DM Estate Staffing is working with a warm, active family in Atherton to find a talented full-time Private Chef. The household includes two adults and their older children, and the kitchen is very much the center of daily life. The family is looking for someone who can take full ownership of lunch and dinner, cook confidently across a wide range of cuisines, and bring a calm, cheerful presence into the home.
This is a hands-on role for a chef who enjoys cooking for people they know well. Menus change with the seasons and with what the family is in the mood for, so curiosity and flexibility matter as much as technique. The family entertains often, and you will be trusted to handle everything from a relaxed weeknight supper to a dinner party for guests.
THE HOUSEHOLD
- Two adults and older children, all of whom eat together regularly.
- Casual, friendly, and easygoing in tone, with high standards for the food itself.
- Frequent entertaining, including dinner parties, family gatherings, and guests in residence.
- A busy schedule that shifts week to week, so good communication is essential.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Plan, prepare, and serve lunch and dinner for the family on scheduled workdays.
- Build seasonal menus across a variety of cuisines, adjusting to the family's preferences and any dietary needs.
- Shop for and source high-quality ingredients from local markets, purveyors, and specialty vendors.
- Cook for frequent entertaining, from casual gatherings to seated dinner parties, and coordinate any additional support when needed.
- Prepare meals in advance, along with staples and snacks, so the family is well fed on days you are not on property.
- Maintain the kitchen, pantry, and refrigeration to a high standard of cleanliness and organization.
- Manage inventory, kitchen budgets, receipts, and equipment care.
- Accommodate schedule changes with flexibility and a positive attitude.
- Work with discretion at all times and respect the privacy of the family and their guests.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Strong professional restaurant background, ideally in respected kitchens with high-volume or fine dining standards.
- Previous private household experience is required, with references that speak to longevity and trust.
- Genuine range across cuisines, with the confidence to cook Italian one night, Japanese the next, and simple family favorites in between.
- Skilled at healthy, everyday cooking as well as more elevated menus for guests.
- Comfortable planning, shopping, prepping, cooking, and cleaning independently.
- Warm, personable, and easy to have in the home, with a low-profile presence.
- Organized, reliable, and calm under pressure.
REQUIREMENTS
- Must currently live in the San Francisco Bay Area. This is a local, commuting position, and relocation or housing is not offered.
- Valid driver's license, clean driving record, and reliable personal transportation.
- Legal authorization to work in the United States.
- Must successfully pass a comprehensive background check.
- Verifiable, stellar professional references.
- Paid working trials will be scheduled for suitable candidates as part of the selection process.
SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION
Employment Type: Full-time, four to five days per week.
Meals: Lunch and dinner on scheduled workdays.
Schedule: Set weekly schedule with flexibility around entertaining and travel.
Start Date: As soon as possible for the right candidate.
Compensation: 150K+ commensurate with experience.
Benefits
- Healthcare coverage.
- Ten (10) days of paid vacation.
- Paid sick days.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
You trained in professional kitchens and have since found that you prefer cooking for a family. You like knowing how someone takes their eggs, remembering which vegetables the kids will actually eat, and putting together something beautiful for a table of guests on short notice. You are just as happy making a simple roast chicken as you are building a tasting menu.
You are warm, dependable, and easy to work alongside. You keep an immaculate kitchen; you communicate clearly about schedules and shopping; and you take real pride in the small daily pleasure of feeding people well.
