About this role
Job Highlights - Location: Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands - Rate: €40k - 48k per year + gross - Type: Contract Head Chef Job Title: Head chef - 5 * hotel Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands Salary: €40,000 - €48,000 gross per year A new luxury hotel in Rotterdam is preparing for launch and seeks a Head Chef to establish and lead all kitchen operations from the ground up. The culinary vision features contemporary Mediterranean cuisine , delivered within a high-end hospitality setting. This pivotal leadership role within the pre-opening team is responsible for shaping the kitchen's identity, assembling the culinary team, and establishing operational excellence before and after opening. Key Responsibilities - Direct the complete establishment and launch of all hotel kitchen operations and dining outlets - Create and execute a Mediterranean-focused menu that reflects a luxury hotel dining experience - Maintain consistent quality, presentation, and service standards across breakfast, à la carte, and event catering - Manage procurement, vendor relationships, inventory systems, and food cost optimization - Enforce and uphold rigorous hygiene, HACCP, and food safety protocols - Recruit, train, and manage the kitchen staff during the hotel's pre-opening phase - Collaborate with Food & Beverage and senior management to deliver a flawless guest experience - Champion menu innovation, seasonal refreshes, and culinary concept evolution - Track kitchen performance metrics, staffing levels, and operational effectiveness Candidate Profile - Demonstrated experience as Executive Chef, Head Chef, or Senior Sous Chef in 4- or 5-star hotels or equivalent luxury hospitality settings - Extensive expertise in Mediterranean cuisine; Spanish culinary background is a significant advantage - Prior involvement in hotel launches or pre-opening initiatives is highly beneficial - Self-assured and organized leader with a track record of managing k...