Private Chef

About this opportunity

Meal Planning and Food Preparation · Plan and prepare daily meals, snacks, canapés and special menus in accordance with the family’s preferences and schedule. · Create varied, balanced and nutritious menus using fresh, seasonal and high-quality ingredients. · Cater for dietary requirements, allergies, intolerances and personal preferences with care and accuracy. · Prepare meals for adults, children, guests and staff where required, adapting recipes and presentation appropriately. · Prepare packed lunches, school meals, travel food and meals for events or entertaining when requested. · Maintain consistent standards of flavour, presentation, portion control and timing. Private Household Catering · Source fresh produce, meat, fish, specialist ingredients and other kitchen supplies from suitable suppliers. · Prepare accurate shopping lists and manage food purchasing within agreed budgets. · Build positive relationships with local suppliers, markets, farms, delicatessens and specialist food providers. · Check the quality, freshness and quantity of deliveries and report any issues promptly. · Maintain accurate records of expenditure, stock levels, orders and household food requirements. · Monitor food usage and minimise waste through effective menu planning, storage and stock rotation. Kitchen Hygiene, Health and Safety · Maintain a clean, hygienic, safe and well-organised kitchen, pantry, storage areas and food preparation equipment. · Follow food safety, hygiene, allergen management, temperature control and safe food handling procedures. · Store, label and rotate food correctly, monitoring use-by dates and preventing cross-contamination. · Clean cooking equipment, utensils, work surfaces and kitchen areas after use. · Report equipment faults, maintenance requirements, hazards or food safety concerns promptly. · Maintain appropriate confidentiality regarding the family, household, guests, routines and personal information. Household and Event Support · Keep kitchen supplies, utensils, crockery, glassware and equipment organised and ready for use. · Coordinate with household staff, waiting staff, event professionals and external suppliers when required. · Support travel, holidays, temporary residences and overseas assignments by prior arrangement. · Prepare menus and food for guests with sensitivity to differing preferences, dietary requirements and cultural expectations. · Assist with kitchen inventories, equipment selection and recommendations for improvements where appropriate. · Work flexibly to meet changing household routines, including evenings, weekends, holidays and special occasions. · Previous professional experience as a private chef, household chef, personal chef, sous chef or senior chef. · Formal culinary training or relevant professional cookery qualifications are desirable. · Strong knowledge of food preparation, nutrition, menu planning and modern culinary techniques. · Knowledge of food hygiene, allergen awareness and UK food safety requirements. · Experience catering for families, children, formal entertaining, private events or high-profile households is desirable. · Current food hygiene certification, or willingness to obtain it where required. · A valid driving licence may be required, particularly where regular shopping or travel is part of the role. · The ability to provide suitable professional references and complete relevant background checks. Key Competencies · Highly skilled, creative and passionate about preparing excellent food. · Organised, efficient and able to manage menus, budgets, stock and changing priorities. · Discreet, trustworthy, reliable and professional in a private household environment. · Strong communication skills and the ability to respond positively to feedback. · Calm and adaptable when managing busy services, special requests or last-minute changes. · Attentive to detail, presentation, cleanliness and consistently high standards. · Able to work independently while collaborating effectively with family members, household staff and external suppliers. · Flexible and available to work varied hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, travel or special events, when required by the household.