Private Chef
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_onOn-site
About the Household
This is a rare opportunity to join a quietly exceptional culinary program within a discreet, established family home in Washington, DC. The household runs on intention, where clean living is a way of life rather than a trend. The kitchen operates with a zero-plastic policy, whole-home filtration, and a strict commitment to organic, thoughtfully sourced ingredients. Relationships with farmers, butchers, and purveyors are built on shared standards of environmental consciousness and health.
The culinary style leans Italian, Mediterranean, and Californian, focusing on protein-forward dishes executed with simplicity and precision. The kitchen serves a diverse range of needs, from young children to health-focused adults with specific dietary protocols, requiring a chef who can fluidly adapt to every palate while maintaining high standards.
About the Role
You will join an experienced culinary team, supported by a kitchen assistant and guided by a Lead Chef. This role demands a high degree of independence, clear communication, and the ability to stay three steps ahead of the household's rhythm. Menus are developed collaboratively, and documentation is treated with the same care as the food itself, ensuring seamless handoffs between shifts.
The right candidate cooks with conviction, maintains a quiet and professional presence in a private home, and finds genuine meaning in feeding people well. You will be expected to manage the kitchen assistant, maintain meticulous records in shared systems, and support in-home dining events for up to 12 guests. Flexibility is key, as the schedule varies based on the family's needs, and occasional travel (15-20%) may be required.
Hiring Process & Application
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. Our recruiting team consists of individuals with lived experience in private homes, having worked as estate managers, private chefs, and household leaders. This perspective allows us to understand the nuances and demands of private service from the inside.
We encourage you to explore our job board and apply for roles that align with your experience and aspirations. When your background matches what our clients are looking for, we will be in touch. Candidates must be willing to undergo an extensive background check and provide excellent employment references.
Work location
Work model: On-site
On-site
Key Responsibilities
- check_circlePrepare daily meals across breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a focus on clean, protein-forward cooking
- check_circleManage and direct the on-site kitchen assistant during shifts
- check_circleMaintain meticulous documentation including recipes, weekly handovers, and shift notes
- check_circleSource approved organic purveyors and uphold strict ingredient and environmental standards
- check_circleParticipate in collaborative menu development and contribute new culinary ideas
- check_circlePrepare for and support in-home dining events for up to 12 guests
- check_circlePrepare daily to-go meals for the principal
- check_circleMaintain a clean, organized, and zero-waste kitchen environment at all times
- check_circleCoordinate and communicate with estates and hospitality teams using polished communication skills
Requirements
- verifiedCulinary degree or equivalent professional training
- verifiedMinimum 5 years of experience in a high-level culinary environment
- verifiedValid driver's license
- verifiedBased in the Washington, DC area
- verifiedLegally authorized to work in the US
- verifiedWillingness to undergo an extensive background check
- verifiedExcellent employment references
Nice to Have
Candidates with both restaurant and private household experience.
Similar Job Opportunities
Skills, education and keywords
Skills: Italian, Mediterranean, Thai, Coastal Cuisine, California Cuisine, Farm To Table, Gluten-Free, Low Glycemic, Dairy-Minimal, Google Drive.
Education: Culinary degree or equivalent professional training is strongly preferred.
Frequently asked questions about Private Chef at DM Estate Staffing
What does a Private Chef at DM Estate Staffing do?expand_more
Day-to-day, the Private Chef at DM Estate Staffing will prepare daily meals across breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a focus on clean, protein-forward cooking; manage and direct the on-site kitchen assistant during shifts; maintain meticulous documentation including recipes, weekly handovers, and shift notes; and source approved organic purveyors and uphold strict ingredient and environmental standards.
What are the requirements for this Private Chef role?expand_more
To qualify for the Private Chef at DM Estate Staffing position, applicants should have: Culinary degree or equivalent professional training; Minimum 5 years of experience in a high-level culinary environment; Valid driver's license; Based in the Washington, DC area; Legally authorized to work in the US; and Willingness to undergo an extensive background check.
Where is the Private Chef role at DM Estate Staffing located?expand_more
Private Chef at DM Estate Staffing is based in On-site. This is a on-site role.
Is this Private Chef job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more
DM Estate Staffing has listed this Private Chef role as on-site.
How much experience is required for this Private Chef role?expand_more
Private Chef at DM Estate Staffing typically requires 5+ years of relevant experience at the senior level.
What skills do you need for the Private Chef role at DM Estate Staffing?expand_more
Key skills for Private Chef at DM Estate Staffing include Italian; Mediterranean; Thai; Coastal Cuisine; California Cuisine; Farm To Table; Gluten-Free; and Low Glycemic.
What education is required for Private Chef at DM Estate Staffing?expand_more
Educational requirements for this role: Culinary degree or equivalent professional training is strongly preferred.
What category does the Private Chef role belong to?expand_more
Private Chef at DM Estate Staffing is part of the hospitality & catering job category on Recrutus.