Executive Chef - Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train

Based next to Venice, with regular travel aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

There are few roles in hospitality that offer the opportunity to shape experiences as legendary as those created aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

A symbol of glamour, romance and timeless elegance, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is one of the world's most celebrated luxury travel experiences. Its meticulously restored Art Deco carriages, remarkable journeys across Europe and unwavering commitment to excellence have captivated discerning travellers for generations. Every detail is carefully curated, and every meal becomes part of a story guests will remember for a lifetime.

The Executive Chef will oversee all culinary operations both on board the train and in kitchen lab. Leading a highly skilled brigade, you will be responsible for delivering a cuisine that reflects the spirit of the journey: elegant, authentic to its terroir, memorable and flawlessly executed.

Beyond exceptional cooking, this role requires a leader who can inspire teams, champion innovation, uphold the highest standards of quality & consistency, and drive operational excellence. You will combine artistic creativity with commercial acumen, ensuring that every menu, every dish and every service contributes to an extraordinary guest experience worthy of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express name.

For the right individual, this is more than an Executive Chef position. It is an opportunity to leave a culinary legacy aboard one of the most iconic trains ever created.

What are we looking for?

Culinary Excellence

- Proven experience as an Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef within a world-class luxury hotel, fine dining restaurant, private, yachts or comparable high-end hospitality environment.
- Exceptional culinary expertise with a passion for contemporary cuisine rooted in authenticity, craftsmanship and seasonality.
- Demonstrated ability to create innovative menus while maintaining impeccable standards and consistency.
- Strong understanding of luxury guest expectations and personalised dining experiences.

Leadership & Talent Development

- Inspirational leader with a proven track record of building, developing and retaining high-performing culinary teams.
- Ability to foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement and excellence.
- Experience mentoring chefs at all levels and creating clear pathways for professional development.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to lead multicultural teams.

Operational Excellence

- Demonstrated success managing complex culinary operations across multiple outlets or locations.
- Strong knowledge of food safety, HACCP standards, quality assurance and regulatory compliance.
- Highly organised with exceptional planning, logistical and problem-solving capabilities.
- Ability to perform effectively within a dynamic operational environment where adaptability and resourcefulness are essential.

Commercial & Financial Acumen

- Experience managing food cost, labour cost and departmental budgets within premium hospitality environments.
- Strong commercial awareness and ability to balance creativity with financial performance.
- Data-driven approach to identifying opportunities for operational improvement and guest satisfaction enhancement.
- Resilient, adaptable and calm under pressure.
- Curious, creative and continuously seeking new sources of inspiration.
- Well versed on Sustainability, local sourcing, SRA Standards and will uphold Belmond passion for food made good.
- Willingness to travel regularly and embrace the unique lifestyle of working both on board and off board.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to lead the culinary experience aboard a true icon of luxury travel.

You will shape the gastronomic vision of a brand recognised around the world, working within a setting unlike any other in hospitality. From the glamour of the restored Art Deco carriages to the breathtaking European landscapes that unfold beyond the window, every journey offers the chance to create moments of wonder for our guests.

At Belmond, we believe exceptional experiences begin with exceptional people. As Executive Chef onboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, you will have the opportunity to help write the next chapter of its extraordinary story.

It is a career-defining opportunity to create culinary experiences worthy of a legend.

Requirements

- Been exposed to various international cultures / worked in various countries.
- Multilingual : fluent in English and as a minimum fluent in French or Italian.
- Passionate ambassador for luxury hospitality & the Belmond brand.
- Meticulous attention to detail and relentless commitment to quality.
- Resilient, adaptable and calm under pressure.
- Curious, creative and continuously seeking new sources of inspiration.
- Well versed on Sustainability, local sourcing, SRA Standards and uphold Belmond passion for food made good.
- Willingness to travel regularly and embrace the unique lifestyle of working both on board and off board.

Benefits

By joining Belmond, you become part of a global family. We ask you to embrace Belmond's values, follow our guidelines, and embody the spirit of our group

In return, we are committed to ensuring that our employees enjoy unforgettable experiences just as much as our guests.

- Comprehensive healthcare coverage

- Annual performance bonus

- Meal allowance and accommodation support

- Unlimited access to world-class learning platforms, empowering them to continuously develop new skills and advance their careers

- Discovering Belmond, offering complimentary stays at Belmond properties (subject to availability), exclusive discounts on our trains, cruises and safaris, as well as special food and beverage rates

- Preferential rates across Belmond & LVMH