Position Overview

The Private Chef is responsible for planning, preparing and delivering high‑quality, nutritionally balanced meals within a private household environment, ensuring exceptional culinary standards, presentation and discretion. Reporting to the Head of Household or Property Manager, the role involves designing menus to suit household preferences, dietary requirements and event specifications while maintaining impeccable hygiene, food safety and inventory control.

This role requires strong culinary skills across a range of cuisines, excellent organisation, the ability to work independently and as part of a small household team, and a professional, discreet manner appropriate to a high‑calibre private residence. The postholder will be expected to manage kitchen operations, liaise with suppliers, and adapt flexibly to household schedules and special requests.

Key Responsibilities

• Menu Planning & Provision

  Develop seasonal and bespoke menus tailored to household preferences, dietary needs and special occasions; source quality ingredients and ensure diverse, balanced meal offerings.

• Food Preparation & Presentation

  Prepare and plate meals to the highest standards of taste and presentation for daily service, entertaining and private dining; execute a wide range of culinary techniques with consistency and care.

• Dietary Management & Special Requirements

  Accommodate allergies, intolerances, religious or medical dietary requirements and specialist nutrition plans; consult with household members and healthcare professionals as required.

• Kitchen Management & Hygiene

  Maintain a clean, organised kitchen in line with food safety, hygiene and health & safety protocols; ensure proper storage, rotation and labelling of foodstuffs and cleaning of equipment.

• Inventory, Purchasing & Supplier Relations

  Manage stock levels, place orders with suppliers, receive deliveries and verify quality; build and maintain professional supplier relationships to source high‑quality and speciality items.

• Event & Private Dining Support

  Plan and deliver catering for household events, private dinners and parties, including menu design, timing and coordination with other household staff or external contractors.

• Budgeting & Record Keeping

  Maintain accurate records of purchases, menu costs and kitchen expenses; adhere to household budgets and report any variances to the Head of Household or appointed manager.

• Teamwork & Communication

  Communicate discreetly and professionally with household staff and management; support colleagues during periods of increased activity and coordinate service requirements effectively.

• Flexibility & Additional Duties

  Work flexibly to meet household needs, including occasional evenings, weekends and travel with the household as required; undertake additional reasonable duties to support smooth household operations.

Candidate Profile

• Minimum 3 years’ professional experience as a chef in private households, fine dining, boutique hospitality or similar high‑end environments.

• Recognised culinary qualification or equivalent professional training and demonstrable practical experience across a range of cuisines and techniques.

• Strong knowledge of nutrition, special diets and food allergies, with the ability to adapt menus accordingly.

• Excellent standards of food safety and hygiene with formal training (e.g. Level 2/3 Food Safety) and a proactive approach to kitchen cleanliness and organisation.

• Proven ability to plan and manage kitchen operations, suppliers and stock control with attention to budgeting and cost control.

• Professional, discreet and well‑presented with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work confidentially within a private household.

• Reliable, punctual and adaptable with excellent time‑management skills; willingness to work flexibly including evenings, weekends and travel when required.

• Eligibility to work in the UK and valid right to work documentation.

Additional Information

• Opportunity to work within a private, high‑calibre household environment where culinary excellence, discretion and personalised service are valued.

• Competitive remuneration and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications.