Cluster Head Chef

The July; Amsterdam; On-site; EUR 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 Vacation Days

OpenUp platform

Gym & sauna access

Bonus scheme

Employee hotel & restaurant rates

Team events

Job summary

The July is seeking a Cluster Head Chef to lead the Vessel and The 51 kitchens in Amsterdam. You will set tone, standards and culture, developing menus that suit both concepts and the Amsterdam market, ensuring consistency across breakfast, lunch, dinner, and events.

This role requires creativity balanced with structure, strong operational discipline, and the ability to switch between two very different kitchens while driving food quality and brand standards.

Qualifications

• Head Chef with experience in premium, high-volume restaurant or brasserie.
• Strong knowledge of classic techniques, seasonality and produce-led menus.
• Ability to design breakfast, lunch and dinner menus within a structured yet creative concept.
• Excellent leadership, recruitment and team development skills.
• Excellent communication, collaboration with front-of-house and senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead both Vessel and The 51 kitchens, upholding brand standards.
• Design seasonal menus reflecting concept and Amsterdam market.
• Develop and lead a motivated kitchen team across meals and events.
• Ensure supply chain processes and food margins align with targets.
• Maintain hygiene, safety, and compliance to Dutch standards.

Skills

Leadership

Head Chef experience

Menu development

Food quality control

Costing & margins

Food safety & HACCP

Communication

Multi-tasking

Job description

The Concepts

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!

Ready to bring the heat? Come cook up the future of hospitality and apartment living.

...Tell us your story!