Company Description
About Orient Express
Orient Express embodies the refined and nomadic spirit of travel. Its exceptional assets portfolio includes experiences such as The Orient Express — its iconic carriages reinvented as a modern-day tribute to French luxury, with ARSENALE Group owner — La Dolce Vita, a train celebrating the elegance of Italian art de vivre, and a collection of luxury hotels opened in Rome – La Minerva – and soon in Venice – Palazzo Dona Giovannelli, and with Sailing Yachts - the O.E Corinthian, the world’s largest sailing ship.
While redefining the future of luxury hospitality, Orient Express places particular emphasis on the employee experience, development, and engagement.
As a symbol of ultra-luxury hospitality, the brand is currently undergoing an ambitious phase of rebirth and expansion accelerated since 2024 as a Joint Venture between ACCOR and LVMH.
Now, as Orient Express grows under the steam of its 140-year own glorious reputation and brand, it stands unique and identifiable from the other luxury brands under the ACCOR brands, aiming to become a pioneer of contemporary luxury hospitality, creating immersive experiences that combine exceptional design, impeccable service, culinary excellence, wellness offerings, cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and authentic local experiences, while also actively engaging in local community initiatives and support social causes, making a positive contribution to the destinations its properties operate in. What remains distinctly Orient Express is its spirit of adventure, sublime service and enchanting storytelling. Refreshing and reinvigorating, Orient Express is loved by those with an adventurous spirit and a taste for the very best, linking travel and destinations as part of the same journey.
About Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli
Orient Express will open its second hotel in Italy at the exceptional Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in Venice, in partnership with the Italian luxury hotel group Arsenale. Architect and interior designer Aline Amar d’Amman, alongside her studio Culture in Architecture, has been entrusted to design and decorate the space.
Venice, once the gateway to Constantinople and a mythical stop on the legendary Orient Express train – that opened its doors in 1919 with the completion of the Simplon tunnel linking Switzerland to Italy – will be the home of the second Orient Express hotel, set to open in 2026.
Job Description
As Chef Pâtissier, you will lead the pastry kitchen with artistry and precision, crafting a dessert experience that embodies refined elegance and culinary excellence. From timeless classics reimagined to innovative signature creations, your work will define the sweet finale of every guest’s dining journey. With a balance of tradition, innovation, and flawless execution, you will ensure that every dessert tells a story of sophistication and indulgence.
Your main responsibilities will be:
- Curate and execute a world-class pastry menu rooted in tradition, seasonality, and innovation.
- Lead, inspire, and train the pastry brigade, cultivating a motivated and creative team culture.
- Collaborate closely with the Executive Chef and senior leadership on menu development and culinary concepts.
- Oversee all pastry operations, including preparation, production, plating, hygiene, and compliance with the highest food safety standards.
- Ensure consistent quality, presentation, and attention to detail across all pastry offerings.
- Manage inventory, supplier relationships, and food cost controls to align with financial and sustainability goals.
- Create and maintain effective staff rotas to meet business needs while balancing efficiency and excellence.
- Mentor and develop junior chefs, fostering craftsmanship, creativity, and continuous learning.
- Represent the pastry kitchen with professionalism, engaging with guests when required to enhance their experience.
Qualifications
- Proven experience as a Head or Executive Pastry Chef in a luxury hospitality environment.
- Exceptional leadership, coaching, and organisational skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team.
- Strong business acumen with experience in cost management and supplier partnerships.
- Creative, detail-oriented, and passionate about delivering unforgettable guest experiences.
- Excellent communication skills, polished presentation, and a commitment to luxury brand standards.
- Previous experience within a luxury hotel environment working with LQA, Forbes 5* or equivalent standards
- A positive, hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced, refined environment.
- Fluency in English and Italian required.
Additional Information
