Private Chef in Palo Alto, California

Private Chef

Location: Palo Alto, California, USA

Guests: Family of 3 + 3 staff

Salary: $200,000 to $230,000 per year, plus benefits and discretionary bonus

Start Date: As soon as possible

Contract: Full-time, permanent, employed, Monday to Friday

Diet and restriction: Nut allergy, healthy California & Med style cuisine, colorful, seasonal, family-friendly meals

Accommodation: Live-out. Candidates already based near Palo Alto are preferred. Relocation assistance may be offered for the right candidate.

Requirement: Minimum 5 years' experience as a Private Chef, Michelin-star restaurant experience, and a valid driving licence.

Job Description

The role: A UHNW family based in Palo Alto is looking for an experienced Private Chef to join their household on a full-time, permanent basis. The chef will work Monday to Friday, sourcing high-quality local ingredients each morning before preparing daily meals for the family. The role includes lunch and dinner for the principals, meals and snacks for a young child, simple breakfast preparation left in the fridge for the following day, and daily simple staff meals for the household team of 3.

Food and cuisine preferences: The family regularly dines at some of the world's leading two and three Michelin-starred restaurants and has a genuine appreciation for exceptional food. They value excellent sourcing, consistency, and flavor over complicated presentation. Daily cooking should focus on healthy, balanced meals with Mediterranean and California influences. Lunches and dinners are relaxed family meals, with weekly opportunities to create more refined fine dining experiences for the family and their guests.

The chef should be comfortable preparing meals for a toddler, simple meals for household staff, and adapting menus as the family's needs evolve.

Contract and package: This is a full-time, permanent position offered on a W2 employed basis, working Monday to Friday. Salary ranges from $200,000 to $230,000 per year, depending on experience and suitability. The successful candidate will receive a competitive benefits package including health insurance, 401(k), a discretionary bonus of up to 20%, and paid annual leave. Live-out is preferred, although live-in accommodation can be made available if required. The chef will manage daily sourcing and purchasing.

Additional information: The family is building a long-term household team and hopes to find a Private Chef who will remain with them for many years. They are looking for someone with proven experience in private households, strong restaurant training, excellent sourcing knowledge, and a calm, professional approach. Experience working in UHNW homes is required to be considered.

The family values flexibility, discretion, organization, and a genuine passion for seasonal cooking. They are knowledgeable food lovers who appreciate beautifully presented, seasonal cuisine prepared to the highest standard.