- 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.
The Sous Chef supports the Executive Chef aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, overseeing kitchen operations, leading and developing the brigade, and maintaining culinary standards throughout each journey. This temporary role combines hands-on service with team leadership, inventory and cost management, and coordination with restaurant teams.
Role & Responsibilities
- Assist the Executive Chef in overseeing kitchen operations and maintaining culinary and service standards throughout each journey.
- Supervise and coordinate the kitchen brigade, including Chef de Parties and Kitchen Stewards, to ensure smooth operations and efficient workflow.
- Coordinate meal preparation across kitchen sections, ensuring timely execution in line with guest expectations and train schedules.
- Plan, monitor, and manage mise en place, ingredients, equipment, and supplies for each journey.
- Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene, sanitation, and workplace cleanliness.
- Manage inventory, stock control, and ordering while minimising waste and ensuring cost efficiency.
- Lead, coach, and mentor kitchen team members, supporting their development and performance.
- Train new joiners in culinary procedures, safety standards, and the operational requirements of luxury train service.
- Support hands-on food preparation and service during high-demand periods as required.
- Collaborate with restaurant and service teams to ensure a seamless guest dining experience.
- Adapt menus and operations to guest preferences, dietary requirements, and journey-specific needs.
- Oversee preparation of crew meals while maintaining quality and consistency.
Qualifications
- Previous experience as a Sous Chef in a luxury hotel, Michelin-starred restaurant, fine dining establishment, luxury cruise ship, or premium hospitality environment.
- Experience managing and developing kitchen teams.
- Extensive knowledge of fine dining cuisine, food preparation, presentation, and service standards.
- Excellent understanding of HACCP, food safety, and hygiene regulations.
- Expertise in stock management, inventory control, and kitchen cost management.
- Ability to perform in a fast-paced, high-pressure luxury hospitality environment.
- Strong organisational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Passion for mentoring and developing culinary talent.
- Fluency in English; additional European languages are an advantage.
- Flexibility to travel extensively across Europe and work varying schedules, including weekends and public holidays.
Skills
Experience
Previous experience as a Sous Chef in a luxury hotel, Michelin-starred restaurant, fine dining establishment, luxury cruise ship, or premium hospitality environment.
Workplace
The successful candidate will be located in Venice, Veneto, Italy.
Benefits
Complimentary stays at Belmond properties through the Discovering Belmond program, subject to availability; discounted rates on Belmond trains, cruises, and safaris; food and beverage discounts; comprehensive health and life insurance coverage; 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.