Permanent Restaurant jobs in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan

Private Family Cook (Live-In Optional) – Irish Country Estate

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced, warm, and highly organised Private Family Cook to join a busy family household based on a beautiful Irish country estate. This is a long-term position supporting a family of 4–8 adults and two children, with occasional entertaining for dinner groups of up to 14 guests.

The successful candidate will be passionate about producing exceptional home-cooked food that is healthy, flavourful, seasonal, and beautifully presented without being overly formal. The household places a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients, vegetables, and wholesome cooking, with some produce sourced directly from the estate's vegetable garden.

The role may include provision of private on-site accommodation and would suit someone seeking a stable, rewarding position within a respectful family environment.

Key Responsibilities

Daily Meal Preparation

Prepare and serve 2–3 meals per day, including:

• Breakfasts ranging from simple family breakfasts to more elaborate weekend offerings
• Nutritious family lunches
• Evening dinners for family members and guests
• Children's meals as required
• Healthy snacks and light meals throughout the day

Menus should be varied, seasonal, and adaptable to changing family schedules.

Dietary Requirements

• Cater confidently for a mixed household
• Three family members follow a pescatarian diet
• Prepare balanced meals that accommodate both pescatarian and non-pescatarian preferences
• Emphasise vegetable-led cooking, fresh produce, and healthy eating
• Accommodate occasional dietary requests, allergies, or guest preferences

Baking & Household Provisioning

Maintain a well-stocked household kitchen and pantry, including:

• Fresh breads
• Scones
• Cakes and traybakes
• Biscuits and baked treats
• Homemade soups, stocks, sauces, and preserves where appropriate

Ensure that family favourites and everyday essentials are consistently available.

Entertaining & Guest Dining

• Plan and execute dinners and informal entertaining for up to 14 guests
• Create menus suitable for family gatherings, weekend guests, and special occasions
• Deliver food of a high domestic standard with attractive presentation
• Coordinate timing and service requirements with household staff when necessary

Estate Garden Integration

• Work closely with the estate to utilise seasonal produce from the vegetable garden
• Create menus around available ingredients
• Contribute ideas for future planting and harvesting based on culinary requirements
• Promote a sustainable and seasonal approach to cooking

Kitchen & Pantry Management

• Maintain exceptional standards of cleanliness, organisation, and food safety
• Manage food purchasing and supplier relationships
• Monitor stock levels and proactively replenish supplies
• Manage household food budgets responsibly
• Minimise waste through thoughtful menu planning and storage practices

Household Collaboration

• Work cooperatively with the household's cleaning and housekeeping team
• Communicate effectively regarding schedules, guests, events, and household requirements
• Contribute positively to a professional and supportive household environment

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will possess:

Essential Experience

• Previous experience as a private family cook, estate cook, chalet cook, yacht cook, or similar role
• Strong knowledge of healthy, family-style cooking
• Excellent baking skills
• Experience catering for varying group sizes
• Confidence managing a kitchen independently

Personal Qualities

• Warm, discreet, and trustworthy
• Highly organised and self-motivated
• Flexible and adaptable
• Calm under pressure
• Professional but personable
• Comfortable working around children and guests
• Strong attention to detail

Culinary Style

We are seeking someone whose cooking style is:

• Fresh and seasonal
• Vegetable-focused
• Nutritious and health-conscious
• Generous and flavour-driven
• Family-oriented rather than restaurant-formal
• Rooted in excellent ingredients and simple execution

The successful candidate should take pride in producing food that family members look forward to eating every day.

Accommodation (Optional)

Suitable private accommodation may be available on the estate for the successful candidate. This can be discussed with applicants depending on individual circumstances and requirements.

Working Environment

This is a welcoming family household set within a beautiful Irish country estate. The position offers the opportunity to work with excellent ingredients, including produce from the estate garden, while becoming a valued and trusted member of a long-term household team.

Compensation

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Live-in accommodation available if required
• Paid holiday entitlement
• Additional benefits to be discussed during the recruitment process

Equal Opportunities Statement

Applications are welcomed from all suitably qualified candidates. The family is seeking the person best suited to the role based on experience, skills, character, and fit within the household environment. While a female candidate may be preferred due to household dynamics, all qualified applicants will be considered.

Pay: €20.00-€30.00 per hour

Benefits:

• On-site parking

Work Location: In person