Job Overview
Alternate Titles: Private Chef, Chef, Cook
A Personal Chef is a trained professional from a culinary institution. A true Chef position within the private service environment is dedicated solely to the culinary needs of the home, preparing meals for the family, other household staff members and guests.
Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Personal Chefs may have graduated from prestigious culinary school such as the Culinary Institute of America, French Culinary Institute of New York City, Johnson & Wales University, Le Cordon Bleu etc.
- Many Chefs make a successful transition to “private service from fine restaurants while others may have developed their skills from years of cooking, in combination with another domestic position or assisting another Chef.
- Personal Chefs should have a good understanding of various styles of table service, party protocols and the job duties of other household staff.
- Personal Chefs maintain a record of family and guest preferences
- A Personal Chef needs to have a temperament that is very flexible to last minute changes, special requests and the differing personalities of the family and friends being served
- Personal Chefs possess a thorough knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and nutrition and have the work experience, education, business knowledge
- Abilities to shop carefully for quality and to manage the kitchen for efficiency, cleanliness and cost effectiveness are valued by employers
Personal Chef’s Range of Responsibilities
- A Personal Chef is responsible for menu planning and preparing nutritious meals suited to an individual’s or family’s personal preferences or special dietary needs
- A Personal Chef also directs the organization and operation of the kitchen and the presentation and serving of the food
- Chefs prepare a range of menus from simple family dinners to formal, five-star restaurant caliber meals
- The position of a household Cook usually indicates a less formal position or one that requires a combination of responsibilities. Some variations in duties for a Chef or Cook are based on the schedule and eating habits of the family they serve. For example, one family may have only dinner as a sit-down meal while another may have three daily meals with formal service. Some families may require their Personal Chef to travel to their other residences
Compensation – Corporate Type Benefits and Perks
- A Personal Chef salary ranges from $45,000 – $100,000, and more, plus benefits based on the job description, their expertise and schedule requirements
- Housing may be provided
- May be live in or live out
