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 a Private Dining Maitre, you will manage all aspects of exclusive private events, ensuring flawless service and personalized experiences for VIP clients. You will lead a refined team, collaborate closely with culinary and events departments, and maintain the highest standards of quality, discretion, and operational excellence in a luxury environment.
Responsibilities:
- Oversee all aspects of private dining events, from meticulous planning to impeccable execution and breakdown. You will ensure flawless service and presentation standards, managing every stage before, during, and after the event.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for private dining clients. You will be expected to understand and anticipate their unique needs and preferences, customizing culinary experiences, menus, and ambiance to their specifications, and ensuring discretion, intimacy, and personalized attention for VIP guests.
- Lead, train, and motivate a dedicated team of service staff for private events, fostering a culture of anticipatory service, refinement, and discretion.
- Collaborate with the Executive Chef and culinary team to design bespoke menus. You will coordinate with the Director of Food & Beverage, Sales & Events teams, and Concierge/Butler services for seamless event execution.
- Ensure Quality Assurance & Presentation, maintaining the highest standards of food and beverage presentation, quality, and hygiene for private functions. You will oversee table settings, décor, and ambiance to match the ultra-luxury palace environment and client expectations.
- For Financial Oversight (Private Dining), you will manage budgets specific to private dining events, control costs related to each event, including staffing and special requests.
- Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, and liquor licensing regulations. You will maintain absolute discretion and confidentiality regarding client information, implement and monitor security protocols for private events as required.
Qualifications
- Proven experience (minimum 3-5 years) as a Maître d'hôtel, Private Dining Manager, or Assistant Restaurant Manager in a 5-star luxury hotel, palace, or Michelin-starred restaurant.
- Exceptional client relationship management skills, with a demonstrated ability to provide discreet, personalized, and anticipatory service to VIP guests.
- Strong leadership and team management abilities.
- In-depth knowledge of fine dining food, wine, spirits, and elaborate service protocols, including international etiquette.
- Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to guest satisfaction and operational challenges.
- Previous experience within a luxury hotel environment working with LQA, Forbes 5* or equivalent standards.
- Fluency in English and in Italian required.
Additional Information
