Personal Chef

| Palo Alto, CA, United States

Posted Date 3/05/2026
Description

Personal Chef for a Private Family in Palo Alto, CA

 

Position overview

  • A private family is seeking an experienced Personal Chef to prepare healthy, flavorful, family-style meals in a private home.

  • Ideal for a chef who enjoys fresh ingredients, “clean” cooking, and a consistent weekly rhythm.

  • Additional details about the household, preferences, and expectations will be shared with qualified chef candidates.

Key details

  • Location: Palo Alto, CA

  • Schedule: Part-time, weekday dinners (approximately three evenings per week)

  • Additional prep: Occasional breakfast prep and/or advance prep for upcoming days

  • Guaranteed hours: Approximately 15 hours per week

  • Compensation: $75–$80 per hour, depending on experience

  • Start: ASAP

Responsibilities

  • Plan and prepare nutritious, well-balanced meals with variety across the week.

  • Collaborate on menus and adjust based on feedback and household preferences.

  • Prepare family-style meals (served on platters or in serving dishes for the family to serve).

  • Maintain a clean, organized kitchen and follow strong food-safety practices.

  • Manage prep, labeling, and storage to reduce waste and keep the kitchen running smoothly.

  • Handle ingredients needed for cooking (specific shopping expectations will be shared with qualified candidates).

Requirements

  • Significant experience as a personal/private chef (or a closely comparable background with strong in-home execution).

  • Strong healthy cooking fundamentals and the ability to accommodate dietary preferences/restrictions.

  • Professional, warm communication style and openness to feedback.

  • High reliability, punctuality, discretion, and good judgment in a private-home setting.

  • Bay Area-based (no relocation).

  • Legally authorized to work in the U.S.

  • Excellent references and willingness to complete a background check.

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. Built over more than a decade on referrals and repeat clients, we have grown thoughtfully by doing one thing well: finding the right person for the right home.
 
Every member of our recruiting team has worked personally in the homes of prominent private clients,  as estate managers, private chefs, household leaders, and more. That lived experience is what sets us apart. We don't just understand private service in theory; we've navigated its nuances, its demands, and its deeply personal nature from the inside. That perspective shapes every search we conduct and every candidate we represent.
 
We encourage you to regularly explore our job board and apply for any roles that align with your experience and aspirations. When your background aligns with what our clients are looking for, we will be in touch. We hope to have the opportunity to work with you soon.
Job Type
Part-Time
Job Categories
Chef
Housing
Live-out
Compensation
- $75–$80 per hour, depending on experience

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