Head Chef - Banqueting - Cashel Palace Hotel

Nestled beside the iconic Rock of Cashel, Cashel Palace Hotel is one of Ireland's most celebrated luxury destinations. Combining world-class hospitality, refined elegance, and exceptional culinary experiences, we welcome guests from around the world to experience the finest in Irish luxury. Our success is driven by talented people who share our commitment to excellence, authenticity, and warm Irish hospitality.

Lead Exceptional Events in One of Ireland's Finest Luxury Hotels

Cashel Palace Hotel, a magnificent Relais & Châteaux property set in the heart of Ireland's Ancient East, is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef – Banqueting to lead the culinary delivery of weddings, private dining experiences, conferences, corporate events, and luxury celebrations.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a talented culinary leader who thrives in a high-volume luxury environment and takes pride in delivering exceptional food experiences at scale without compromising quality, creativity, or presentation.

About the Role

Reporting to the Executive Sous Chef, you will be responsible for the overall management, planning, and execution of all banqueting and event catering operations throughout the hotel. From intimate private dinners to large-scale weddings and bespoke luxury events, you will lead a dedicated kitchen team in delivering memorable culinary experiences synonymous with the Cashel Palace standard.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all banqueting kitchen operations.
• Plan, develop, and deliver seasonal wedding, conference, and event menus.
• Ensure consistently outstanding food quality, presentation, and guest satisfaction.
• Manage food production for functions ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale events.
• Work closely with the Events, Sales, and Operations teams to deliver seamless guest experiences.
• Lead, motivate, mentor, and develop the banqueting culinary team.
• Manage labour scheduling and kitchen productivity in line with business requirements.
• Ensure food cost controls, stock management, and waste reduction targets are achieved.
• Maintain the highest standards of HACCP, food safety, hygiene, and workplace safety.
• Support recruitment, training, and succession planning within the kitchen brigade.
• Drive innovation and continuously enhance the hotel's banqueting food offering.

About You

You are a proven culinary professional who combines strong leadership skills with exceptional organisational ability and a genuine passion for hospitality.

You will ideally possess:

• Previous experience as a Head Chef, Senior Sous Chef, or Banqueting Chef within a luxury hotel or high-end hospitality environment.
• Strong experience delivering high-quality food for weddings, conferences, and large-scale events.
• Excellent people leadership and team development skills.
• Strong financial awareness including food cost and labour management.
• A creative approach to menu development and event catering.
• Exceptional organisational and planning abilities.
• A calm and professional approach under pressure.
• A thorough understanding of HACCP and food safety legislation.
• Eligibility to work in Ireland.

Why Join Cashel Palace Hotel?

• Work within one of Ireland's most prestigious luxury hospitality destinations.
• Be part of a passionate and talented culinary team.
• Opportunity to create memorable dining experiences for weddings and events of the highest calibre.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Ongoing training, professional development, and career progression opportunities.
• Employee wellness, recognition, and hospitality benefits.

• Professional Cookery Qualification (Level 6 or equivalent culinary qualification).
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a senior kitchen leadership role within a luxury hotel, resort, or high-end hospitality operation.
• Demonstrated experience leading wedding, banqueting, conference, and large-scale event catering operations.
• Advanced HACCP and Food Safety certification.
• Proven experience managing kitchen teams, labour costs, food costs, and stock control.
• Strong understanding of allergen management and food compliance legislation.

Great employee benefits as part of the overall package. 

Employee discount
Bike to work scheme
Employee assistance program
Food allowance
Company events
Additional leave