Head Chef – Castlebar, Co. Mayo | Temp-to-Perm.

Head Chef Job in Castlebar, County Mayo

Location: Castlebar, Co. Mayo Job Type: Temporary with opportunity to become Permanent Pay Rate: Competitive hourly rates aligned with applicable HSE Chef pay scales Start Date: Immediate

3Q Recruitment is currently recruiting a qualified and experienced Head Chef in Castlebar, Co. Mayo, for an immediate temporary position with the opportunity to progress into permanent employment.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Head Chef who enjoys leading a kitchen team, maintaining high food standards and making a positive difference through quality catering services. Working within an established residential healthcare facility in the Castlebar area, the successful candidate will oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring residents receive nutritious, high-quality meals tailored to their individual dietary requirements.

We are looking for a confident, hands-on Head Chef with proven kitchen management experience, strong leadership skills and a genuine commitment to delivering excellent food and service.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operations of a busy healthcare catering kitchen, ensuring consistent food quality and service.
• Lead, supervise and support kitchen staff, promoting teamwork, accountability and high performance.
• Plan and prepare nutritious, balanced menus that meet residents’ individual dietary and nutritional requirements.
• Oversee the preparation of specialist diets, including modified-texture meals, allergen requirements and medically prescribed diets.
• Manage food ordering, stock control, portion management, waste reduction and food costs.
• Maintain full compliance with HACCP, food safety, hygiene and health and safety requirements.
• Ensure kitchen documentation, temperature records and food safety procedures are maintained accurately.
• Work closely with nursing, care and management teams to deliver a positive dining experience for residents.
• Maintain a clean, organised and safe working environment.

Essential Requirements

• Recognised professional Chef qualification – essential.
• Previous experience working as a Head Chef – essential.
• Proven experience managing professional kitchen operations and supervising catering teams.
• Excellent knowledge of HACCP, food hygiene and food safety standards.
• Strong experience in menu planning, stock management, food costing and kitchen administration.
• Excellent organisational, communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities and maintain consistently high standards.
• Legal entitlement to work in Ireland.

Previous experience as a Head Chef in a nursing home, hospital, residential care facility or other healthcare catering environment is highly desirable. What We Offer

• Competitive hourly pay aligned with applicable HSE Chef pay scales.
• Immediate temporary Head Chef opportunity in Castlebar, Co. Mayo.
• Potential to progress into a permanent Head Chef position.
• Opportunity to lead catering operations in a rewarding healthcare environment.
• Support from 3Q Recruitment’s experienced healthcare recruitment team.
• A people-focused working environment where quality food and resident wellbeing matter.

Frequently Asked Questions Where is this Head Chef position located? This Head Chef vacancy is based in the Castlebar area of County Mayo, within a residential healthcare facility. Is this a permanent Head Chef job? The role is initially temporary, with the opportunity to progress into a permanent position depending on performance and the facility’s staffing requirements. What qualifications are required for this Head Chef position? Applicants must hold a recognised professional Chef qualification and have previous experience working as a Head Chef, including responsibility for kitchen operations, staff supervision and food safety. Is nursing home experience essential? Previous healthcare or nursing home catering experience is highly desirable. However, qualified Head Chefs with strong management experience in other professional catering environments are also encouraged to apply. Apply for This Head Chef Job in Castlebar If you are a qualified and experienced Head Chef seeking a rewarding opportunity in Castlebar, Co. Mayo, we would love to hear from you. Apply today through 3Q Recruitment and take the next step in your catering career. 3Q Recruitment – Putting People First.