Head Chef, Cork City | €50,000 to €60,000 | 4 Day Week

Red D are recruiting a Head Chef for a highly regarded independent restaurant in Cork City. This is an excellent opportunity for a Head Chef who is passionate about quality produce, seasonal cooking and creating food with real character.

This is a hands-on kitchen leadership role with genuine creative input. Working closely with the owners, the Head Chef will take responsibility for the kitchen operation, menu development, sourcing and the ongoing food direction of the restaurant.

The restaurant has built a strong reputation within Cork’s food scene and has been recognised among Ireland’s Top 100 restaurants. This is an independent operation with a clear food identity, where quality, provenance and simplicity are central to the offering.

The Role

As Head Chef, you’ll lead a small kitchen team across a busy daytime and evening operation.

You’ll have genuine creative input and will work closely with the owners on the development of the menu and the overall food direction.

You’ll be expected to:

• Lead and manage the kitchen team on a daily basis
• Take responsibility for all aspects of kitchen operations
• Develop seasonal menus centred around fresh, local and quality produce
• Work closely with the owners on menu development and food direction
• Build strong relationships with local suppliers and manage sourcing
• Maintain consistently high standards across preparation, cooking and presentation
• Ensure excellent food quality and consistency during busy services
• Manage food costs, GP, stock levels and waste
• Maintain HACCP and food safety standards
• Train, support and develop the kitchen team
• Create a positive and professional kitchen culture
• Maintain strong organisation and efficiency across the kitchen

What We’re Looking For

This Head Chef role will suit a chef who has strong technical ability, a genuine interest in produce and the confidence to lead a kitchen team.

You should have:

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or strong Senior Sous Chef in a quality independent restaurant
• Excellent cooking skills with a strong understanding of flavour and technique
• Experience working with Irish, local, seasonal and produce-led menus
• A genuine interest in provenance and the quality of ingredients
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to bring a team with you
• Commercial awareness, including food cost, GP, stock control and waste management
• Excellent organisational skills
• A hands-on approach to kitchen leadership
• HACCP certification and strong knowledge of kitchen operations
• The creativity and confidence to develop and evolve a food offering

What’s on Offer

• Salary of €50,000 to €60,000 depending on experience
• Four-day working week
• Genuine creative freedom over menu development and seasonal direction
• A well-equipped kitchen with strong operational support
• A small, committed kitchen team
• Hands-on owners who are invested in the food and the operation
• The opportunity to build on an established reputation within Cork’s food scene

Why This Role Stands Out

This is not a hotel kitchen or a chain operation. It is an independent restaurant with a strong identity, a loyal customer base and a real focus on quality.

The Head Chef will have genuine creative input rather than simply following an established menu. You’ll work directly with the owners on sourcing, seasonal development and the future direction of the food.

The four-day working week is a major feature of the role, giving the successful chef the opportunity to lead a quality kitchen while maintaining a strong work-life balance.

For an ambitious chef who wants creative freedom, strong support and the opportunity to put their own stamp on an established Cork restaurant, this is an excellent opportunity.

About Red D Recruitment

Red D Recruitment specialise in hospitality recruitment across Ireland, the UK and Europe.

We recruit for senior management and executive roles across hotels, restaurants, workplace catering, tourism and visitor attractions. Our clients range from luxury boutique hotels and leading restaurant groups to large-scale hospitality and catering operations.

Red D Recruitment is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from people of all genders, backgrounds and identities. Selection is based on merit, skills and experience.

Red D Recruitment can only consider candidates with full, unrestricted permission to live and work in the EU. UK passport holders are also welcome to apply.