Key Skills

Job Description

Senior Chef de Parti Garde - Cafe Americain at Clayton Hotel Amsterdam American Step into the spotlight at Café Americain; an iconic, Art Deco dining landmark in the heart of Amsterdam’s bustling Leidseplein. We’re looking for a Senior Chef de Parti Garde who brings passion, precision, and creativity to every plate, leading others with skill and flair. From classic European flavours to bold modern twists, you’ll help shape the culinary identity of one of the city’s most storied restaurants. Clayton Hotel Amsterdam American, part of the Dalata Hotel Group, is a 4-star, 173-room hotel nestled in one of the most beautiful art nouveau buildings in the Netherlands. Home to the legendary Café Americain and stylish Bar Americain, we serve guests from around the world with a culinary experience that’s as memorable as the setting. Objective of the Role As Senior Chef de Parti Garde, you’ll take the lead in managing the cold section with pride, precision, and passion - whether you’re crafting an elegant dinner for two or preparing for a packed Friday service. You’ll play a vital role in supporting the kitchen team across all our food and beverage outlets, including Café Americain and Bar Americain, ensuring every dish meets our high standards of quality, consistency, and creativity. With your deep culinary knowledge and finger on the pulse of the latest trends and techniques, you’ll help push our menus forward while mentoring junior chefs and maintaining smooth, efficient service. This hands-on, high-energy role is perfect for chefs who love to lead, create, and grow within a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Key Responsibilities Lead the Cold Section Take full ownership of the cold section, leading day-to-day operations with precision, care, and confidence Prepare and plate dishes to the highest standards, following recipes, plating guides, and chef’s specifications Conduct regular quality checks on flavour, texture, temperature, and presentation to ensure consistency Manage Prep & Supplies Oversee mise en place, daily prep, and food storage, ensuring strict adherence to FIFO, HACCP, and safety procedures Identify and flag shortages promptly to keep kitchen operations running smoothly and efficiently Coach & Collaborate Supervise, mentor, and support (junior) chefs, delegating tasks effectively to maintain smooth service Work closely with the Sous Chef(s) and Head Chef to meet operational goals and enhance guest satisfaction Contribute to menu development by suggesting creative improvements and new ideas Maintain Standards Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation, and food safety throughout your section and the kitchen Ensure compliance with hotel policies and regulatory health & safety guidelines like HACCP What We’re Looking For We’re looking for a Senior Chef de Parti Garde who’s got the skills, energy, and attitude to thrive in a fast-paced kitchen. Here’s what makes a great fit: Culinary training - MBO Level 2 or higher (or equivalent experience) Hands-on experience in a professional kitchen environment Solid knowledge of core cooking techniques, food safety standards, allergens, and food trends A natural sense of quality and presentation - you care about the details Strong leadership, organisation, and time management skills, especially during busy service A team player who communicates well and supports others Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays If you're passionate, reliable, and ready to grow - we want to hear from you. What You’ll Get From Us At Dalata, we believe great people deserve great rewards. Here’s what you can expect when you join our team: A Culture That Cares A warm, people-first team where you’re valued and supported Regular staff events, recognition programmes, and a workplace that feels like home Real Career Progression Access to our Dalata Academy for learning, growth, & career development Opportunities to grow your career across our hotels currently in Ireland, the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands Daily Perks Fresh meals during your shift Uniform provided 50% off food & drinks in all Dalata hotels €60 employee room rate across all Dalata-owned properties 30% Friends & Family discount on stays Extra Benefits One extra annual leave day for every year you work (up to 5 additional days) Travel allowance for commutes over 10km Free overnight stay in the hotel after your probation period Access to our Employee Assistance Programme A Culture You Can Grow In At Dalata Hotel Group, we don’t just run hotels - we build careers and communities. We bring the heart of hospitality to everything we do: supporting our teams, welcoming our guests, and growing together across countries. As Ireland's largest hotel operator, we see our growth and expansion plans as a way of spreading our unique way of caring for our guests further around the world, bringing better experiences to more people. Currently the Dalata difference can be felt at each of our hotels in Ireland, the UK, Germany & the Netherlands, and we’ll keep expanding this further, focusing on key UK cities, Dublin and Continental Europe. You’ll be joining a workplace that values Our People, Our Fairness, Our Service and Our Individuality. Whether you’re on your first day or your fifth year, your ideas, voice, and growth matter here. Our company is a place where you can do great things, individually and as a team. Through our award-winning training programmes and a culture of recognition, we’ll help you reach the next level - and enjoy the journey along the way. Dalata is a proudly inclusive employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive. If you need any accommodations during the application process, just let us know. Ready to take your next step? Apply now and show us what you bring to the table!

Core Responsibilities

The Senior Chef de Parti Garde is responsible for leading the cold section, ensuring high standards of food quality, presentation, and consistency. They will also mentor junior chefs, manage daily prep and supplies, and collaborate with the kitchen team to support operational goals.

Requirements

Candidates must have culinary training at MBO Level 2 or higher and hands-on experience in a professional kitchen. Strong knowledge of cooking techniques, food safety standards, and leadership skills are essential for this role.

Benefits

• Fresh meals during shift
• Uniform provided
• 50% off food and drinks in all Dalata hotels
• Employee room rate
• Friends and family discount
• Extra annual leave
• Travel allowance
• Free overnight stay
• Employee assistance programme
• Career development