Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Executive Chef

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.

Role & Responsibilities

• Oversee all culinary operations aboard the train and in the kitchen lab.
• Lead the culinary brigade and deliver elegant, authentic, memorable cuisine executed to the highest standards.
• Create innovative menus while maintaining impeccable standards and consistency.
• Inspire teams, champion innovation, uphold quality and consistency, and drive operational excellence.
• Ensure menus, dishes and service contribute to an exceptional guest experience.
• Build, develop and retain high-performing culinary teams; foster collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement and excellence.
• Mentor chefs at all levels and establish clear pathways for professional development.
• Manage complex culinary operations across multiple outlets or locations.
• Manage food costs, labour costs and departmental budgets, balancing culinary creativity with financial performance.
• Identify operational improvements and opportunities to enhance guest satisfaction using a data-driven approach.
• Uphold sustainability, local sourcing and SRA Standards, and Belmond’s commitment to food made good.
• Travel regularly and work both on board and off board.

Qualifications

• Experience as an Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef in a world-class luxury hotel, fine-dining restaurant, private setting, yacht or comparable high-end hospitality environment.
• Exceptional culinary expertise and a passion for contemporary cuisine grounded in authenticity, craftsmanship and seasonality.
• Strong understanding of luxury guest expectations and personalised dining experiences.
• Proven ability to build, develop and retain high-performing culinary teams.
• Experience mentoring chefs at all levels and creating professional development pathways.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead multicultural teams.
• Success managing complex culinary operations across multiple outlets or locations.
• Knowledge of food safety, HACCP standards, quality assurance and regulatory compliance.
• Strong planning, logistical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to perform effectively in a dynamic operational environment requiring adaptability and resourcefulness.
• Experience managing food costs, labour costs and departmental budgets in premium hospitality.
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to balance creativity with financial performance.
• Resilient, adaptable and calm under pressure; curious and creative, with a continual interest in new sources of inspiration.
• Knowledge of sustainability, local sourcing and SRA Standards, and commitment to Belmond’s passion for food made good.
• Willingness to travel regularly and work both on board and off board.
• Experience across different international cultures or having worked in different countries.
• Fluent English and, at minimum, fluency in either French or Italian.
• Passion for luxury hospitality and advocacy for the Belmond brand.
• Meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to quality.

Skills

Benefits

Comprehensive healthcare coverage; annual performance bonus; meal allowance and accommodation support; unlimited access to learning platforms; complimentary stays at Belmond properties, subject to availability; exclusive discounts on Belmond trains, cruises and safaris; special food and beverage rates; preferential rates across Belmond and LVMH.

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.