Head Chef – The Cross Guns Gastro Pub
Location: Approximately 10–15 minutes from Navan, County Meath
Job Type: Full-time, permanent
Salary: Negotiable, depending on experience
Accommodation: Brand-new staff accommodation available nearby
The Role
The Cross Guns Gastro Pub is seeking an experienced, committed and fully hands-on Head Chef to take responsibility for the complete day-to-day operation of the kitchen.
This is not a position for someone who wants to manage from a distance. We are looking for a chef who will be actively involved in service, preparation, team leadership, menu development and the commercial performance of the kitchen.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to take ownership of the food operation, strengthen kitchen systems and help develop a consistent, sustainable and commercially successful gastropub offering.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all daily kitchen operations from preparation through to service.
- Work actively on the pass and within the kitchen during busy services.
- Maintain consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and portion control.
- Manage, train, motivate and support the kitchen team.
- Organise kitchen rotas and ensure appropriate staffing levels.
- Develop practical, seasonal and commercially viable menus.
- Produce and maintain accurate recipes, specifications and preparation lists.
- Control food costs, gross profit, purchasing, stock rotation and waste.
- Manage supplier relationships, ordering and deliveries.
- Ensure strong kitchen organisation, cleanliness and equipment care.
- Maintain full compliance with HACCP, allergen management and Irish food-safety requirements.
- Conduct stocktakes and monitor kitchen performance.
- Work closely with the owner and front-of-house management.
- Help create a positive, disciplined and professional kitchen culture.
- Support the continued development of breakfast, lunch, evening and Sunday food offerings.
Candidate Requirements
The ideal candidate will have:
- Previous experience as a Head Chef in a gastropub, restaurant, hotel or similarly demanding food operation.
- A strong understanding of modern Irish gastropub food.
- Proven leadership and kitchen-management experience.
- The ability to remain calm, organised and decisive during busy services.
- Strong knowledge of food costing, gross profit, stock management and waste control.
- Good knowledge of HACCP, allergens and food-safety procedures.
- The ability to build structure, consistency and accountability within a kitchen.
- A practical approach to menu development and ingredient cross-utilisation.
- Strong communication skills and a willingness to work closely with ownership.
- Pride in producing fresh, well-prepared and consistently presented food.
Applications may also be considered from an exceptional Senior Sous Chef who has the experience, maturity and leadership ability to step into a full Head Chef position.
Candidates must have the legal right to work in Ireland. As the property is located outside Navan, access to reliable transport will be important.
Salary and Accommodation
The salary is fully negotiable and will reflect the successful candidate’s experience, ability and level of responsibility.
A brand-new house is available as staff accommodation, located approximately 10–15 minutes by car from the gastro pub. The accommodation arrangements and associated terms will be discussed directly with suitable candidates during the recruitment process.
What This Position Offers
- A genuine Head Chef position with operational ownership.
- The opportunity to shape and strengthen the food offering.
- Direct communication with the business owner.
- Scope to develop menus, systems and the kitchen team.
- Negotiable salary based on experience.
- Newly available staff accommodation nearby.
- A long-term opportunity for the right chef.
Application
Please apply with an up-to-date CV and a short introduction outlining:
- Your current or most recent position.
- The type and size of kitchens you have managed.
- Your experience with food costing, team leadership and menu development.
- Your current location and availability.
- Whether you would require staff accommodation.
All applications will be treated professionally and confidentially.
Pay: €47,500.00-€55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
- Relocation assistance
- Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Navan, County Meath: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Language:
Work Location: In person
