SV050 - Full-Time Private Chef - DC Metro Area

Overview

A private household in the Washington, DC metropolitan area is seeking an exceptional Full-Time Private Chef to join a highly professional, fully staffed household team.

The family is looking for a chef with a serious culinary foundation developed in acclaimed restaurant kitchens. Michelin-starred or comparable fine-dining experience is strongly preferred, along with a resume that demonstrates meaningful restaurant experience and progression into positions of increasing responsibility.

While the principals favor fresh, approachable, ingredient-driven cuisine rather than overly formal dining, they expect an exceptional level of culinary execution. The successful chef will understand how to translate individual preferences into food that feels familiar and effortless while applying the technique, sourcing, seasoning, consistency, and attention to detail expected at the highest levels of hospitality. This is not a household seeking elaborate food for the sake of presentation; it is seeking outstanding food, executed exceptionally well.

Equally important is the chef's approach to working within a team. This is a fully staffed residence where collaboration, humility, professionalism, and mutual respect are essential. The ideal candidate brings confidence without ego, communicates well with colleagues, and understands that being an exceptional private chef means contributing positively to the culture and operation of the entire estate.

This opportunity may be particularly appealing to an accomplished restaurant chef who has spent years developing their craft at a high level and is now interested in continuing that expertise into a stable, long-term private environment. Prior private chef experience is highly valued.

The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, approximately 10:00 AM–8:00 PM, with flexibility based on the household's needs. Relocation assistance will be considered for exceptional candidates.

Responsibilities

• Prepare exceptional daily meals utilizing refined culinary technique while remaining responsive to the principals' individual tastes and preferences.
• Translate feedback and preferences into thoughtful menus and consistently execute dishes to an exacting standard.
• Develop fresh, seasonal, ingredient-driven menus with an emphasis on quality, balance, and variety.
• Source exceptional ingredients and maintain strong standards around product quality and freshness.
• Manage multiple daily meal services efficiently and consistently.
• Prepare daily staff meals and contribute positively to the household's collaborative staff culture.
• Maintain impeccable kitchen cleanliness, organization, sanitation, and food safety standards.
• Follow rigorous protocols for safe food storage, handling, preparation, labeling, and allergen awareness.
• Manage grocery procurement, pantry inventory, kitchen supplies, and food storage.
• Support occasional intimate entertaining and guest meals.
• Maintain detailed knowledge of household preferences, dietary considerations, and evolving culinary needs.
• Communicate and collaborate seamlessly with household staff and leadership.
• Travel occasionally as needed.

Qualifications

• Significant professional restaurant experience is required and should be clearly demonstrated on the candidate's resume.
• Experience in Michelin-starred restaurants or similarly acclaimed fine-dining establishments is strongly preferred.
• Culinary degree or formal professional culinary training strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated progression within professional kitchens, ideally including Chef de Partie, Sous Chef, Chef de Cuisine, Executive Chef, or comparable leadership-level experience.
• Exceptional command of classical and contemporary culinary technique.
• Sophisticated palate with the ability to create elevated food without relying on excessive complexity or presentation.
• Proven ability to listen to feedback and accurately translate a client's preferences into menus and dishes.
• Strong understanding of professional kitchen systems, sanitation, food safety, cross-contamination prevention, and allergen protocols.
• Impeccable kitchen organization and cleanliness.
• Experience in a private household or luxury hospitality environment is highly desirable.
• Highly adaptable and comfortable pivoting quickly based on changing preferences or household needs.
• Collaborative, humble, service-oriented, and genuinely comfortable working as part of a larger household team.
• Mature professional who takes pride in both culinary excellence and being an excellent colleague.

Requirements

• Legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Available for occasional domestic travel.
• Able to provide outstanding professional references.
• Able to successfully complete a comprehensive background screening.
• Professional, discreet, and committed to maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality.
• Willing and able to prepare staff meals as an integral part of the position.

Salary and Benefits

• $180,000 - $200,000 annual salary
• Relocation assistance may be available for exceptional candidates.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% employer-paid employee premiums).
• 401(k) eligibility.
• 160 hours of paid vacation annually.
• 48 hours of paid sick leave annually.
• Eight paid holidays, with premium holiday pay when applicable.