Type of contract : Permanent Contract
Location : Cong, Mayo, Ireland
Activity : Kitchen
Experience required : No information
Published on 12/06/2026
We are currently recruiting an enthusiastic and dedicated Head Baker to join the Pastry Kitchen team at Ashford Castle, working under our Executive Head Pastry Chef, Benjamin Bourgeois. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a world-class pastry operation, delivering exceptional quality in line with Forbes Five-Star standards and The Red Carnation Hotels standards.
Location: Cong, County Mayo, Ireland.
Employment type: Full-Time.
Working pattern: 5 days over 7 days (including some weekends & Bank Holidays).
Who Are We?
Joining Ashford Castle means becoming part of a legendary 800-year-old estate and a proud member of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection. Once home to the Guinness family, Ashford Castle is widely recognised as one of Ireland’s most prestigious luxury destinations, offering exceptional hospitality, fine dining, estate activities, and a world-class spa.
Voted No. 1 Resort Hotel in the UK & Ireland by Travel + Leisure, Ashford Castle proudly retains its Forbes Five-Star status.
Key Responsibilities:
- Ensure section stock levels are accurate and requisitioned in line with SOPs.
- Plan, prepare, and hand over mise en place in accordance with SOPs.
- Prepare all bakery items in line with recipes and Red Carnation Hotels standards.
- Creating bread and pastries along side the Executive Pastry Chef
- Set up and manage the section to maximise productivity while adhering to Health & Safety and hygiene regulations.
- Maintain clean, organised, labelled, and correctly rotated stock.
- Communicate equipment, food, or staffing challenges promptly to the Chef on duty.
- Train and support team members to ensure consistent standards and recipe compliance.
- Advise kitchen management on stock ordering in line with business levels, minimising waste.
- Monitor and record fridge temperatures daily in accordance with food safety requirements.
What’s in It for You:
- Professional, award-winning training and development opportunities.
- Discounted accommodation across the Red Carnation Hotel Collection.
- Annual Staff Appreciation Party and employee recognition events.
- Discounted rates with local businesses and third-party service providers.
- Heavily subsidised accommodation (subject to availability).
- Meals provided on duty.
- Complimentary dry cleaning of business attire.
- Friend and family referral bonus scheme.
- Two paid volunteering days each year.
- Holiday allowance increasing with service, up to 25 days.
- Hotel-based recognition incentives.
- Free access to the Employee Assistance Programme.
Join us in this incredible opportunity.
- A professional qualification in Culinary Arts, Pastry or Bakery.
- Previous experience in a similar Head Baker role within a four- or five-star hotel environment.
- Strong practical bakery skills and technical knowledge.
- Proven experience managing section cost controls, including food and labour costs.
- Passion for bakery, pastry, food production, and high-quality presentation.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Ability to remain calm and effective in a fast-paced environment.
- Flexible, innovative, and adaptable approach.
- Fluency in written and spoken English.
With origins dating back to the 13th century, magnificent Ashford Castle has witnessed a rich and storied history, evolving from a medieval fortress to a grand retreat. Throughout the years, the castle has hosted royalty, nobility, and prominent figures, earning a reputation as one of Ireland's most iconic and celebrated landmarks.
The royal adventure begins as you enter through the grand stone gates of our Forbes Five-Star hotel. Now a proud part of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, the magnificent Ashford Castle has stood sentinel on the shores of Lough Corrib for over 800 years. With an estate of such spectacular proportions, every moment spent within its grounds creates indelible memories. Once home to the Guinness family and today a multi-generational resort, Ashford Castle is lovingly managed by a dedicated team that passionately cares about every single guest.
