Private Executive Chef (2026)

Excellence Services LLC; Atherton (CA); On-site; USD 68,880 - 112,963; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Discretionary bonus up to 20%

Regular reviews and advancement opportunities

Job summary

Excellence Services LLC is seeking a Private Executive Chef for a prestigious household in Atherton, CA. This role is tailored for a culinary professional eager to create customized and healthy meals for an elite family, with responsibilities including daily meal preparation and event menu planning.

The ideal candidate will possess over seven years of experience, preferably in fine dining or private settings, and be flexible in scheduling, including for holidays and weekends. This opportunity offers a competitive hourly rate and various benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience in Michelin-rated/fine dining establishments.
• Able to accommodate dietary preferences with confidentiality.
• Comfortable with various kitchen tasks including lifting.

Responsibilities

• Cook daily meals tailored to family preferences and dietary needs.
• Design surprise menus and manage kitchen operations.
• Collaborate with household staff for meal preparations.

Skills

Culinary degree or certificate

Proficiency in diverse cuisine styles

Knowledge of California sanitation regulations

Education

Minimum 7+ years of chef experience

Tools

iPhone

MacBook

Google Suite

Job description

Private Executive Chef

Location: Atherton, CA.

Employment Type: Full Time (40 hours/week), Non-Exempt/Hourly. Work Hours: Five 8‑hour days or four 10‑hour days, with flexibility based on family needs. Early hours are expected for breakfast preparation, with weekend availability required.

COMPENSATION

• $50 - $82/hour, DOE (Non‑Exempt/Hourly)
• Discretionary bonus (up to 20%)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off: includes vacation days, sick leave, and personal days
• Paid meal breaks
• Regular reviews and advancement opportunities

SUMMARY

Join a prestigious private household in Atherton, CA, as a Private Executive Chef, where your culinary passion will craft unforgettable dining experiences for an elite family. This role is a unique opportunity for an enthusiastic chef eager to create customized, healthy meals and surprise menus for special occasions like holidays and family milestones. Ideal for a creative professional seeking to lead a residential culinary program with artistic freedom, stability, and the chance to build trusted relationships in a high‑end environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Cook daily meals for the family and guests, tailoring dishes to preferences and dietary needs.
• Design surprise menus for holidays and family milestones, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create healthy, vibrant dishes.
• Create customized, diverse menus four weeks ahead, considering family preferences, dietary needs, seasonal ingredients, and including school lunches as part of the meal planning.
• Oversee kitchen operations from budgeting and sourcing to menu planning, ordering groceries, and managing inventory to ensure seamless daily meal prep.
• Take charge of kitchen maintenance, regularly inspecting and ensuring all kitchen wares and equipment are in top condition for daily use.
• Keep the kitchen spotless and organized at all times, cleaning as you go to ensure efficiency and hygiene throughout the day.
• Maintain the highest standards of health, hygiene, and safety in the kitchen, ensuring proper food storage and sanitation at all times.
• Collaborate with other household staff to plan and execute seamless meal preparations and events, continuously developing new recipes to keep meals exciting.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local and regional food suppliers to ensure the freshest ingredients are always available.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 7+ years of chef experience, preferably in Michelin‑rated/fine dining establishments and private families, backed by a culinary degree or certificate.
• Proficiency in diverse cuisine styles; Asian fusion dishes are a plus.
• Flexible in work schedules, including weekends and holiday shifts.
• Capable of maintaining confidentiality and accommodating a limited range of dietary preferences for principals.
• Comfortable with technology, including iPhone, MacBook, and Google Suite.
• Reliable, deadline‑oriented, and able to work well as part of a residence team.
• Exceptional professional service with a respectful communication style, alongside understanding boundaries and maintaining discretion.
• Capable of performing a range of physical activities in the kitchen, including lifting up to 40 lbs and distinguishing flavors and aromas accurately.
• Good spatial awareness and ability to move efficiently in the workplace, handling various kitchen tasks with care and consideration.
• Knowledge of California sanitation regulations and Food ServSafe certification.
• US work authorization without visa sponsorship, and the ability to pass extensive background checks.
• Possession of a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Ready for pre‑employment health screenings, including physical, psychological exams, and drug tests; annual flu vaccination required.