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Employment and jobs

Working as a chef in Luxembourg

We will not only uncover the intricacies of the chef's role but also navigate through various positions within the gastronomic realm. We'll discuss the requisite training and skills essential for aspiring chefs, providing insights into the diverse paths available.

Last time updated
14.11.24

Let's explore the intricate role of a chef de cuisine, the leader of a professional kitchen, whether in a restaurant, canteen, or catering service. Referred to as the "chef," or, if qualified, "master restaurateur," the chef de cuisine shoulders substantial responsibilities beyond the act of cooking.

What is a chef de cuisine in Luxembourg and what they do?

With a watchful eye over ongoing cooking processes, plate presentation, and inventory, the chef is instrumental in maintaining the quality of dishes served, directly influencing the establishment's reputation. The position involves a multifaceted array of responsibilities:

Team Leadership and Recruitment
Working collaboratively with specialized chefs like pastry chefs, bakers, and pizza makers, the chef de cuisine orchestrates a team to deliver diverse dishes promptly. In larger restaurants, they recruit and train their kitchen brigade.
Menu Selection
Infusing personal flair into dishes, the chef curates menus, balancing flavors and accommodating customer preferences, including dietary restrictions like allergies and specific preferences such as vegetarian or vegan options.
Supply Chain Management
Ensuring a well-stocked kitchen, the chef manages the procurement of ingredients, meats, and condiments. They oversee stock levels, initiate orders, and negotiate with suppliers to maintain a seamless supply chain.
Restaurant Image Management
Representing the restaurant's image, the chef uses creativity to enhance its appeal, playing a pivotal role in building and retaining customer loyalty.
Compliance of Quality
Maintaining stringent adherence to hygiene and safety regulations is a crucial aspect of the chef's responsibilities.
Pricing Strategy
Collaborating with the restaurant owner, the chef negotiates prices and explores new suppliers to strike a balance between quality and cost.
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The role of a chef de cuisine boasts numerous positive aspects as well as has its share of downsides
The profession is in high demand, providing chefs with the flexibility to choose the type of restaurant, negotiate working hours to a certain extent
One can explore diverse culinary environments, including hotels, traditional establishments, gourmet restaurants, and themed eateries like pizzerias or food trucks
Chefs enjoy significant autonomy, allowing them to organize their teams and work for prestigious establishments, showcasing their culinary talents.
The demanding schedule, characterized by early mornings for product reception and lunch service preparation, along with late nights for serving the last customers and kitchen cleanup, can be taxing.
Working evenings and weekends often puts chefs out of sync with their friends and family.
The chef de cuisine shoulders immense responsibility, dealing with the pressures of overseeing the entire service, which can be highly stressful.
Wanna cook, Jesse?

The chef de cuisine position is a dynamic blend of creativity, leadership, and operational acumen. While the role offers autonomy, prestige, and opportunities for culinary expression, it demands resilience and dedication to navigate the challenges inherent in the culinary world.

What training and skills are necessary to work in the food service industry?

Becoming a chef in Luxembourg requires not only culinary talent and a passion for cooking but also the appropriate training in the culinary field.

How to become a chef?

The training options vary considerably, providing aspiring chefs with different pathways.

Certificat de Capacité Professionnelle (CCP) in Cuisine
Diplôme d’Aptitude Professionnelle (DAP) in Cuisine
Brevet de Technicien Supérieur (BTS) in Hotel and Restaurant Management
In addition to formal education, a chef de cuisine must possess a diverse set of skills, many of which are honed through training and experience:
Product and Culinary Technique
A chef must possess an in-depth understanding of food products, herbs, spices, and various cooking techniques.
Creativity and Innovation
Cooking is an art, and a proficient chef must be creative and innovative. This involves creating new dishes!
Stress Management
Effective stress management, organizational skills, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are essential
Physical Resilience
Given the physically demanding nature of the job, a chef must maintain good physical condition to withstand the environment.
Main skill is still management

A chef de cuisine must be an adept manager, overseeing a team that can range from a few individuals to as many as 20. This role demands authority, benevolence, and the ability to foster a positive kitchen atmosphere. Autonomy, good managerial skills, and teaching abilities are crucial as chefs regularly share their expertise by training apprentices.

What are the different types of jobs in the food service industry in Luxembourg?

In the realm of professional kitchens, a well-defined hierarchy is essential for the smooth execution of service. From the kitchen porter to the head chef, each position plays a distinct role in ensuring the kitchen's efficient operation. The unity and collaboration of the entire team, especially in larger kitchens, are paramount. While smaller kitchens may demand versatility, the roles in larger establishments are precisely delineated. Despite the need for all team members to be versatile, the hierarchy and task distribution play a vital role in a professional kitchen.

The team within a kitchen is referred to as a brigade. Regardless of the structure's size, a chef always issues orders and manages the brigade.

Available jobs in the kitchen in Luxembourg

Dishwasher (Le plongeur)
The dishwasher is responsible for cleaning equipment, utensils, and dishes used in the kitchen. While not directly involved in cooking, they may occasionally assist with tasks like washing and peeling vegetables. The dishwasher oversees kitchen cleanliness, handling tasks such as managing trash and potentially dealing with table linens. Typically seasonal, this role serves as an entry point for those without formal culinary education.
Kitchen Assistant (Le Commis de Cuisine)
He holds an entry-level position in the culinary hierarchy. It is often the role of newcomers, interns, and recent graduates aspiring to become chefs. Tasks include ingredient preparation, washing, peeling, monitoring cooking processes, plating, and ensuring dishes are served at the right temperature. He observes senior chefs to learn and understand the craft, making it a crucial learning phase.
Kitchen helper (L'Aide Cuisine)
Similar to the kitchen assistant, the kitchen helper performs subordinate tasks but is involved in more intricate operations. With some culinary skills, the kitchen aid may engage in cooking activities, marking a progression beyond commis duties. However, not all establishments differentiate between a kitchen assistant and a kitchen helper, considering both beginners and apprentices.
Cook (Le Cuisinier)
A cook attains a level of independence in tasks performed, having gained practical experience over a few years. Capable of managing the preparation of multiple dishes independently, a cook may continue in this role for several decades before earning recognition as a chef. Advancement requires proving one's skills and capabilities.
Station Chef (Le Chef de Partie)
The station chef specializes in a particular area of the kitchen. Given the vastness of the culinary world, aspiring chefs must choose a specialty. In a culinary brigade, each role focuses on a specific aspect of the dining experience. The Entremétier crafts purées, pasta, and hot appetizers, while the Garde-Manger is responsible for cold appetizers and catering. The Boucher Charcutier manages butchery and charcuterie in the cold room. The Poissonnier specializes in fish preparation, often with the help of a fish prep chef. Desserts, baked goods, and ice cream are the realms of the Pâtissier, Boulanger, and Glacier, respectively. The Communard ensures the brigade's meals are prepared efficiently, and the Saucier creates delicate and essential sauces. Together, these roles ensure a seamless and diverse dining experience
Sous-Chef (Le Second de Cuisine)
The sous chef holds one of the highest positions in the kitchen hierarchy, positioned just below the head chef. Serving as the right-hand person to the head chef, the sous chef must possess skills equivalent to those of a head chef. Responsibilities include preparing all dishes, crafting menus, and overseeing the kitchen brigade. In the head chef's absence, the sous chef takes charge, requiring the ability to perform all head chef tasks. This role serves as the final step before potentially becoming a head chef.
Head Chef (Le Chef Cuisinier)
At the pinnacle of the kitchen hierarchy, the head chef is the master of the kitchen. Proficient in all dishes on the menu, the head chef is experienced and capable of renewing the menu. Beyond culinary prowess, the head chef is a skilled manager and leader, overseeing kitchen operations, managing supplies, and supervising the entire kitchen team. The head chef directs the brigade, possesses strong management skills, and ensures the restaurant's overall success, from customer satisfaction to efficient operation and production rates.
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Which positions are most demanded in Luxembourg?

Not all positions in the restaurant industry share equal demand in the Luxembourg job market. Understanding which roles are in higher demand can guide decisions on job pursuits and preparation. 

Statistics say

Analysis based on the Ministry of Labour (MT) and the Employment Development Agency (ADEM) sector studies, specifically the Horesca sector study focusing on hospitality and catering, reveals the Top 10 most demanded occupations in this sector. 

28%
kitchen staff (cooks, chefs de partie, commis de cuisine, etc.)
23%
restaurant service personnel (waiters, commis, etc.)
9%
dishwashers and kitchen assistants
8%
café and restaurant waiters
Popular kitchen jobs in Luxembourg 2024
Source: ADEM

Luxembourg establishments recruiting in the food service industry

Luxembourg offers a plethora of opportunities in the thriving food service industry, with numerous establishments actively seeking talented individuals. Here's a curated list of ten such establishments, each contributing to Luxembourg's diverse culinary landscape.

Mama Shelter
Mama Shelter, a French hotel chain now part of the Accor group, continuously seeks personnel for its Luxembourg restaurants. Explore exciting opportunities to be part of this dynamic culinary environment.
Chef jobs in restaurant in Luxembourg
Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut, a global pizza restaurant chain, is a renowned name in Luxembourg. Join their team to be a part of a worldwide culinary legacy and contribute to crafting delicious pizzas and diverse menu offerings.
Work in restaurant in Luxembourg
Novotel Luxembourg
As a well-established hotel brand, Novotel offers a modern hospitality experience globally. In Luxembourg, Novotel actively recruits kitchen staff, providing opportunities for culinary enthusiasts to showcase their skills in a comfortable and contemporary setting.
Kitchen jobs in hotel in Luxembourg
Burger King
Burger King, a global fast-food giant, is a popular choice in Luxembourg. Embark on a culinary journey with Burger King, where flame-grilled burgers and a diverse menu await, offering exciting roles for kitchen staff.
Work in restaurant in Luxembourg
aResto
äResto is a collective catering company with a mission to provide quality meals to businesses and institutions. Since 2008, they emphasize products from Luxembourg, the Greater Region, organic farming, and fair trade.
Chef jobs in restaurant in Luxembourg
SERVIOR
As a leader in managing senior services in Luxembourg, SERVIOR offers opportunities for those passionate about providing quality care and services to seniors.
Work in catering for cook in Luxembourg
Caterman
Caterman stands as a prominent HORECA player in Luxembourg, boasting over 25 points of restoration and more than 250 employees. Join their team for exciting roles in the dynamic hospitality sector.
Work in catering for cook in Luxembourg
Steffen Traiteur
Part of the Steffen Group, Steffen Traiteur is a culinary destination in Luxembourg. Renowned for its delectable offerings, it consistently seeks kitchen personnel to contribute to its gastronomic excellence.
Chef jobs in restaurant in Luxembourg
Hôtel Le Place d'Armes
A symbol of luxury in Luxembourg, Hôtel Le Place d'Armes offers exciting opportunities for kitchen staff. Join this distinguished hotel to be part of an elegant and prestigious culinary team.
Kitchen jobs in hotel in Luxembourg
Sofitel
Sofitel, synonymous with luxury, offers an exquisite culinary experience globally. In Luxembourg, Sofitel consistently seeks kitchen staff to contribute to its renowned dining services, blending gourmet cuisine with an unparalleled ambiance..
Kitchen jobs in hotel in Luxembourg

Job portals offering vacancies in Luxembourg

To navigate the job market efficiently, the internet is your best ally, hosting numerous job portals with thousands of job listings. These platforms allow you to filter job offers based on your preferred sector, location, educational level, or required work experience.

International job search
Among the international portals are eures.europa.eu (the European Union's portal), eurojobs.com, eurojobsites.com, experteer.com, indeed.com, page.com and LinkedIn.com.
Job platforms for Luxembourg
For local opportunities in Luxembourg, prominent portals include jobfinder.lu, jobs.lu, monster.lu, and moovijob.com. Each portal offers a unique set of opportunities, allowing you to tailor your job search to your preferences and career goals.

Freelance in cuisine and cooking jobs

Embarking on a freelance career in the culinary realm offers unique possibilities within Luxembourg's gastronomic landscape. Freelance chefs enjoy the freedom to showcase their culinary expertise, experiment with diverse cuisines, and tailor their services to varied clientele. This autonomy fosters creativity and flexibility, allowing chefs to curate personalized culinary experiences. 

However, freelancing comes with challenges, including the need for self-promotion, managing client relationships, and handling administrative tasks. Additionally, aspiring entrepreneurs should be aware that establishing a restaurant, while rewarding, necessitates a significant investment.

What else can you read on the topic of employment in Luxembourg?

You will find a variety of articles on the job search, career development and workplace culture in our dedicated section of the Blog. Check it out. 

Professions in-demand in Luxembourg
How to nail job interview in Luxembourg
Writing cover letter for work
Getting a job in Luxembourg
Unskilled jobs with sponsorship visa

Salaries of professionals in the food industry in 2024

The average salary for a chef in Luxembourg varies based on hierarchical status within the establishment and the employer.

Average wages for chef and restaurant jobs in Luxembourg
RoleMinimum (euros)Maximum (euros)
Cook2,7635,132
Assistant Cook2,1514,627
Chef3,3008,545
Fast Food Worker2,0974,590
Kitchen Helper1,9083,961
Pizza Cook3,1085,492

Employers often recognize contributions with performance-related bonuses, and it's common to receive a 13th or 14th-month salary, provided it is stipulated in the employment contract or covered by the collective agreement

Wage one can put on bread

Entry-level positions, such as kitchen assistants or novice commis without formal qualifications, typically earn an average of 2,500 euros gross monthly for full-time work (non-qualified minimum social wage). As one progresses, a chef can expect to earn between 3,000 and 3,500 euros gross per month. Experienced head chefs may command salaries ranging from 6,000 to 7,000 euros gross monthly in Luxembourg.

What papers do you need as a foreigner?

For European nationals, the process of working in Luxembourg is relatively straightforward, given the freedom to live and work in any European country. However, if you are not a European national, navigating the paperwork becomes essential.

The requirements vary based on your circumstances, distinguishing between employed and self-employed roles. Additionally, familial situations, such as having a Luxembourgish or European partner, can impact the process.

Common documents and prerequisites typically include
Collect the documents
These are the first basic documents one might need to apply for a work permit and temporary authorisation to stay.
*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.
Two fully completed Schengen visa application forms
Two recent identical passport photos
A copy of the passport
Proof of accommodation
An employment contract
Payment of the applicable visa fee
Collect the documents
These are the first basic documents one might need to apply for a work permit and temporary authorisation to stay.
*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.
Work
Documents
Visa
Read more about the process of obtaining work visa to Luxembourg
Work permit in Luxembourg
faq

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the common job positions in the Luxembourg food service industry?

What training and skills are necessary for a career in the food service industry?

Is working as a freelance chef a viable option in Luxembourg?

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We took photos from these sources: Sebastian Coman Photography on Unsplash, ADEM, mentioned restaurants social media pages, Business Events Luxembourg

Authors: Luz, Daria
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