Head Chef - Ireland

IRELAND : Head Chef
Job Title: Head Chef
Location: Cape Clear Island, Ireland
Salary: Competitive, Accommodation provided at reduced rate
Experience: Minimum 5 years as a Chef, with experience in farm-to-fork and seasonal cooking.
Job Description:
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead the kitchen of a unique culinary destination on Cape Clear Island. This is an exciting opportunity to build an award-winning kitchen using high-quality local food products, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and sustainable practices.
Key Responsibilities:
• Lead and manage the kitchen, overseeing food preparation, menu planning, and quality control.
• Work closely with local suppliers and farmers to source the freshest ingredients, emphasizing local, sustainable produce.
• Engage in growing, preserving, and curating seasonal produce from the island, incorporating them into your menu.
• Create dishes that align with a farm-to-fork philosophy, adapting to the changing seasons with creativity and flair.
• Develop a kitchen culture that prioritizes quality, consistency, and innovation, with a goal to achieve recognition and awards in the culinary world.
• Train and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and dynamic working environment.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
• 5+ years of professional culinary experience, with a strong focus on high-quality, seasonal ingredients.
• A passion for farm-to-fork dining, sustainability, and sourcing local ingredients.
• Interest in growing your own food and incorporating home-grown produce into your dishes.
• Proficiency in seasonal menu development and adaptability to the changing seasons.
• Strong understanding of food preservation techniques such as fermenting, pickling, and curing.
• Experience in building and leading a kitchen team, with an eye for detail and a drive for excellence.
• A love for island living and the ability to adapt to the unique challenges of working on a remote island.

Challenges of Working on Cape Clear Island:
• Remote Location: Cape Clear is a small island, accessible by ferry. Chefs must be comfortable with island living, which can be peaceful but also isolating, especially during the winter months.
• Limited Access to Supplies: Being on an island, access to some products and ingredients may be more limited. Resourcefulness and creativity in menu planning are essential.
• Seasonal Population: The island’s population fluctuates with the tourist season, meaning the kitchen will experience varying demand throughout the year.
Advantages of Working on Cape Clear Island:
• Natural Beauty: Cape Clear offers stunning scenery and a tranquil environment, ideal for individuals who love nature and a peaceful lifestyle.
• Local Community: The island has a close-knit, supportive community, providing a unique and enriching living experience.
• Opportunities for Culinary Innovation: With access to local farms, fishermen, and the ability to grow your own ingredients, there’s a fantastic opportunity to create unique and innovative dishes.