Head Chef – Cullen's at The Cottage (Maternity Cover | Fixed Term)

We are currently recruiting an experienced and motivated Head Chef to lead the kitchen at Cullen's at The Cottage, as part of our wider culinary team on the Ashford Estate. This is a fixed-term maternity cover position, offering an exceptional opportunity to take on a senior, hands-on leadership role within one of Ireland’s most prestigious luxury destinations.

Reporting to and working closely with the Executive Head Chef, Liam Finnegan the Head Chef will be responsible for the day-to-day culinary operations at Cullen's at The Cottage, while also supporting and overseeing standards across the wider kitchen operation when required.

Location: Cong, County Mayo, Ireland.
Contract type: Fixed Term – Maternity Cover.
Working pattern: 5 days over 7 days.

Who Are We?

Joining Ashford Castle means becoming part of a legendary 800-year-old estate and a proud member of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection. Once home to the Guinness family, Ashford Castle is widely recognised as one of Ireland’s most prestigious luxury destinations, offering exceptional hospitality, fine dining, estate activities, and a world-class spa. Working alongside our Executive Head Chef, Liam Finnegan, this is an exceptional opportunity to join the culinary leadership team at one of Ireland’s most iconic luxury destinations. A passionate advocate of classic, ingredient-led cooking, Liam’s philosophy centres on simplicity, exceptional sourcing, and flawless execution. As Head Chef, you will play a key role in supporting this vision while helping to lead and inspire the Cullen's kitchen brigade.

Ashford Castle has been voted No. 1 Resort Hotel in the UK & Ireland by Travel + Leisure and proudly retains its Double Forbes Five-Star status.

The Role – Head Chef (Maternity Cover):

Key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Ensuring full compliance with all departmental SOPs and company standards.

• Managing the efficient day-to-day kitchen operations at Cullens at The Cottage.

• Leading the kitchen in a hands-on capacity, deputising for the Executive Head Chef when required.

• Supporting and monitoring standards across other kitchen outlet.

• Maintaining the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, HACCP, health & safety, and fire regulations.

• Conducting regular hygiene audits, spot checks, and corrective actions where required.

• Driving continuous improvement across standards, systems, procedures, and product delivery.

• Ensuring cleaning and deep-cleaning schedules are implemented and adhered to.

• Managing stock control, rotation, purchasing, and supplier compliance.

• Implementing strong cost controls across food, labour, waste, and quality.

• Supporting recruitment, training, and development of kitchen team members.

• Managing labour planning, rosters, wage control, and purchasing costs.

What We Are Looking For:

• A motivated and driven culinary leader with a passion for food and hospitality.

• Significant previous experience in a Head Chef or senior kitchen leadership role.

• Proven experience managing large-scale kitchen operations.

• Strong background in staff training, rotas, financial reporting, stock control, and cost management.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills.

• Ability to remain calm and effective in a high-pressure environment.

• Flexible, innovative, and adaptable approach.

• Fluent written and spoken English.

• Legal eligibility to work in Ireland.

What’s in It for You:

• Professional, award-winning training and development opportunities.

• Discounted accommodation across the Red Carnation Hotel Collection and The Travel Corporation globally.

• Annual Staff Appreciation Party and employee recognition events.

• Discounted rates with local businesses and third-party service providers.

• Heavily subsidised accommodation (subject to availability).

• Uniform provided and free meals on duty.

• “Recommend a Friend” bonus scheme.

• Two paid volunteering days each year.

Red Carnation Hotels is an Equal Opportunities Employer. The successful candidate must be legally eligible to work in Ireland. Right to Work documentation will be securely verified as part of the recruitment process.

#Estate

Head Chef – Cullen's at The Cottage (Maternity Cover | Fixed Term)

We are currently recruiting an experienced and motivated Head Chef to lead the kitchen at Cullen's at The Cottage, as part of our wider culinary team on the Ashford Estate. This is a fixed-term maternity cover position, offering an exceptional opportunity to take on a senior, hands-on leadership role within one of Ireland’s most prestigious luxury destinations.

Reporting to and working closely with the Executive Head Chef, Liam Finnegan the Head Chef will be responsible for the day-to-day culinary operations at Cullen's at The Cottage, while also supporting and overseeing standards across the wider kitchen operation when required.

Location: Cong, County Mayo, Ireland.
Contract type: Fixed Term – Maternity Cover.
Working pattern: 5 days over 7 days.

Who Are We?

Joining Ashford Castle means becoming part of a legendary 800-year-old estate and a proud member of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection. Once home to the Guinness family, Ashford Castle is widely recognised as one of Ireland’s most prestigious luxury destinations, offering exceptional hospitality, fine dining, estate activities, and a world-class spa. Working alongside our Executive Head Chef, Liam Finnegan, this is an exceptional opportunity to join the culinary leadership team at one of Ireland’s most iconic luxury destinations. A passionate advocate of classic, ingredient-led cooking, Liam’s philosophy centres on simplicity, exceptional sourcing, and flawless execution. As Head Chef, you will play a key role in supporting this vision while helping to lead and inspire the Cullen's kitchen brigade.

Ashford Castle has been voted No. 1 Resort Hotel in the UK & Ireland by Travel + Leisure and proudly retains its Double Forbes Five-Star status.

The Role – Head Chef (Maternity Cover):

Key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Ensuring full compliance with all departmental SOPs and company standards.

• Managing the efficient day-to-day kitchen operations at Cullens at The Cottage.

• Leading the kitchen in a hands-on capacity, deputising for the Executive Head Chef when required.

• Supporting and monitoring standards across other kitchen outlet.

• Maintaining the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, HACCP, health & safety, and fire regulations.

• Conducting regular hygiene audits, spot checks, and corrective actions where required.

• Driving continuous improvement across standards, systems, procedures, and product delivery.

• Ensuring cleaning and deep-cleaning schedules are implemented and adhered to.

• Managing stock control, rotation, purchasing, and supplier compliance.

• Implementing strong cost controls across food, labour, waste, and quality.

• Supporting recruitment, training, and development of kitchen team members.

• Managing labour planning, rosters, wage control, and purchasing costs.

What We Are Looking For:

• A motivated and driven culinary leader with a passion for food and hospitality.

• Significant previous experience in a Head Chef or senior kitchen leadership role.

• Proven experience managing large-scale kitchen operations.

• Strong background in staff training, rotas, financial reporting, stock control, and cost management.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills.

• Ability to remain calm and effective in a high-pressure environment.

• Flexible, innovative, and adaptable approach.

• Fluent written and spoken English.

• Legal eligibility to work in Ireland.

What’s in It for You:

• Professional, award-winning training and development opportunities.

• Discounted accommodation across the Red Carnation Hotel Collection and The Travel Corporation globally.

• Annual Staff Appreciation Party and employee recognition events.

• Discounted rates with local businesses and third-party service providers.

• Heavily subsidised accommodation (subject to availability).

• Uniform provided and free meals on duty.

• “Recommend a Friend” bonus scheme.

• Two paid volunteering days each year.

Red Carnation Hotels is an Equal Opportunities Employer. The successful candidate must be legally eligible to work in Ireland. Right to Work documentation will be securely verified as part of the recruitment process.

#Estate