- Employment
- Temporary
- Seniority
- Mid-Level
- Department
- Culinary & Food Production
- Posted
- Oct 21, 2026
About Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Launched in 1982, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a luxury train operated by Belmond, part of LVMH, that celebrates the golden age of European rail travel. Its meticulously restored vintage carriages, distinguished cuisine and attentive service create an exceptional setting for hospitality professionals. Connecting celebrated European destinations, including Paris and Venice, the train brings together teams whose expertise spans culinary arts, onboard service and railway operations. As an employer, it offers a distinctive environment where precision, discretion and cultural sensitivity are central to the guest experience. Working aboard this historic train means contributing to a living travel heritage through exacting standards and thoughtfully personalised service.
As Chef de Partie aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a Belmond train, the role is responsible for an assigned kitchen section and delivers fine-dining standards throughout the guest journey. Duties include preparing and presenting dishes, managing mise en place and onboard stock, maintaining food safety, supporting junior cooks, and coordinating with culinary and service teams. This is a temporary position for the 2027 season.
Role & Responsibilities
- Take full responsibility for an assigned kitchen section, ensuring dishes meet luxury fine-dining standards for quality, consistency, and presentation.
- Prepare, cook, and plate menu items across all meal services while maintaining exceptional culinary standards.
- Plan, organise, and maintain mise en place, including pre-departure preparation and replenishment throughout the journey.
- Assist with loading the train with ingredients, prepared items, equipment, and tools required for the assigned section.
- Ensure proper storage, stock rotation, and inventory management in the onboard kitchen.
- Monitor stock levels, minimise waste, and communicate replenishment requirements to the Sous Chef or Executive Sous Chef.
- Maintain the highest standards of hygiene, sanitation, food safety, and workplace cleanliness.
- Work closely with culinary and service teams to ensure seamless meal delivery aligned with operational schedules and guest expectations.
- Support, supervise, and mentor junior cooks within the section.
- Train new joiners on kitchen procedures, safety standards, and the requirements of working aboard a luxury train.
- Attend departmental meetings and collaborate with other onboard departments to ensure smooth operations.
- Contribute to cost control by managing resources efficiently and reducing unnecessary waste.
Qualifications
- Previous experience as a Chef de Partie in luxury hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, fine-dining establishments, luxury cruises, or premium hospitality environments.
- Strong knowledge of fine-dining techniques, food preparation, and menu execution.
- Experience working in fast-paced, high-standard culinary operations.
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Knowledge of HACCP, food safety, and hygiene regulations.
- Leadership skills and experience supervising or mentoring junior kitchen team members.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to culinary excellence.
- Ability to work effectively within multicultural and international teams.
- Flexibility to travel extensively across Europe and work varying schedules, including weekends and public holidays.
- Fluency in English; additional European languages are an advantage.
Skills
Workplace
This position is based in Venice, Veneto, Italy.
Benefits
Discovering Belmond offers team members complimentary stays at Belmond properties, subject to availability, discounted rates on Belmond trains, cruises, and safaris, and food and beverage discounts. Benefits also include comprehensive health and life insurance coverage and unlimited access to learning platforms.
Culture
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express’s workplace culture is shaped by the heritage of its historic carriages, meticulous attention to detail and the art of personalised hospitality. Its distinctive environment brings together service, culinary and operational expertise, requiring close teamwork and adaptability to deliver an exceptional guest experience aboard a moving luxury train.
About Cerulean
Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.