Private Executive Chef (2026)

excellenceservices; Atherton (CA); On-site; USD 69,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Paid Meal Breaks

Regular Reviews & Advancement

Job summary

Excellence Services in Atherton, CA is seeking a Private Executive Chef to lead a residential kitchen for a high-profile family. You will design and prepare customized, healthy menus, supervise daily operations, and ensure privacy and discretion.

This on-site role requires 7+ years of chef experience, culinary degree, ability to collaborate with household staff, and a flexible schedule including weekends.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7+ years of chef experience, preferably in Michelin-rated/fine dining settings.
• Proficiency in diverse cuisine styles; Asian fusion a plus.
• Capable of maintaining confidentiality and discretion with principals.

Responsibilities

• Cook daily meals for family and guests, tailoring to preferences and dietary needs.
• Design holiday and milestone menus using fresh, local ingredients to create healthy, vibrant dishes.
• Oversee kitchen operations: budgeting, sourcing, inventory, and vendor relations.

Skills

Chef experience

Diverse cuisine styles

Discretion & confidentiality

Education

Culinary degree or certificate

Tools

iPhone

MacBook

Google Suite

Job description

Private Executive Chef

On-site

Position in Atherton, CA

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 & 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:

Meal Preparation and Cooking

• 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.

Kitchen Management and Operations

• Oversee kitchen operations from budgeting and sourcing to menu planning, ordering groceries, and managing inventory, ensuring 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.

Health, Hygiene, and Safety

• 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.

Team Collaboration and Communication

• Collaborate with other household staff to plan and execute seamless meal preparations and events, continuously developing new recipes to keep meals exciting.

Vendor Relations and Procurement

• 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.
• Annual flu shot required.

OUR CORE VALUES:

• Principals’ First: Always put our principals’ needs and interests first.
• Learn from mistakes: Admit mistakes upfront. Learns and grows from mistakes.
• Conscientious: Attention to detail. Finishes duties mindfully, effectively, and promptly.
• Dedication: Shows a deep commitment to the role and the company.
• Accountable: Takes ownership of tasks and completes thorough due diligence.
• Independent: Thinks and acts independently. Able to be self-taught and keep improving.
• Resilience: Never complains or shies away from work. Welcome feedback and can thrive under pressure.

WHY JOIN US?

• Prestigious Environment: Operate within a high-end private household, managing luxurious properties and engaging with an exclusive clientele.
• Strategic Impact: Play a crucial role in shaping and optimizing household operations, contributing to the overall efficiency and excellence of the residence.
• Professional Growth: Access to continuous learning opportunities, including specialized training and potential for career advancement within a prestigious organization.
• Technology-Driven Operations: Work in an environment that prioritizes modern tools and systems for seamless communication, task management, and operational efficiency.
• Competitive Compensation: Enjoy a highly competitive salary range with significant earning potential through performance-based bonuses and comprehensive benefits.
• Supportive Culture: Thrive in a collaborative and supportive work environment that values dedication, integrity, and excellence.