Montecito Private Chef

Private Chef Position Montecito, California

Elite Private Chefs are seeking a full-time Private Chef for a household of four in Montecito, California. The chef will prepare lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, served in a relaxed family style. This role suits an experienced chef who enjoys daily variety and a rotating repertoire, and who works well as part of an established household team.

Location: Montecito, California (primary residence; occasional meal drop-off to a second family home a couple of miles away)

Schedule: MondayFriday, arrival around 9:30 AM after morning grocery shopping, through dinner service and kitchen reset (the family dines by 6:00 PM); rare weekend event coverage; schedule lightens during periods of family travel

Compensation: $150,000 annually + 401(k) after one year and mileage reimbursement

Household: 4, including a 6-year-old; extended family dinners of up to 14 on occasion

Start Date: End of November

Key Responsibilities:

• Shop daily each morning for fresh ingredients before arrival, using the household credit card provided
• Prepare the principal's daily protein shake on arrival
• Prepare lunch for the household staff and the principal, typically a protein-rich salad or a homemade soup
• Prepare flavorful, well-balanced dinners from a rotating repertoire centered on chicken and some red meat, incorporating more seafood over time
• Cook across Italian, Mediterranean, Asian, French, Mexican, and California cuisines
• Accommodate dietary needs, including a seafood allergy within the household and gluten-free meals for drop-offs
• Prepare occasional drop-off meals for a nearby family home
• Serve meals family/buffet style, with plated service for a rare dinner party
• Scale cooking for extended family dinners of up to 14 guests
• Purchase and stock all food and beverages, including staples, snacks, specialty items, and bar and cellar items, placing orders as needed
• Manage refrigerator and pantry organization, including regular refrigerator cleanouts and restocking
• Maintain a tidy, organized kitchen and assist with cleanup after dinner service

Qualifications:

• Proven experience as a Private Chef, ideally in a private household
• Strong repertoire across Italian, Mediterranean, Asian, French, Mexican, and California cuisines, with French experience a plus
• Experience cooking with organic, locally sourced ingredients and accommodating allergies and dietary restrictions
• Reliable personal transportation for daily shopping and local meal drop-offs (mileage reimbursed)
• Comfortable communicating directly with the principal and estate manager by text or WhatsApp
• Demonstrated discretion and a strong commitment to client privacy and confidentiality
• Exceptional cleanliness, organization, and attention to detail
• Flexible, proactive, and able to adapt to changing household schedules and needs
• Friendly, team-oriented professional with excellent communication skills

Why Work with Elite Private Chefs?

At Elite Private Chefs (E.P.C.), we don't just connect chefs with elite clientswe build lasting, mutually beneficial relationships. As an organization founded by chefs for chefs, we understand the nuances and expectations of both private chefs and elite clients.

Here's why working with us is the best choice for your culinary career:

Seamless Placement: We manage logistics, contracts, and negotiations so you can focus on delivering exceptional culinary experiences.

Exclusive Network: Access a trusted network of elite clients who rely on E.P.C. for top-tier talent.

Ongoing Opportunities: Remain on our exclusive roster for continued placement opportunities as our client base grows.

Career Growth & Support: Participate in industry mixers, educational events, and collaborations that support long-term professional development.

Long-Term Relationships: We focus on building lasting chef-client relationships that support consistency, trust, and career longevity.

We thank you for considering Elite Private Chefs as a partner in your career. We look forward to connecting you with the right opportunities while continuing to set the standard for excellence in private chef placements.