set in 500 acres of rich and historic Irish countryside. Whether it is the elegant grandeur of a magnificent Georgian Manor House or the chic sophistication of Hunter's Yard, our two residences draw on centuries of local Irish heritage to weave a rich tapestry of vibrant stories. We are proudly certified as a Failte Ireland Outstanding Employer, and we warmly welcome you to add your own experience to Mount Juliet Estate's ever evolving story.
We are currently recruiting for an exceptional Head Pastry Chef to lead the pastry team across our Michelin-starred Lady Helen Restaurant and the Manor House culinary outlets at Mount Juliet Estate.
Led by Head Chef John Kelly, Lady Helen is renowned for its refined modern Irish cuisine, seasonal tasting menus and elegant service within the historic Georgian Manor House. This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced and innovative pastry professional to shape and elevate the Estate's pastry offering, leading the creation of exceptional desserts, breads, pastries and afternoon tea experiences while inspiring and developing a talented pastry brigade.
The successful candidate will bring creativity, technical excellence and strong leadership, with a passion for delivering world-class pastry that complements one of Ireland's finest luxury dining destinations.
The Head Pastry Chef at Mount Juliet Estate is responsible for leading the pastry operation across the Manor, delivering exceptional pastry experiences for our Michelin-starred Lady Helen Restaurant alongside Afternoon Tea, Breakfast, Private Dining, Weddings, Events and all Manor House culinary outlets.
This is a senior culinary leadership position responsible for driving creativity, innovation and consistency while maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship, presentation and quality. The successful candidate will lead and inspire the pastry team, creating world-class desserts, breads, petit fours and seasonal offerings that enhance Mount Juliet Estate's reputation as one of Ireland's leading luxury hospitality destinations.
Working closely with the Head Chef and wider culinary leadership team, the Head Pastry Chef will ensure exceptional guest experiences through continuous innovation, operational excellence, strong leadership and a commitment to Michelin-level culinary standards.
Pastry Leadership & Culinary Excellence
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Lead and oversee all pastry production across Lady Helen Restaurant and Manor House outlets.
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Design and develop seasonal dessert menus, afternoon tea offerings, breads, pastries, petit fours and speciality products that reflect the luxury positioning of Mount Juliet Estate.
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Maintain exceptional standards of creativity, consistency, flavour, presentation and craftsmanship across every pastry offering.
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Collaborate closely with the Head Chef and senior culinary team to create innovative dining experiences.
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Continuously research industry trends, techniques and ingredients to ensure the pastry programme remains contemporary and market-leading.
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Ensure all pastry products consistently meet Michelin-level and Forbes luxury hospitality expectations.
Operational Management
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Oversee the day-to-day operation of the pastry kitchen, ensuring efficient planning, preparation and service.
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Manage production schedules to support all Manor House outlets, events and functions.
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Ensure effective stock management, ordering, supplier relationships and inventory control.
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Monitor food costs, waste management and purchasing to achieve departmental financial objectives.
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Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, organisation and food safety throughout the pastry department.
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Ensure full compliance with HACCP, food safety legislation and company procedures.
Leadership & Team Development
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Lead, mentor and inspire the pastry team through positive leadership and coaching.
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Foster a culture of professionalism, creativity, collaboration and continuous improvement.
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Recruit, train and develop pastry chefs and apprentices, supporting career progression and succession planning.
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Conduct regular training, performance reviews and development conversations.
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Promote employee engagement while maintaining exceptionally high culinary standards.
Guest Experience & Quality
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Ensure every pastry creation contributes to memorable luxury dining experiences.
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Maintain exceptional attention to detail across presentation, consistency and execution.
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Support VIP events, tasting menus, weddings, celebrations and bespoke guest requests.
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Respond proactively to guest feedback, continuously seeking opportunities to enhance the pastry offering.
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Champion innovation while respecting the heritage and reputation of Lady Helen Restaurant.
Commercial & Financial Performance
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Manage departmental budgets, labour costs and food cost targets.
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Analyse performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency without compromising quality.
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Support menu engineering and product development to maximise commercial performance.
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Work closely with purchasing teams to source premium seasonal ingredients while maintaining cost control.
Brand & Standards
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Ensure all pastry operations reflect the Mount Juliet Estate luxury brand and Michelin-starred reputation.
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Maintain Forbes service and presentation standards across every guest touchpoint.
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Support media events, culinary showcases, PR opportunities and promotional activities as required.
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Act as an ambassador for Mount Juliet Estate and represent the estate with professionalism at all times.
What We're Looking For
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Proven experience as a Head Pastry Chef or Senior Pastry Chef within a luxury hotel or Michelin-recognised restaurant.
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Exceptional technical pastry skills with a passion for creativity and innovation.
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Strong leadership experience with the ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams.
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Excellent organisational, planning and communication skills.
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Sound commercial awareness with experience managing food costs and operational performance.
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A commitment to excellence, continuous improvement and delivering unforgettable guest experiences.
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Passion for seasonal ingredients, artisan techniques and exceptional presentation.
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Flexibility to support a dynamic luxury hospitality environment.
Why Join Mount Juliet Estate?
At Mount Juliet Estate, we are committed to creating extraordinary experiences for both our guests and our associates. As part of Marriott International's Autograph Collection, you will have the opportunity to work alongside exceptional culinary professionals within one of Ireland's most prestigious hospitality destinations.
Benefits Include:
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Competitive Salary
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Staff Meals on Duty
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Uniform Provided
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Complimentary Access to the Health Club
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Training & Continuous Professional Development
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International Marriott Hotel Discounts
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Employee Assistance Program
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced individual to progress their career within a 5* Luxury Estate with a supportive and ambitious employer. We look forward to hearing from you!
