A fantastic opportunity to join the team at Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa as Head Chef
About Us
Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa is a luxury estate, nestled in 21 acres of lush green Meath countryside. The Georgian mansion which welcomes visitors today was originally built in 1764, on the same site as the original castle. Dunboyne Castle was acquired by Mr. Thomas Röggla in December 2022. The hotel joined his collection of luxury Irish hotels forming the TMR Hotel Collection, including Farnham Estate Spa & Golf Resort, Harvey’s Point, Mount Wolseley & Aghadoe Heights.
As part of the TMR Collection & under the guidance of Windward Management, Dunboyne Castle offers great opportunities for growth & progression in your hospitality career.
Responsibilities
Reporting to the General Manager, the Head Chef will take overall responsibility for the daily operation of the Kitchen Department, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, presentation, hygiene and service across all food outlets at Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa.
As part of your role:
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Lead and manage the daily operation of the Kitchen Department, ensuring consistently high-quality food across all outlets.
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Supervise, motivate and develop the kitchen team, providing effective training, coaching and support.
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Work closely with the Food & Beverage and wider hotel teams to ensure smooth daily operations and an excellent guest experience.
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Take responsibility for menu development, product sourcing and introducing new dishes and culinary trends.
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Ensure effective control of food costs, labour costs, stock levels and departmental budgets.
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Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation and consistency through regular monitoring and follow-up.
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Ensure all food preparation, cooking and kitchen operations comply with Health & Hygiene, Health & Safety and hotel standards.
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Manage employee performance and employee relations matters professionally, working closely with the HR Department where required.
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Ensure appropriate staffing levels and efficient labour practices are maintained within the department.
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Monitor guest feedback and operational reports, taking action to continually improve the food operation.
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Lead regular kitchen briefings and contribute to departmental and hotel meetings.
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Promote a positive team culture and maintain strong working relationships across all hotel departments.
About The Role
Requirements
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Excellent leadership capabilities to effectively manage a large team.
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Proven experience as a Head Chef, Senior Sous Chef or similar senior kitchen management role
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Extensive experience working in a busy, high-quality kitchen environment.
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Strong culinary skills with a passion for quality, consistency and presentation.
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Proven experience managing food costs, menu costing, stock control and departmental budgets.
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Proven ability to supervise, motivate and develop colleagues.
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Experience in training and coaching kitchen team members.
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Strong ability to work efficiently and deal with busy periods competently.
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Strong understanding of Health & Safety, food hygiene and kitchen operating standards.
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Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
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Self-Motivated and Enthusiastic.
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Excellent Interpersonal Skills.
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Ability to work flexibly and maintain a hands-on approach within a busy hotel operation.
Perks and Benefits of working at Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa
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Career progression opportunities across the Windward group
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Employee Assistance Programme
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Meals on duty
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Discounted room & dining rates in Windward properties for you as well as friends and family
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Refer-a-friend scheme
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Training and development opportunities dedicated to your development
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Employee awards & staff recognition scheme including employee of the month, long service awards, team recognition days and random treat days
Salary Information
The advertised pay range represents the salary available for this role. Final starting salary will be determined within this range, based on relevant skills, qualifications, experience, and business requirements.
About Windward Management
Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa is managed by Windward Management.
Windward Management is a team of highly experienced hotel operators and investors with a hotel portfolio of approx. 2,000 keys* in Ireland. Founded in 2007, Windward is a leading hospitality management company, managing and operating hotels on behalf of their owners.
Join Us Today as a Head Chef!
Required Criteria
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Fluent written and spoken English
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Past experience as a Head Chef, Sous Chef or comparable role
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Must have full eligibility to work in Ireland
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Must have experience using Microsoft Office applications
Skills Needed
KPIs, Leading Teams, Menu/Product Knowledge, Chefing Skills, Food Costing Skills, Menu Engineering Skills, Budgeting and Forecasting
About The Company
Since its inception in 2007, Windward Management Limited has built a reputation for excellence in hotel management. With headquarters in Dublin, the company provides tailored solutions for hotel owners, including operations, marketing, and financial management. Windward's team is driven by a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences while ensuring each property achieves its full potential. Recognized for its dedication to innovation and operational success, the company is equally committed to investing in its people. Professionals joining Windward Management will become part of a supportive and dynamic environment, with abundant opportunities to grow and excel within a thriving sector.
Company Culture
At Windward Management, people are at the heart of success. The company nurtures a culture rooted in respect, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence. Employees are empowered to innovate and contribute to meaningful outcomes while enjoying a strong focus on work-life balance. Windward fosters professional growth through tailored development opportunities, ensuring each team member can achieve their career aspirations. This positive, inclusive workplace values individual contributions, encourages open communication, and celebrates success collectively. For hospitality professionals seeking a rewarding career in an environment where their efforts truly matter, Windward Management offers an exceptional opportunity to thrive.
Company Benefits
Windward Management Limited understands the value of its people and offers a benefits package designed to support and reward its employees. Competitive salaries are complemented by a supportive work environment that prioritizes work-life balance and career development. Team members benefit from opportunities to learn, grow, and advance in their careers, with access to mentoring and professional training programs. The company places a strong emphasis on employee well-being, fostering a culture of mutual respect and collaboration. For candidates looking for a career that combines growth, fulfillment, and an opportunity to make an impact, Windward Management provides an ideal platform.
Salary
€70,000.00 - €80,000.00 per year
