Private Chef

Job Summary

The successful candidate will provide high-quality, fresh and personalised culinary services in a private household, planning and preparing meals that reflect the family’s preferences, dietary requirements and lifestyle. The role requires strong culinary skills, excellent organisation and discretion, with the ability to maintain a clean, professional and efficient kitchen environment.

Key Responsibilities

Meal Planning and Food Preparation

· Plan and prepare daily meals, snacks, canapés and special menus in accordance with the family’s preferences and schedule.

· Create varied, balanced and nutritious menus using fresh, seasonal and high-quality ingredients.

· Cater for dietary requirements, allergies, intolerances and personal preferences with care and accuracy.

· Prepare meals for adults, children, guests and staff where required, adapting recipes and presentation appropriately.

· Prepare packed lunches, school meals, travel food and meals for events or entertaining when requested.

· Maintain consistent standards of flavour, presentation, portion control and timing.

Private Household Catering

· Source fresh produce, meat, fish, specialist ingredients and other kitchen supplies from suitable suppliers.

· Prepare accurate shopping lists and manage food purchasing within agreed budgets.

· Build positive relationships with local suppliers, markets, farms, delicatessens and specialist food providers.

· Check the quality, freshness and quantity of deliveries and report any issues promptly.

· Maintain accurate records of expenditure, stock levels, orders and household food requirements.

· Monitor food usage and minimise waste through effective menu planning, storage and stock rotation.

Kitchen Hygiene, Health and Safety

· Maintain a clean, hygienic, safe and well-organised kitchen, pantry, storage areas and food preparation equipment.

· Follow food safety, hygiene, allergen management, temperature control and safe food handling procedures.

· Store, label and rotate food correctly, monitoring use-by dates and preventing cross-contamination.

· Clean cooking equipment, utensils, work surfaces and kitchen areas after use.

· Report equipment faults, maintenance requirements, hazards or food safety concerns promptly.

· Maintain appropriate confidentiality regarding the family, household, guests, routines and personal information.

Household and Event Support

· Keep kitchen supplies, utensils, crockery, glassware and equipment organised and ready for use.

· Coordinate with household staff, waiting staff, event professionals and external suppliers when required.

· Support travel, holidays, temporary residences and overseas assignments by prior arrangement.

· Prepare menus and food for guests with sensitivity to differing preferences, dietary requirements and cultural expectations.

· Assist with kitchen inventories, equipment selection and recommendations for improvements where appropriate.

· Work flexibly to meet changing household routines, including evenings, weekends, holidays and special occasions.

Qualifications and Experience

· Previous professional experience as a private chef, household chef, personal chef, sous chef or senior chef.

· Formal culinary training or relevant professional cookery qualifications are desirable.

· Strong knowledge of food preparation, nutrition, menu planning and modern culinary techniques.

· Knowledge of food hygiene, allergen awareness and UK food safety requirements.

· Experience catering for families, children, formal entertaining, private events or high-profile households is desirable.

· Current food hygiene certification, or willingness to obtain it where required.

· A valid driving licence may be required, particularly where regular shopping or travel is part of the role.

· The ability to provide suitable professional references and complete relevant background checks.

Key Competencies

· Highly skilled, creative and passionate about preparing excellent food.

· Organised, efficient and able to manage menus, budgets, stock and changing priorities.

· Discreet, trustworthy, reliable and professional in a private household environment.

· Strong communication skills and the ability to respond positively to feedback.

· Calm and adaptable when managing busy services, special requests or last-minute changes.

· Attentive to detail, presentation, cleanliness and consistently high standards.

· Able to work independently while collaborating effectively with family members, household staff and external suppliers.

· Flexible and available to work varied hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, travel or special events, when required by the household.