Head Chef, Drogheda

SOCIAL RESTAURANT - DROGHEDA Head Chef | Modern European | Full-Time | Competitive Package

The Opportunity Social Restaurant is Drogheda's most exciting dining destination, a place where thoughtful cooking, genuine hospitality, and a real sense of community come together. We're looking for a driven, creative Head Chef to take the reins of our kitchen and shape the next chapter of what we do.

This is a rare chance to put your stamp on a restaurant that has already earned a loyal following and a strong reputation in the North East. You'll have genuine creative ownership, a talented team behind you, and the backing of owners who understand what great food takes.

The Food Our food is rooted in Modern European cooking, clean, confident flavours built on seasonal Irish produce, with European technique and imagination. You'll design and evolve the menus across all services, a la carte, tasting, and seasonal specials, with the freedom to take the food where you think it should go, guided by the seasons and a genuine passion for the craft.

What You'll Do

Lead and inspire the kitchen team day‑to‑day, setting the standard for quality, consistency, and creativity.

Design and develop menus across all services, keeping them fresh, seasonal, and distinctly yours.

Build a kitchen culture rooted in craft, respect, and continuous learning.

Manage food costs, GP targets, supplier relationships, and procurement with a sharp commercial eye.

Ensure full compliance with food safety regulations and HACCP standards.

Recruit, train, and develop junior chefs, invest in your team's growth.

Collaborate closely with front‑of‑house to deliver a seamless, memorable guest experience.

Drive new ideas for events, pop‑ups, and seasonal menus.

What We’re Looking For:

2‑5 years minimum as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a quality, food‑focused environment.

A genuine passion for Modern European cooking and a strong eye for seasonal, local produce.

Solid leadership skills, you know how to hold standards and motivate a team without drama.

Commercial acumen: GP management, food costing, and budgeting.

A calm, organised approach under pressure.

Formal culinary training is desirable but not essential, attitude and talent matter more.

What We Offer

Competitive salary, negotiable based on experience.

Stable, supportive ownership that invests in the team.

A strong existing brigade to build on.

Paid holidays, staff meals, and team events.

The chance to build something you're genuinely proud of, in a city that's on the rise.

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