At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead culinary operations and create innovative menus for high-profile events.
- Company: Join Levy, a global leader in hospitality at Ireland's top events venue.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to 55K, great perks, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values creativity and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make your mark in the culinary world and lead a passionate kitchen team.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef in a high-volume environment.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55000 £ per year.
As Restaurant Head Chef at the RDS, you will lead the culinary vision and day-to-day food operations across all restaurants in the RDS. Working with Levy's market-leading food philosophy, you'll be responsible for delivering outstanding restaurant quality dishes across Ireland's top racecourses.
Key Responsibilities:
- Culinary Leadership & Strategy: Lead the overall culinary restaurant team in line with Levy standards and brand values. Develop menus that are innovative, commercially sound and operationally scalable for large-volume events. Drive continuous improvement, creativity and food innovation across all offers.
- Operational Excellence: Oversee all restaurant kitchen operations across RDS. Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality food, presentation and service at scale. Plan and resource kitchens effectively to meet fluctuating event demands.
- People Leadership & Development: Lead, motivate and develop a growing kitchen team. Build a strong talent pipeline through training, mentoring and succession planning. Foster a positive, inclusive and high-performance kitchen culture.
- Financial & Commercial Control: Work closely with senior kitchen team to manage food costs, gross profit, labour and stock management. Assist in purchasing, supplier relationships and cost control in line with Levy and Compass Group standards. Drive waste reduction and sustainable practices across the operation.
- Food Safety, Compliance & Standards: Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, health & safety and HACCP requirements. Maintain audit readiness and uphold Levy's quality and safety standards at all times. Ensure all equipment, kitchens and storage areas are maintained to the highest standards.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with the restaurant managers to deliver seamless event experiences. Support client tastings, menu presentations and bespoke event proposals. Represent Levy and RDS with professionalism at all times.
About You:
- Proven experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef within a large-scale, high-volume environment.
- Strong background in fine dining restaurant or similar venue.
- Exceptional leadership and people-management skills.
- Strong and proven cost and margin control.
- In-depth knowledge of food safety, HACCP and compliance.
Desirable:
- Experience working within a premium fine dining restaurant e.g. Michelin standard.
- Track record of menu innovation and culinary development.
What We're Looking For:
- A confident, visible leader who leads from the front.
- Calm under pressure and highly organised.
- Passionate about food, people and delivering excellence at scale.
- Flexible to meet the demands of a busy events calendar.
Why Join Levy at RDS?
- Work at one of Ireland's leading events venues.
- Be part of Levy, a global and award-winning hospitality brand.
- Exposure to a diverse and high-profile events calendar.
- Clear opportunities for development and progression within Compass Group.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
Levy UK & Ireland is part of Compass Group, the world's largest catering company, and a vibrant leader in hospitality. We believe in celebrating individuality and building inclusive teams where everyone feels they belong. Our diverse team fuels creativity, innovation, and excellence. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join us in creating a supportive, empowering workplace where everyone can thrive.
Together, we create unforgettable experiences and shape the future of hospitality. As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.
Restaurant Head Chef - Dublin employer: ESS
Levy at RDS is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates individuality and inclusivity. As part of the global Compass Group, employees benefit from competitive salaries, comprehensive training, and clear pathways for career progression within one of Ireland's leading event venues. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that values creativity and excellence while delivering unforgettable culinary experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Restaurant Head Chef - Dublin
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like ESS. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to ESS
Don't be shy about reaching out to ESS directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Restaurant Head Chef - Dublin
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about ESS and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at ESS
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
