Head Chef

Head Chef

Location: North Wall Quay, Dublin
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: €53,000 - €63,000 per annum plus Sodexo benefits

We are looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead a high-performing kitchen operation, delivering exceptional food experiences, outstanding hospitality, and operational excellence within a prestigious corporate setting.

This is an exciting opportunity for a talented culinary professional who combines creativity, leadership, and strong financial management skills with a genuine passion for food and customer service.

What You'll Be Doing Culinary & Operational Leadership

• Lead the day-to-day kitchen operation, ensuring exceptional food quality, presentation, and service delivery.
• Deliver catering and hospitality services in line with agreed service standards, KPIs, and client expectations.
• Develop innovative and seasonal menus that enhance the customer experience.
• Maintain the highest standards of food preparation, production, presentation, and service.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, motivate, and develop a team of chefs and kitchen staff.
• Conduct daily team briefings and foster a positive, collaborative working environment.
• Support training, coaching, and continuous professional development within the team.
• Promote a culture of accountability, engagement, and excellence.

Financial & Commercial Management

• Manage food costs, labour budgets, and kitchen expenditure to achieve financial targets.
• Ensure all dishes and menus are accurately costed to deliver strong gross profit margins.
• Monitor stock levels, purchasing, and supplier performance.
• Identify opportunities to grow revenue and enhance the overall catering offer.

Client & Hospitality Excellence

• Build strong relationships with clients and key stakeholders.
• Deliver outstanding hospitality services for senior leadership meetings, events, and corporate functions.
• Respond proactively to customer feedback and continuously improve service delivery.
• Support business development opportunities and innovative food concepts.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, health & safety, and company policies.
• Maintain all relevant documentation, audits, and compliance records.
• Conduct regular equipment, safety, and operational checks.
• Champion best practices across all aspects of the catering operation.

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience leading a kitchen team within corporate dining, hospitality, contract catering, or a high-volume foodservice environment.
• Strong culinary skills with a passion for innovation, quality, and customer experience.
• Experience delivering hospitality services for senior clients and corporate events.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills.
• Strong commercial awareness with experience managing food costs, labour budgets, and profitability.
• Knowledge of food safety legislation, HACCP principles, and health & safety compliance.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A proactive, organised, and solution-focused approach.

Qualifications

• Professional Chef Qualification (City & Guilds 706/1 & 706/2 or equivalent).
• Food Safety/HACCP certification.
• CIEH Training desirable.
• Manual Handling certification desirable.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office.

Benefits

• Unlimited access to an online platform offering wellbeing support
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or life's larger problems, including legal and financial advice, support with work or personal issues impacting your wellbeing
• Access to a 24hr virtual GP Service
• Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7 across popular high street retailers (also open to friends and family)
• Save for your future by becoming a member of the Pension Plan
• Opportunities to enable colleagues to grow and succeed throughout their career at Sodexo, including a variety of learning and development tools
• Bike to Work Scheme to help colleagues to do their bit for the environment whilst keeping fit
• Sodexo UK and Irelands enhanced benefits and leave policies