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- Tasks: Lead culinary operations and create innovative menus for high-profile events.
- Company: Join Levy, a global leader in hospitality at the iconic RDS venue.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Shape unforgettable experiences for thousands while leading a passionate kitchen team.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef in high-volume environments and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values creativity and sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
For nearly 200 years, the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) has stood as a cornerstone of Irish cultural, agricultural, and social life. Founded in 1731 to promote agriculture, arts, industry, and science, the RDS has grown from a learned society into one of Ireland’s most iconic live-events destinations — hosting everything from major exhibitions and concerts to sporting moments and international conventions.
As the hospitality partner at this storied venue, Levy brings world-class food, service, and event experiences to every occasion. Working with us at the RDS means being part of a passionate, dynamic team that thrives in a live environment and helps shape unforgettable moments for tens of thousands of visitors each year.
The Role: As Head Chef at the RDS, you will lead the culinary vision and day-to-day food operations across one of Ireland’s most prestigious event venues. Working with Levy’s market-leading food philosophy, you’ll be responsible for delivering exceptional, scalable food experiences across conferences, exhibitions, banquets, VIP hospitality and bespoke events. This is a high-profile leadership role requiring strategic thinking, strong commercial awareness and the ability to inspire large, diverse kitchen teams in a fast-paced, event-led environment.
Key Responsibilities- Culinary Leadership & Strategy: Lead the overall culinary direction for RDS 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 kitchen operations across conferences, banquets, exhibitions, retail and premium hospitality. 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 large culinary team, including Sous Chefs, Chef de Parties and kitchen support teams. Build a strong talent pipeline through training, mentoring and succession planning. Foster a positive, inclusive and high-performance kitchen culture.
- Financial & Commercial Control: Full accountability for food costs, gross profit, labour and stock management. Lead 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 General Manager, Events, Sales and Operations teams to deliver seamless event experiences. Support client tastings, menu presentations and bespoke event proposals. Represent Levy and RDS with professionalism at all times.
- Essential: Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Executive Chef within a large-scale, high-volume environment. Strong background in banqueting, conferences or complex event catering. Exceptional leadership and people-management skills. Strong commercial acumen with proven cost and margin control. In-depth knowledge of food safety, HACCP and compliance.
- Desirable: Experience working within a premium venue or global hospitality brand. Track record of menu innovation and culinary development. Experience managing multi-outlet or multi-kitchen operations.
Why Join Levy at RDS? Work at one of Ireland’s leading conference and events venue. 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.
Here’s an idea of what your shift patterns will be: 5 out of 7 days. 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.
Head Chef - RDS Dublin employer: Levy UK
Contact Detail:
Levy UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - RDS Dublin
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend culinary events, workshops, or even local food festivals. You never know who might be looking for a Head Chef or who can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or pop-up dinner to showcase your menu ideas. This not only demonstrates your creativity but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the venue! Understand the RDS's history and their culinary style. Tailor your approach to align with their values and show them how you can elevate their food offerings. It’s all about making that connection!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It shows initiative and gives us a chance to see your passion for joining the Levy team at RDS. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - RDS Dublin
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Culinary Passion: When writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through! Share your culinary journey, what inspires you, and how you plan to bring that passion to the RDS.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in high-volume environments and event catering. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Head Chef at RDS, so be specific!
Demonstrate Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a diverse team. Use your application to showcase your leadership style and any successful team-building experiences you've had. We love a good story!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you on the path to joining our amazing team at Levy.
How to prepare for a job interview at Levy UK
✨Know Your Culinary Vision
Before the interview, take some time to think about your culinary philosophy and how it aligns with Levy's standards. Be ready to discuss innovative menu ideas that cater to large-scale events, showcasing your creativity and strategic thinking.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led diverse kitchen teams in high-pressure environments. Highlight your experience in mentoring and developing talent, as this role requires strong people management skills.
✨Understand Financial Acumen
Brush up on your knowledge of food costs, gross profit, and stock management. Be prepared to discuss how you've previously managed budgets and driven cost control while maintaining high-quality food standards.
✨Emphasise Compliance and Safety
Familiarise yourself with food safety regulations, HACCP requirements, and best practices in kitchen hygiene. Be ready to explain how you ensure compliance and maintain audit readiness in your previous roles.
