KH227 - Full-Time Chef - Westchester County, NY

Overview

A private family based in Westchester County, NY, is seeking a talented and adaptable private chef to provide full-time culinary leadership for two principals and their two young adult children who reside with them part-time. This position oversees the complete culinary program for the family across multiple residences and a private aircraft. The chef will prepare healthy, family-friendly meals and operate comfortably within several kitchens as needed. The ideal candidate is passionate about nutritious, well-balanced cooking, highly organized, service-oriented, and adept at adjusting to varied environments. This hands-on role requires flexibility, strong communication skills, hospitality and event planning skills, and a polished, professional presence.

Schedule:

Full-time, generally Monday–Friday, with regular flexibility to work weekends, particularly when the family entertains and during warm-weather seasons. Reliable weekend availability and a positive, can-do approach to schedule changes are essential to this role, not occasional accommodations.

Responsibilities

Program ● Design and prepare daily meals tailored to the principals' preferences, dietary needs, and restrictions, drawing on a broad range of culinary styles (e.g., Italian, Mediterranean, French, Indian, Asian). ● Maintain menu variety and seasonality through structured, forward-looking menu planning and ingredients procurement that takes advantage of area farmers' markets and specialty food shops ● Execute daily multi-course dinners for the family and prepare healthy snacks and meals for the family refrigerators ● Scale confidently and consistently across occasions from an intimate family dinner for two to a full reception for up to eighty guests Hospitality & Events ● Oversee all elements of food and beverage hospitality for the NY residence daily, plus the private aircraft and secondary residences as needed. ● Collaborate with household and support staff to plan and execute family gatherings, business dinners, and special events, including service staffing, timing, and presentation. Procurement, Inventory & Budget Management ● Own all food sourcing, purchasing, and related inventory management with emphasis on quality, seasonality, and sustainability. ● Maintain organized inventory inspections and procurement schedules that prevent both shortages and waste. ● Track food costs and kitchen budgets; provide regular, accurate reporting to the family office. ● Ensure the high-quality kitchen equipment and household interiors are maintained in pristine condition. Team Leadership ● Lead and mentor a culinary team member who provides kitchen and procurement support, family meals service, and serves as the on-board hospitality person for the private aircraft ● Set the tone for professionalism, reliability, and a positive attitude toward the demands of household service, including weekend and holiday work. ● Communicate proactively with principals and colleagues ● Respond constructively to feedback and adjust performance, menus, or approach accordingly.

Requirements

• Formal training including completion of a reputable culinary school program
• 5+ years of recent, full-time experience as Head Chef in a single private residence
• 5+ years of leadership experience as an Executive Chef in fine dining, private clubs, luxury hospitality, or Michelin-caliber restaurants.
• Demonstrated range across cuisines and dietary protocols (e.g., Kosher, pescatarian). Current food safety certification (e.g., ServSafe or equivalent).
• Proven ability to scale seamlessly from an intimate dinner to a reception for eighty
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically as needed to secondary homes
• Strong, structured organizational skills across menu planning, time management, inventory management, procurement, and budgeting, with the ability to run these systems independently.
• A demonstrated long-term commitment to private chef work as a career, with references that can speak to tenure, reliability, and intent to stay.
• A track record of receiving feedback and adjusting performance in response.
• Flexibility and genuine willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed, with a consistently positive attitude that sets an example for any supporting staff.
• Able to work legally in the US

Salary and Benefits

Competitive salary, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Excellent benefits package (annual discretionary bonus, fully paid health insurance, generous PTO, and more).