BUTLER FOR YOU is seeking a top-tier European Private Chef to join a well-supported estate team in Atherton, California.
The principals enjoy a wide range of cuisines—from clean, plant-forward weekday meals to occasional more indulgent dishes—always prioritizing premium ingredients. There is no fixed food budget, but there is a strong expectation of efficiency, minimal waste, and impeccable standards. The chef will work from fully equipped auxiliary kitchens and should be comfortable thriving with limited direct interaction with the principals.
Household Snapshot
• Family: Two adults and two children
• Properties: Two homes approximately 10 miles apart; the chef will typically prepare the majority of the meal in one kitchen and then deliver the finished meal to the second residence. Minimal table service
• Travel: Minimal travel required
• Dietary Notes: No medical dietary restrictions; no shellfish
Culinary Style & Expectations
• Health-forward and deeply flavorful: clean, satisfying, nutrient-rich meals for daily meals
• Creative and inventive: trend-aware; innovates with ingredients, technique, and presentation
• Range: confident across authentic global cuisines and contemporary approaches
• Smart simplicity: equally excited by a beautiful, health-forward grain bowl as a perfectly executed comfort dish
Schedule & Service
• Lunch and dinner, five days per week (typically Monday–Friday)
• Occasional weekend work may be required (events/coverage)
• Breakfast and snack prep during the week
• Weekend coverage: leave prepared foods and components in the refrigerator for weekend meals
• Entertaining: occasional dinner parties/events
• Annual events: plan and execute 1–2 larger events per year
• Cooking trial: qualified chefs will be invited for a paid cooking trial
Key Responsibilities
• Menu planning and execution
• Create weekly menus aligned with the family’s health-forward preferences
• Deliver consistent, high-quality lunch and dinner service five days/week
• Prepare breakfast/snacks and build a thoughtful “weekend fridge” plan
• Incorporate feedback seamlessly and keep variety high
• Sourcing and procurement
• Shop seasonally with a strong preference for local farmers’ markets and premium vendors
• Maintain pantry staples and household kitchen inventory (as directed)
• Practice strong cost-awareness through minimal waste and smart purchasing without compromising quality
• Operational excellence across kitchens
• Maintain immaculate cleanliness, organization, labeling, and food safety across multiple kitchens
• Keep kitchens deeply organized, hygienic, and service-ready at all times
• Maintain an orderly inventory system and ensure refrigerators/pantries are structured and efficient
• Events and support staff management
• Plan prep timelines and manage execution for occasional dinners/events
• Hire and manage event support staff as needed (servers, bartenders, dish support)
• Coordinate seamlessly with household leadership and staff
• Presence and communication
• Lead with calm presence and clear communication
• Maintain discretion, professional boundaries, and a solutions-oriented mindset
• Operate confidently with minimal supervision in a high-functioning household
Ideal Candidate Profile
• Confident, collaborative, and steady—brings calm energy and high standards
• Discreet, kind, and professional with prominent clientele
• Passionate about excellence, organization, and consistency
• Thrives in an environment with limited principal interaction
• Values long-term stability and pride of craft
Required Qualifications
• 5+ years in nationally recognized restaurants; private home experience preferred
• Demonstrated longevity in past roles
• Meticulous, ethical, discreet, and flexible
• Excellent communicator with a proactive mindset and strong boundaries
• Strong kitchen management: inventory, ordering, sanitation, efficiency, and waste reduction
• Able to lift/move up to 50 lbs
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Non-smoker/vaper; drug-free
• Fluent in English and legally authorized to work in the U.S.
• Clean background check and excellent references required
• COVID-19 vaccination preferred
Compensation & Benefits
• $175,000–$200,000 | DOE
• Healthcare compensation
• Access to a retirement plan
• 10 paid vacation days
• 5 paid sick days
• 6 paid holidays
• Discretionary bonus
• Mileage reimbursement for work trips outside of the normal commute
• Paid cooking trial for qualified finalists
Application Question(s):
Do you have a valid USA passport or a valid work permit for the United States?
Interested candidates should email BUTLER FOR YOU / Sebastian Hirsch with full work history, a current photo and written references.
This role is a wonderful opportunity in Atherton, California, United States!
BUTLER FOR YOU – Serving Since 2007!
