Head Chef

Overview

Head Chef | Private Residence | San Francisco

We are seeking an exceptionally talented and adaptable Head Chef to lead the kitchen of a beautiful private residence in San Francisco, California. This is a wonderful opportunity for a Chef who thrives on creativity, seasonality, and freedom in the kitchen, while also being comfortable with quiet, low-key service for a private principal with a specific dietary routine.

The role offers real range: most nights involve preparing a focused, consistent meal for one principal, while two nights a week call for hosting dinners for small groups with far more room for culinary expression. The household also hosts periodic larger events throughout the year. This is an excellent opportunity for a Chef who enjoys wearing many hats, from menu writing and sourcing to event collaboration, and who wants exposure to the full scope of private residence cooking.


Schedule

• Predominantly Monday-Friday, with flexibility to accommodate change
• Two days per week typically involve hosting dinners; other days center on preparing meals for the principal alone
• Dinner service generally at 6:00-6:30 PM
• Availability during major holidays is required
• No travel required

Responsibilities

• Serve as Head Chef, working in close partnership with the Estate Manager, who will retain oversight of the kitchen
• Write and plan seasonal menus, prioritizing the freshest ingredients and minimal repetition
• Prepare a consistent, specific nightly meal for the principal, plated individually
• Prepare more creative, buffet-style dinners for guests on hosting nights (typically 4-10 people), with room for culinary expression across fish, vegetables, and salads
• Handle all shopping and sourcing for the kitchen
• Support periodic larger events (roughly every other month, ranging from 30-100 guests), working closely with the Estate Manager on planning
• Occasionally cook for visiting family members and house guests
• Collaborate with household staff as needed; kitchen clean-up and floor maintenance are handled by housekeeping
• Anticipate scheduling changes and last-minute requests with a calm, adaptable approach

Qualifications

• Comfortable working independently with significant autonomy while remaining collaborative
• Strong planning skills, with the ability to anticipate needs and adjust smoothly to a flexible schedule
• A minimum of 5+ years of experience in high-end fine dining and ideally private service
• A network of trusted, reliable colleagues who can serve as backup support when needed
• Even-keeled temperament with a calm, grounded presence; someone who has moved past high-pressure restaurant intensity
• Skilled in seasonal, ingredient-driven cooking with genuine creativity and range
• Highly professional and discreet; comfortable with minimal client interaction and a quiet, private household dynamic
• Experience with event-scale cooking and coordination is a plus
• Local to the Bay Area - no out of area candidates
• Legally authorized to work in the United States
• Willing to undergo a detailed background check and provide employment references

Compensation & Benefits

• $160,000-$175,000+ base salary, DOE
• Comprehensive benefits package, including:
• 100% employer-paid health, vision, and dental coverage, including dependents
• Simple IRA with up to 3% match
• Life insurance
• Mental Health Stipend (HRA)
• Paid vacation and sick days combined - 20 days (after 3 month waiting period)

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.