Job Details

Job Description
Private Chef

San Francisco, CA

n.b. There are important pre-screener questions that accompany this application; applications lacking responses to these questions can not be considered. Responses may be shared directly with the hiring manager,so please take a few minutes to thoughtfully respond before submitting your application.

Location

San Francisco, with some weekend travel to the family's home in the town of Sonoma (approximately a one-hour drive from SF). Travel to Sonoma is typically 20-25 days per year (~10% of the time).

Schedule
• Typically Monday-Friday, dinners and occasionally lunches
• The daily rhythm is shop, prep, cook, serve, clean-however long that takes the chef. The day concludes once dinner service is complete and the kitchen is fully cleaned and reset.
• Dinner service is typically at 6:30 PM but may vary and is subject to change as family needs evolve.
• Up to 15 weekend days annually in San Francisco, almost always on a Sunday (rather than Saturday unless entertaining), in addition to occasional Sonoma travel.
• Approximately once per month, one of the 5 weekly workdays will fall on a Sunday when the chef has had an unexpected day off during the week. Saturday evenings are generally date nights out for the family.

Compensation

Up to $200,000/year commensurate with experience + full benefits

Time Off

10 days PTO annually. In practice, because the family travels up to approximately 10 weeks per year without the chef, with the exception of emergencies or unavoidable necessity, the chef's PTO shall be taken during these periods when the family is away, rather than as discretionary time off while the family is in residence.

The Heart of the Role

An informal, private household with residences in San Francisco and Sonoma (about an hour from the city) is seeking an energetic and creative full-time Private Chef who excels at creating nourishing, thoughtful meals for both adults and three children (ages 10-13) with varying dietary needs and restrictions.

This is as much a people role as it is a culinary one-ideal for a chef who enjoys connection and brings a warm, steady presence into the kitchen. The selected candidate will thrive in a family-oriented environment for the long term.

The family values ingredient-driven, seasonal cooking with clean, simple preparations-elevated when the occasion calls for it. Meals should be approachable yet refined, always fitting the moment but never fussy. Sometimes, a perfectly prepared salad with peak-season ingredients can shine more than an elaborate dish. Across all meals, the emphasis is on flavor, freshness, and care.

A love of working around children is essential-this is a family where kids are an active part of daily life. The right chef will engage with them warmly and respectfully, make them feel included at the table, and accommodate their preferences, all while maintaining clear, positive boundaries so the kitchen remains a clean, enjoyable, well-run space.

Success in this role comes from being attuned to the family's rhythms, balancing flexibility with a consistent routine, and bringing steady, positive energy to the day. The household operates on mutual respect, clear communication, and a shared appreciation for high-quality ingredients, all within a spotless, well-cared-for kitchen.

The chef will have their own newly renovated kitchen to manage within the home, fully equipped with all amenities needed to execute at a high level, including a pizza oven, gas grill, and Green Egg. The environment is thoughtfully designed and well-appointed, allowing the chef to work efficiently and creatively with the right tools at hand.

The family deeply appreciates chefs who continue to study and refine their craft, introducing new and innovative dishes over time. They also welcome thoughtful suggestions for new restaurants-particularly for their Saturday date nights-and value a chef who stays engaged with the broader culinary landscape.

Who We're Looking For

A chef who:
• Thrives in a household setting and finds long-term fulfillment in nurturing a family with thoughtfully prepared meals and has 3+ years in private homes.
• Practices continuous culinary creativity and curiosity, while keeping dishes ingredient-forward and thoughtfully simple.
• Has a proven track record of stability and longevity in past roles, and actively wishes to be in their next role for many years.
• Sources confidently from local farmers' markets, specialty purveyors, and trusted butchers, building relationships with suppliers to secure the best seasonal offerings available.
• May have started their career and gained skills in Michelin-starred kitchens but understands that a home environment is entirely different.
• Maintains an even-keeled demeanor, brings positive energy and a love of service, and supports the family and household team with professionalism and good humor.
• Is naturally warm with guests and children, engaging in conversation and contributing to the household's convivial atmosphere without losing focus on the food or professionalism.
• Listens actively, accepts feedback with grace, makes thoughtful recommendations without being pushy, and is comfortable asking for direct feedback.
• Keeps a spotless, well-organized kitchen with the highest standards of cleanliness and food safety, mindful of minimizing waste, and ensuring all cooking and cleanup are completed before concluding the day so the household can transition smoothly into their evening.
• Is efficient and capable of managing the full daily rhythm of shopping, prepping, cooking, serving, and cleaning within the natural flow of the day, understanding that the expectation is to complete what is needed to serve dinner (and occasional lunch requests) without deferring essential tasks.

Key Responsibilities
• Plan and prepare daily dinners that accommodate a range of dietary needs and preferences for both adults and children, ensuring meals are balanced, flavorful, and visually appealing.
• Occasionally prepare lunches (often a composed salad with protein) or assist with other meals when requested in advance, as well as very occasional lunch or dinner parties.
• Stock both homes with fresh, high-quality ingredients for breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and weekend meals (prepared or semi-prepared), ensuring availability when needed.
• Prepare a Sunday evening dinner in advance when requested (such as a salad with a casserole, chili, eggplant or chicken parmesan, or similar dish) that can be reheated and served by the family.
• Favor vegetable-forward, organic, seasonal ingredients; enjoy grilling and using the outdoor pizza oven in Sonoma.
• Shop from trusted local farms, specialty markets, and high-quality butchers; avoid mass-market meats or produce.
• Clearly label and date any stored items, and manage leftovers appropriately.
• Increased travel to Sonoma regularly during warmer months.
• Collaborate with household staff to ensure seamless operations between homes.
• Support occasional entertaining and more frequent visits from local family.

Qualifications
• 3+ years in private households or other professional culinary settings.
• Proven ability to manage multiple and sometimes complex food preferences-especially children's dietary needs-while keeping preparations approachable and satisfying.
• Highly organized, efficient, and able to maintain a calm, professional presence even in a lively home environment.
• Based locally in San Francisco or within a reasonable commute.