Head Chef – Belfast Castle
Location: Belfast Castle, Cave Hill, Belfast
Position: Full-Time | Permanent
Lead the Kitchen at One of Northern Ireland's Premier Events Venues
Belfast Castle is looking for an experienced and driven Head Chef to lead the kitchen at one of Belfast's most iconic hospitality destinations.
While the Castle offers a popular restaurant and afternoon tea service, the heart of this role is delivering exceptional banqueting and event catering. From elegant weddings and festive Christmas parties to conferences, celebrations of life, gala dinners and private functions, you'll oversee the production and delivery of outstanding food for events ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale banquets.
This is an opportunity for a Head Chef who thrives in a fast-paced events environment, enjoys leading a professional brigade and takes pride in delivering consistently excellent food at volume.
The Role
Reporting to the General Manager, you will take overall responsibility for the kitchen operation, ensuring every service reflects the high standards expected at Belfast Castle.
You will lead menu development, kitchen operations, food quality, staffing and financial performance while creating memorable dining experiences for every guest.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, inspire and develop a skilled kitchen brigade.
- Plan, organise and deliver high-quality banqueting for:
- Weddings
- Christmas parties
- Funeral receptions
- Conferences and corporate events
- Private dining and celebrations
- Produce consistently high-quality food for events ranging from small private functions to large banquets.
- Develop seasonal restaurant and event menus that showcase fresh, locally sourced produce.
- Work closely with the Events and Front of House teams to ensure seamless execution of every function.
- Manage kitchen budgets, food costs and labour efficiently.
- Maintain excellent food safety, HACCP and health & safety standards.
- Recruit, train and mentor kitchen staff, creating a positive and professional culture.
- Drive continuous improvement, creativity and operational excellence.
About You
You'll be a confident leader with a passion for hospitality and a proven background in high-volume banqueting.
You'll ideally have:
- Previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a hotel, events venue or high-volume banqueting operation.
- Extensive experience delivering weddings, conferences and large-scale functions.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills.
- Strong commercial awareness with experience managing food cost and labour budgets.
- The ability to lead calmly and effectively during busy services.
- A passion for developing people and maintaining exceptional culinary standards.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary (dependent on experience).
- Free on-site parking.
- Guaranteed most Mondays off (except for scheduled events and Bank Holidays).
- A fair share of gratuities.
- Sunday restaurant service finishes early, with last food orders at 6:00pm.
- Creative input into menus and seasonal offerings.
- Staff meals while on duty.
- Company pension.
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
Why Join Belfast Castle?
Belfast Castle is one of Northern Ireland's most recognisable venues, welcoming thousands of guests each year for weddings, celebrations, conferences and memorable occasions.
We're looking for a Head Chef who understands that every event matters—whether it's the biggest day of a couple's lives, a family gathering, a corporate event or a celebration of life. You'll lead a talented team committed to delivering outstanding food and service that matches the reputation of this exceptional venue.
If you're an experienced banqueting chef ready to lead a high-performing kitchen in a unique and prestigious setting, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today with your CV and become part of the team behind some of Belfast's most memorable events.
Pay: £45,000.00-£52,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
