Note: Our client will only consider chefs who have worked at least at the Sous Chef level in a 2- or 3-Michelin-star restaurant for 2+ years.
Creativity & Originality
The ideal chef has a deep understanding of global culinary trends and knows what’s being served in the world’s top 50 kitchens. They innovate with ingredients, technique, and aesthetics—bringing a refined, contemporary edge to every dish while staying rooted in culinary excellence.
Range
They can deliver full-throttle, Michelin-level experiences for high-end entertaining—and shift seamlessly to clean, satisfying, health-forward meals for daily living. From opulent tasting menus to nutrient-rich weekday lunches, their food is always precise, beautiful, and deeply flavorful.
Executive Presence & Team Management
They lead with calm authority and clear communication, managing support staff with professionalism and ease. Whether supervising backup chefs (for bakery, pizza, or large events), directing servers, or coordinating with outside caterers, they ensure every element meets the highest standard.
Operational Excellence
They maintain immaculate kitchens across multiple properties, source seasonally from local farmers markets whenever possible, minimize waste, and buy only what’s needed. Their kitchens are deeply organized, cost-efficient, and uphold 3-Michelin-star hygiene standards—flawless enough to eat off the floor.
We are offering a generous referral bonus for a successful hire.
Our client in Silicon Valley is seeking one of the nation’s most accomplished chefs to join their service team. The principals enjoy a wide range of cuisines—from clean, plant-forward meals to indulgent, intricate tasting menus—and always prioritize premium ingredients and refined presentation. There’s no food budget, but a strong expectation of efficiency and minimal waste.
The selected chef will work from a fully equipped, beautifully designed auxiliary kitchen and become an integral member of a long-established and well-supported estate team.
Character Sketch
This individual is a confident and collaborative leader who inspires excellence and thrives in high-functioning households. They bring kindness, calmness, and professionalism to the workplace. They’re passionate about service, open to feedback, and experienced with prominent clientele. Authentic global cuisines excite them as much as crafting elegant 7-course dinners.
They’ve cooked in top kitchens around the world and bring efficiency to both intimate dinners and large-scale events. Discretion, joy, and a strong work ethic define their approach—and they seek a long-term position where they can feel appreciated and perform at their best.
Role & Responsibilities
- Prepare and serve lunch and dinner five days per week (typically Tuesday–Saturday however the schedule changes with the Principals’ schedule).
- Deliver clean, protein- and fiber-rich meals for two people 3–4 days per week
- Execute 3-Michelin-star quality entertaining for groups of 6–20, one to two times per week (less frequent when the principals travel)
- Plan and execute larger events 1–2 times per year
- Maintain inventory and stock regular household items
- Maintain impeccable cleanliness and organization across multiple kitchens
- Hire and manage support staff for events as needed
Additional Information
- Service may occur in either of two homes located half a block apart
- Main kitchens are in-residence; outdoor kitchen includes a pizza oven and smoker
- No pets, no children, no medical dietary restrictions
- Household has employed 3-Michelin-star trained chefs for over 25 years
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of 2+ years at Sous Chef level or higher in a 2- or 3-Michelin-star restaurant
- Demonstrated longevity in past roles
- Meticulous, ethical, discrete, and flexible
- Excellent communicator with proactive mindset and professional boundaries
- Sound kitchen management with attention to cost-efficiency and quality
- Able to lift and move up to 50 pounds
- Valid driver’s license, clean record, non-smoker/vaper, and drug-free
- COVID-19 vaccination preferred
- Fluent in English; must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
- Clean background check and excellent references required
Preferred
- Four-year culinary degree ideal (two-year or extensive Michelin training also accepted)
- Prior private chef experience a plus but not required
Compensation & Benefits
- $200–250K+ DOE and culinary pedigree
- Health, dental, and vision insurance (employee only) (90–100% covered by employer)
- 10 paid vacation days
- 5 paid sick days
- 6 paid holidays
- Mileage reimbursement for work trips outside of commute
DM Estate Staffing is a domestic staffing firm based in Silicon Valley, California. We place highly skilled Private Service Professionals with private clients and family offices. While our roots are in Silicon Valley, our reach is nationwide, encompassing key markets such as Aspen, Austin, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Palm Beach, Silicon Valley, and Washington, DC.
You may know us as Domestic | Match and Private Chef | Match. After 12 years of expansion, we’ve evolved into the top choice for domestic staffing services. As our journey has unfolded, we’ve expanded beyond the constraints of our original brand, spreading our reach to encompass a broad spectrum of roles within the private estate and family office sectors.
What Makes Us Unique
Drawing upon over 70 years of collective expertise in private service, luxury hospitality, and yachting, DM Estate Staffing’s team boasts a deep understanding of the intimate relationship between private employers and their household staff. Our team’s personal experience in these roles fuels our continued passion and commitment to our recruitment efforts today. We approach our work with zeal and are dedicated to ensuring that clients and candidates alike discover the ideal match.
Please visit our Job Board to see our current openings!