Cluster Head Chef

The July; Amsterdam; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Personal growth opportunities

25 vacation days

Wellness & community days

Employee discount & hotel perks

Team events & outings

Job summary

The July Amsterdam Boat & Co is seeking a Cluster Head Chef to lead Vessel and The 51 kitchens, defining menus, upholding brand standards and driving culinary excellence across two concepts in a premium, high-volume setting.

You will oversee breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings, manage a diverse kitchen team, and ensure HACCP compliance while controlling costs. A collaborative leadership style and passion for great food are essential.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience representing The July and managing large teams.
• Experience as Head Chef in premium, high-volume kitchens.
• Strong knowledge of classic cooking techniques and seasonality.
• Experience developing breakfast, lunch and dinner menus in a creative concept.
• Attention to detail to ensure top-quality food and presentation.
• Proven ability to recruit and retain high-performing kitchen teams.
• Confident leadership style to run a disciplined kitchen.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and build cross-functional relationships.
• Solid knowledge of HACCP, Dutch food safety standards and compliance.
• Strong cost control and menu engineering skills.

Responsibilities

• Act as the key leader of both kitchens, driving food quality and brand standards.
• Design and implement seasonal menus in line with our concepts and culinary direction.
• Lead a motivated, engaged, and well-trained kitchen team.
• Oversee breakfast, lunch and dinner service.
• Ensure supply chain processes align with brand foundations.
• Manage food margins and waste, maintaining targets.
• Uphold the highest standards of hygiene, safety and compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Head Chef experience

Cooking techniques

Menu development

Attention to detail

Team leadership

Leadership presence

Communication

Multitasking

Food safety

Financial acumen

Job description

The Concepts

Vessel

Inspired by the open waters and neighbourhood spirit of the neighbourhood the Houthavens, Vessel is a relaxed waterfront brasserie celebrating the best of Dutch and European produce, cooked simply and served with care.

Designed as a welcoming space for everyone, hotel guests, locals and visitors. The brasserie blends a tasty menu with comfort food, healthy options, carefully selected wines and creative cocktails. The lively terrace and a flexible events programme reflects the character of one of Amsterdam's most exciting emerging neighbourhoods.

Houthavens has rapidly established itself as one of Amsterdam's most dynamic waterfront destinations. Known for its mix of young families, creative professionals and neighbourhood events, the area has become a community of its own and Vessel is its beating heart.

The 51

Close to Sloterdijk station, The 51 is your local pub in the heart of the neighbourhood. A place for locals, regulars and guests, where a cold drink after work feels just right.

Unpretentious and easy to use. Hotel guests start the morning with a proper breakfast before heading out, then return in the evening to unwind over great beers and a menu of pub classics and sharing plates. No fuss, just good food and good company.

From morning coffee before the commute to midweek quiz nights, weekend gatherings or private drinks, The 51 fits naturally into everyday life. For residents and local businesses in one of Amsterdam’s fastest-changing neighbourhoods, it is a go-to place to meet, unwind and come together.

The Job

As our Cluster Head Chef, you are the culinary leader of Vessel and The 51, responsible for setting the tone, the standards and the culture within both kitchens.

You will develop menus that reflect both the concept and the Amsterdam market, and ensure consistent excellence across breakfast, lunch, dinner, private dining and meeting & events offering.

This role requires creativity balanced with structure and organisation: strong operational discipline, commercial awareness and the ability to switch between two very different kitchens.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the culinary identity. The chosen candidate will have the freedom to create “damn good food!” together with a passionate team, and execute the best versions of The July classic dishes.

You will report to the General Manager of The July Amsterdam Boat & Co and the General Manager of Amsterdam ID Aparthotel.

The Cluster Head Chef must have

• The motivation and leadership skills to represent The July and its international connections with confidence
• Previous experience as a Head Chef within a premium, high-volume, quality-focused restaurant or brasserie
• A strong understanding of classic cooking techniques, seasonality and produce-led menus, combined with the ability to innovate
• Experience developing breakfast, lunch and dinner menus within a structured yet creative concept
• A keen eye for detail to ensure the highest levels of food quality and presentation at all times.
• A proven track record of recruiting, developing, motivating and retaining a high-performing kitchen team.
• A confident leadership style with the presence and enthusiasm to run a disciplined, organised kitchen.
• Exceptional communication skills, verbal and written, ensuring strong collaboration with front-of-house and senior leadership.
• The ability to multi-task and build effective relationships at all levels.
• Clear knowledge of HACCP, food safety standards and compliance within the Netherlands.
• Strong financial acumen, including food costing, margin control and menu engineering.
  

Key Accountabilities

• Acting as the key leader of both kitchens, driving food quality, consistency and brand standards.
• Designing and implementing seasonal menus in line with both concepts and The July’s culinary direction.
• Leading a motivated, engaged and well-trained kitchen team.
• Overseeing breakfast, lunch and dinner service.
• Ensuring supply chain processes are effectively implemented and aligned with the concept and brand foundations.
• Managing food margins in line with agreed targets, maintaining strong control and waste management.
• Maintaining the highest standards of hygiene, food safety and compliance at all times.

What’s in it for you?

In our flat organization, within an informal working atmosphere, your ideas are highly valued.

• Personal Growth: In our company we want to invest in your personal and professional growth by personalized training opportunities, to unleash your professional potential!
• 25 Vacation Days: Take well-deserved breaks with 25 days of vacation time
• Me-Time/Community Day: Enjoy a dedicated day for self-care and another day of community engagement
• OpenUp: An online platform with all sorts of resources to enhance your mental well-being both at work and at home
• Boost your Health with Padel, Personal trainer sessions, Free Gym & sauna access, sport events & workshops – We've got it all covered!
• An attractive bonus scheme yearly determined depending on how well you perform and meet your goals.
• Hotel & restaurant perks: Enjoy daily closing drinks, exclusive employee rates for stays at hotels and a Friends & Family Rate
• Team drinks, events & outings to (never) forget!

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