Private Chef

Private Chef – Part-Time (2-3 Days/Week)
Houston, TX area

We're looking for a talented Private Chef ready to cook for a family who genuinely loves great food. Our client, a warm and food-loving family of six, is on the hunt for someone to bring fresh, flavorful meals into their home 2-3 days a week, with the occasional dinner party or event thrown in for fun. Think family-style spreads set out on the island, a love of everything from sushi to gumbo, and two adults who are all-in on the low-carb life while their kids campaign hard for "mom's roast chicken" energy (translation: comfort food done well, no protein pasta sneaking in – the kids will absolutely know).

This family are true foodies who love to try new things and are looking for a Chef who can bring their own creative flair to the table – quite literally. They're not interested in micromanaging menus; instead, they want a Chef who takes an intake of preferences and favorites and then runs with it, surprising them with what's for dinner. 

Finding the right fit is a top priority for this family. While the ideal candidate is a part-time Chef right now, they're absolutely open to considering full-time candidates if the connection and skill set are there. After initial interviews, top candidates will be invited in for a paid cooking trial,  because the proof  is in the pudding, quite literally.

Responsibilities

• Cook fresh, family-style meals 2-3 days per week with additional meals left and prepped for the following days
• Prepare a range of breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks as needed, including kids' school lunches
• Set meals out family-style on the kitchen island; no table service required or expected
• Support occasional dinner parties and events with elevated, polished menus
• Create weekly menus with creative freedom, incorporating family preferences and feedback via an intake form
• Keep meals protein and vegetable-forward and generally low-carb for the adults, while ensuring kids' meals include protein, vegetables, and kid-approved carbs
• Draw from a wide range of cuisines: Asian (sushi, sashimi), Southern comfort (gumbo, jambalaya), classic American, and elevated healthy spins on familiar favorites
• Be respectful of the family's time and space – complete work and depart before mealtime, without lingering for service

Qualifications

• 5+ years of  experience working as a Private Chef and | or in luxury hospitality settings 
• Versatile cooking style across multiple cuisines, with genuine creativity and confidence in menu planning
• Comfortable receiving general preferences/feedback rather than detailed instructions, and enjoys the creative freedom that comes with it
• Trustworthy, reliable, and detail-oriented (a clean, verifiable background and strong references are essential)
• Open to both part-time and potentially full-time discussions, depending on fit
• Legally authorized to work in the US
• Within a commutable distance to Houston, Texas – local candidates only 
• Willing to undergo an in-depth background check and provide strong employment references

Compensation

• $60++ per hour | commensurate with experience
• Approximately 20 hours per week, with some flexibility around events
• Family travels approximately 3-4 weeks per year and will give the Chef advance notice when they are not needed

DM Estate Staffing is a domestic staffing firm headquartered in Silicon Valley, dedicated to connecting exceptional Private Service Professionals with private clients and family offices across the United States. Built over more than a decade on referrals and repeat clients, we have grown thoughtfully by doing one thing well: finding the right person for the right home.

Every member of our recruiting team has worked personally in the homes of prominent private clients, as estate managers, private chefs, household leaders, and more. That lived experience is what sets us apart. We don't just understand private service in theory; we've navigated its nuances, its demands, and its deeply personal nature from the inside. That perspective shapes every search we conduct and every candidate we represent.

We encourage you to regularly explore our job board and apply for any roles that align with your experience and aspirations. When your background aligns with what our clients are looking for, we will be in touch. We hope to have the opportunity to work with you soon.