Private Chef | (Fixed-Term Contract)
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Schedule: 5 days per week | Lunch & Dinner Service
Start Date: June 1, 2026
Contract Term: June 1 – August 1, 2026 (with potential extension through September 1)
Compensation: $1,000–$1,500 per day (DOE)
Housing: Private Airbnb accommodation provided for the duration of the contract
Relocation:
Relocation Assistance Available for the Right Candidate
Position Overview
An ultra UHNW family of three based in Santa Barbara is seeking a highly skilled Private Chef for a full-time, fixed-term engagement. The role focuses on daily lunch and dinner service, with an emphasis on precision, consistency, and high-level execution.
The family maintains very specific culinary standards. High proficiency in Chinese cuisine is a core requirement and a key factor in candidate selection.
This is a hands-on role suited for a seasoned private chef who understands how to operate within a UHNW home. Strong personal awareness is essential. The ideal candidate knows how to read the room, maintain a low profile, and is not overly talkative or intrusive.
Discretion, professionalism, and the ability to integrate seamlessly into the household are critical. The chef should be confident, responsive to feedback, and able to execute at a high level while maintaining a calm, unobtrusive presence.
Candidates must have verifiable experience preparing Michelin-level authentic Chinese cuisine.
Hiring Timeline
· The client is currently accepting candidate profiles and is ready to begin interviews immediately.
Family Profile
• Two principals and one child
• Mrs. is currently pregnant
• Two nannies (require separate meals)
• Highly engaged and communicative regarding food preferences, dietary needs, and expectations
• Detailed household food guide provided (preferences, allergies, structure)
• Supportive and well-organized household environment
Culinary Focus
• Strong emphasis on Asian cuisine, specifically Chinese cuisine (primary focus)
• Ability to execute scratch-made, authentic dishes at a high level
• Additional cuisines include Mediterranean, Italian, and California/seasonal cuisine
• Ingredient-driven approach with top-tier sourcing expected
• Comfortable adapting menus based on detailed client feedback
Dietary Preferences & Notes
• Low-mercury seafood only (no salmon or tuna currently)
• Enjoys game meats, red meat (all cuts of beef), and fresh fish within dietary guidelines
Responsibilities
• Prepare daily lunch and dinner for the family
• Prepare separate meals for two nannies
• Full kitchen management, including menu planning, sourcing, shopping, and organization
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of all kitchen areas
• Execute across two fully equipped kitchens (upstairs and downstairs)
• Maintain consistency with household standards and preferences
• Adapt quickly to feedback and evolving requests
Candidate Requirements
• Minimum 5+ years of experience working in ultra-high net worth private households
• Deep knowledge and execution of Chinese cuisine (required)
• Strong foundation across multiple cuisines
• Highly professional, discreet, and socially aware within a private home
• Able to take direction and feedback with composure
• Thick-skinned, detail-oriented, and consistent under pressure
• Clean, organized, and efficient in all aspects of kitchen operation
• Ability to execute scratch-made, authentic dishes at a high level
• All food is expected to be prepared in-house from scratch, including dumplings, noodles, sauces, and related components
• No store-bought or pre-made items; strong fundamentals in traditional technique required
• Ingredient-driven approach with top-tier sourcing, including farmers’ markets and high-quality purveyors for meat and seafood
• Additional cuisines include Mediterranean, Italian, and California/seasonal cuisine
• Comfortable adapting menus based on detailed client feedback
Additional Notes
• The ideal candidate understands the balance between being present and unobtrusive
• This is a structured household with clear expectations and high standards
• The family is hands-on and provides clear guidance, tools, and feedback for success
• Excellent opportunity for a chef who thrives in a disciplined, high-performance environment
Candidates must have verifiable experience preparing Michelin-level authentic Chinese cuisine.