SEASONAL/TEMP. — PRIVATE CHEF / COOK

Full-Time | Northeast | Immediate Opportunity

Casa Bella Residential Staffing is conducting a highly confidential search for an experienced Private Chef or accomplished Cook that is available now for seasonal/temporary position to support a private household in the Northeast.

Formal culinary titles are less important than experience, ability, passion for cooking, professionalism, and a genuine desire to serve. We welcome experienced Private Chefs as well as talented Cooks who have developed their skills through hands-on experience and have the confidence and knowledge to manage the culinary needs of a private household.

Above all, we are seeking someone with a true service heart and service mind—an individual who takes pride in caring for their principals, anticipates needs, respects preferences and boundaries, and consistently provides thoughtful, professional service.

Due to the confidential nature of this search, specific information regarding the family, residences, schedule, and travel requirements will only be shared with qualified candidates who advance through the vetting process.

The Position

The Private Chef/Cook will oversee the day-to-day culinary needs of the household, including meal preparation, menu planning, grocery shopping and provisioning, kitchen organization, and overall kitchen management.

The right person will have a broad knowledge of food and cooking techniques and be comfortable adapting meals to the preferences and requests of the principals. They should be equally comfortable preparing wonderful everyday meals, accommodating special requests, and stepping things up for guests or entertaining when needed.

This is a hands-on position for someone who genuinely loves to cook and genuinely enjoys taking care of people. The goal is not to impress with a title—it is to consistently provide delicious food and exceptional service while making life easier and more enjoyable for the family.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve daily meals according to the principals’ preferences, requests, and dietary needs

• Develop menus and meal ideas while remaining receptive and adaptable to family preferences

• Handle grocery shopping, ingredient sourcing, provisioning, and pantry management

• Maintain appropriate inventory and ensure food and household kitchen supplies are properly stocked

• Take full ownership of kitchen cleanliness and organization, ensuring cooking, prep, storage, pantry, refrigerator, and service areas are left immaculate and properly maintained

• Maintain proper food storage, rotation, labeling, and kitchen organization

• Accommodate guests, entertaining, and additional meal service as needed

• Adapt comfortably to changes in schedules, menus, guest counts, and household needs

• Work collaboratively and respectfully with other household staff

• Maintain a positive and professional environment, exercising appropriate discretion regarding all family, guest, and household matters

• Travel and work from multiple residences as required

• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality and discretion at all times

The Ideal Candidate

The family is seeking a true private-service professional who understands that culinary ability is only one part of being successful in a private home.

A genuine service heart and service mind are essential. The right person understands that their role is to support the principals’ lifestyle, preferences, and wishes. They listen well, welcome feedback, adjust when requested, and take pride in preparing food the family truly enjoys.

Professional boundaries and discretion are extremely important. The Chef/Cook should understand the unique dynamics of working within a private household and maintain appropriate, respectful relationships with the principals, their family, guests, and fellow staff.

The ideal candidate is:

• Passionate about cooking with strong culinary knowledge and hands-on experience

• Service-minded and without ego — understands that the principals’ preferences come first

• Discreet and trustworthy — respects the privacy of the family and maintains confidentiality regarding household and personal matters

• Professional and polished — communicates appropriately and maintains professional conduct within the home

• Respectful of boundaries — warm and personable while understanding the importance of professional boundaries

• Receptive to direction and feedback — listens, adjusts, and responds positively to requested changes

• Flexible and adaptable — comfortable adjusting meals, timing, and plans based on the family's needs

• Collaborative — works positively with other household staff and contributes to a respectful team environment

• Impeccably organized and clean — takes pride in maintaining an exceptionally clean, orderly, and well-managed kitchen

• Calm and solutions-oriented — handles changes and challenges professionally

• Consistent and dependable — brings the same level of care, professionalism, and attention to the household each day

Above all, this person should understand an important principle of private service: the home belongs to the principals. Their culinary knowledge and experience should enhance the family's experience while always respecting their preferences, privacy, routines, and household culture.

Qualifications

• Strong culinary knowledge and demonstrated cooking experience

• Formal culinary training is welcomed but not required

• Private household experience strongly preferred; candidates with relevant hospitality or service backgrounds will also be considered

• Ability to prepare a variety of well-executed meals and adapt to individual preferences

• Strong kitchen-management, organization, provisioning, and food-safety skills

• Comfortable working collaboratively within a staffed household

• Comfortable with travel and working from multiple locations

• Flexible and adaptable with scheduling

• Professional, discreet, trustworthy, and dependable

• Genuine service heart and service mind

• Valid driver's license

• Excellent verifiable professional references

• Ability to begin immediately or with minimal notice

Compensation

Competitive compensation commensurate with experience.

Additional information regarding the household, exact location, schedule, travel requirements, accommodations, and other position details will be provided directly to qualified candidates.

Confidential Search

This is a highly confidential search. To protect the privacy of our client, identifying details have intentionally been withheld from the public posting.

Applicants whose experience, culinary ability, and service approach align with the family's needs will be contacted directly by Casa Bella Residential Staffing to learn more about the opportunity.

Professional discretion throughout the interview and vetting process is required.