Job Description

Location:

The Cafe at Montalto, Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch

Position Type:

Full-Time (Permanent)

Reporting to:

Head Chef

About Montalto Estate

Montalto Estate is a premier award-winning destination in County Down, known for its stunning gardens, historic setting, and commitment to excellence. The Cafe at Montalto is the heart of our visitor experience, focusing on high-quality, seasonal dishes that showcase the finest local Northern Irish produce. We pride ourselves on a 'garden-to-garnish' ethos, utilising ingredients grown right here on the estate.

The Role

We are seeking a passionate, disciplined, and creative

Experienced Chef

to join our kitchen team. In your role you will support the Head Chef with daily operations, ensuring every plate meets our exacting standards, and working alongside a talented team of chefs.

This is a rare opportunity for a chef to work with premium ingredients in a high-volume, high-standard environment while enjoying the

work-life balance

that daytime estate hours provide. One of the biggest perks of working in The Cafe at Montalto is the lack of later working hours, enabling a better work-life balance.

Key Responsibilities

Kitchen Leadership:

Oversee the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence, ensuring smooth service and maintaining a positive, professional atmosphere.

Menu Development:

Assist in creating seasonal menus and daily specials that reflect the estate's brand and seasonal availability.

Quality Control:

Maintain high standards of food preparation and presentation, ensuring every dish leaving the pass is exceptional.

Team Development:

Help train and mentor Commis Chefs and CDPs, fostering a culture of continuous learning.

Operational Excellence:

Manage stock control, ordering, and wastage to hit GP targets without compromising on quality.

Compliance:

Ensure the kitchen adheres to all Food Safety and Health & Safety regulations (HACCP), maintaining our 5-star hygiene rating.

The Ideal Candidate

Experience:

At least 2 years of experience in a Chef role, preferably in a high-volume, fresh-food environment.

Skills:

Strong technical cooking skills across all sections and a deep understanding of Northern Irish seasonal produce.

Teamwork:

Calm-under-pressure and someone who can motivate themselves and the team during a busy lunch service.

Passion:

A genuine love for local ingredients and a desire to contribute to one of Northern Ireland's top visitor attractions.

Why Join Us?

Competitive Salary:

31,750 - 33,750 depending on experience.

Better Balance:

Primary hours are daytime based (limited evening work).

Environment:

Work in one of the most beautiful settings in Northern Ireland.

Growth:

Opportunity to influence the culinary direction of an evolving estate.
Montalto Estate is an equal opportunity employer. No agencies please.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 31,750.00-33,750.00 per year

Benefits:

Bereavement leave Company events Company pension Discounted or free food Employee discount Free parking On-site parking Store discount Transport links
Work Location: In person