Executive Chef

The Hawthorn by Galway Bay | Ireland's Newest 5-Star Hotel

A rare opportunity to craft the culinary identity of a world-class luxury hotel on Ireland's west coast

About The Hawthorn by Galway Bay

Poised on the edge of Galway Bay where land meets sea, The Hawthorn by Galway Bay is positioned to be Ireland's newest 5-star hotel, a destination designed by nature and refined by you nestled along the Wild Atlantic Way. Surrounded by native hawthorn trees and perched beside an 18-hole championship golf course, The Hawthorn by Galway Bay features 114 meticulously designed suites and rooms, an experiential spa, wellness spaces, destination dining at The Skylark, and panoramic views of the Atlantic coast.

Opening in early 2026, this is a once-in-a-career moment to shape the guest journey from the ground up and be part of a defining moment in Irish hospitality.

About the Role

We are seeking a visionary Executive Chef to lead the culinary identity of The Hawthorn by Galway Bay. This senior pre-opening appointment will shape the full food offering across The Skylark Restaurant, the destination bar, in-room dining, spa menus, and curated events.

Rooted in seasonality and storytelling, the Executive Chef will blend local provenance with refined simplicity to create an experience that is as sensory as it is memorable. Working closely with the General Manager, Director of Food & Beverage, and brand team, this role will be instrumental in shaping the sensory identity and guest experience at The Hawthorn by Galway Bay.

Key Responsibilities

• Curate and deliver a seasonal, ingredient-led culinary philosophy that reflects the rhythms of land and sea.
• Lead all kitchen pre-opening activities including concept development, supplier partnerships, and team recruitment.
• Build and mentor a team of passionate professionals, united by excellence and purpose.
• Oversee all culinary operations with a sharp focus on consistency, sustainability, and detail.
• Collaborating with the Director of F&B and brand team to elevate the holistic guest experience and reporting to the GM.
• Establish and implement world-class food production standards, ensuring every dish upholds the ethos of 5-star luxury.
• Prepare, cook, and present food to consistently exceptional standards across all outlets.
• Take ownership of departmental budgets and cost control, working closely with the Purchasing Manager and Financial Controller.
• Ensure strict adherence to HACCP and hygiene standards across all food production areas.
• Develop and implement SOPs and comprehensive training manuals for all culinary operations.
• Foster a positive and motivated kitchen culture through mentoring, appraisals, and ongoing performance development.

Ideal Profile

• Extensive experience in luxury or 5-star environments, ideally in a flagship Executive Chef role.
• Visionary leadership with the ability to balance creative flair and commercial awareness.
• A strong connection to local produce, sustainability, and elevated guest experience.
• Proven pre-opening experience preferred, though not essential.

An excellent executive-level salary and benefits package, reflective of the calibre of this role and the rare opportunity to define one of Ireland's most anticipated hotel openings.

• Seniority levelExecutive

• Employment typeFull-time

• Job functionCustomer Service
• IndustriesHospitality

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