Private Chef

Full-Time Private Chef — Atherton, CA
Local candidates only, please

A warm family based in Atherton, California is seeking a talented Private Chef to join their household. The family has a refined palate with a love for Mediterranean-inspired cooking, fresh seafood, and high-quality proteins. They value fresh, seasonal, health-conscious cooking and regularly entertain at home, making this a wonderful opportunity for a Chef who enjoys variety, creativity, and being a true part of a close-knit household team.

The ideal candidate brings a strong culinary background, excellent technique, and a genuine passion for creating beautiful, flavorful, health-conscious meals. The family is especially drawn to a Chef who can bring real creativity to healthy, low-carb cooking, someone who can keep meals feeling varied and inspired rather than repetitive or restrictive. Comfort preparing refined everyday food as well as elevated meals for entertaining is essential, always with an emphasis on high-quality, fresh ingredients.

Schedule: Monday–Friday, with occasional weekend work as needed. A day off during the following week will be provided to compensate for any weekend shifts worked.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare daily lunch and dinner, generally Mediterranean-inspired with an emphasis on fresh seafood, high-quality meats, vegetables, and salads
• Bring creativity to healthy, low-carb cooking, developing varied recipes that never feel repetitive or restrictive
• Prepare meals family style for day-to-day dining and for entertaining and work dinners
• Source and shop for groceries, prioritizing fresh, high-quality ingredients
• Maintain an organized, immaculate kitchen at all times
• Cook for guests and gatherings, typically hosted a couple of times per week
• Support holiday cooking as needed, this is a nice-to-have rather than a requirement
• Bring creativity and variety to the menu while maintaining a consistent focus on health-conscious, balanced cooking
• Be comfortable working discreetly and professionally within a private household

Qualifications

• A minimum of 5+ years of private cooking experience, along with experience in fine dining restaurants or hotels
• Must be within a commutable distance to Atherton, CA
• Must be legally authorized to work in the US
• Must be willing to undergo an in-depth background check and provide strong employment references
• Strong culinary training and professional experience, ideally with some private household experience
• Comfortable with Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, fresh seafood, and high-quality proteins
• A genuine passion for healthy cooking, with the creativity to keep low-carb, health-conscious meals exciting and varied
• Highly organized, reliable, and discreet
• Warm, personable, and comfortable being part of a close, community-oriented household
• Open to occasional travel with the family (not required, but welcomed)
• Available for interviews and cooking trials as part of the process

Compensation and Benefits

• $175,000++ base salary, DOE
• Benefits including:
• Healthcare stipend
• 15 paid vacation days
• 5 paid sick days
• 10 paid holidays
• CalSavers
• Meals provided while working

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.