AK078 - Full-Time Private Chef – Austin, TX

Overview

A private family of five in Austin is looking for an experienced and creative Private Chef to bring fresh, thoughtful cooking into their home every day. You'll own the full rhythm of the kitchen, from menu planning and grocery shopping to preparation and evening dinner service. The family keeps kosher, so a solid understanding of kosher dietary laws is essential.

The family loves balanced, flavorful food built on fresh, seasonal, organic, and locally sourced ingredients. They lean towards Mediterranean, Israeli and Asian cuisines. Each evening, alongside the family dinner, you'll also prepare a tailored, nutrient-dense meal for one family member, designed so that everyone sits down to a table that feels like one shared meal, whatever their individual needs.

This role suits someone proactive, dependable, and discreet who takes real pleasure in cooking for a family and becoming a trusted part of their daily life. Candidates MUST be local to Austin.

Schedule

• Full-time, Monday through Friday, five days per week.
• The schedule will primarily revolve around grocery shopping, afternoon meal preparation, and evening dinner service.
• The Chef will typically arrive at the residence around 3:00 PM, following grocery shopping as needed, and remain until approximately 9:00–9:30 PM after dinner service and kitchen cleanup.
• Family dinners generally take place around 7:30–8:00 PM.
• Occasional flexibility may be needed for special gatherings, holidays, or schedule adjustments.
• No regular weekend work or travel is required.
• This is a live-out position. Local Austin candidates only; relocation is not offered.

Responsibilities

Menu Planning & Meal Preparation

• Plan and prepare fresh dinners for five, typically an appetizer, main course, and complementary sides, served on time at the family's preferred dinner hour.
• Design varied, seasonal kosher menus that draw on a wide range of cuisines and techniques.
• Prepare and serve individually plated meals rather than family-style dining, ensuring a polished and attentive dinner service.
• Prepare a parallel, customized meal (entrée only) each evening for one family member who follows a specific dietary approach.
• Prepare and pack the children's school lunches for the following day as needed.
• Prepare additional meals, smoothies, snacks, or make-ahead components as requested and as time allows.
• Adapt menus to the family's preferences and occasional changes in plans.
• Prepare meals for guests, small gatherings, and Shabbat or holiday occasions as requested, with advance preparation during the regular work schedule when applicable.

Specialized Dietary Approach

One family member follows a nutrient-dense, organic, low-glucose, high-fiber, anti-inflammatory diet, prepared within the household's kosher standards. These meals emphasize:

• Wild-caught kosher fish and lean, high-quality kosher proteins.
• Omega-3-rich foods.
• Cruciferous and leafy green vegetables.
• Whole grains and high-fiber ingredients.
• Fresh, organic, minimally processed foods.

The Chef should be comfortable preparing this customized entrée alongside the family's regular dinner while maintaining excellent timing, flavor, and presentation.

Grocery Shopping & Sourcing

• Shop for daily and upcoming meals, prioritizing quality, freshness, and seasonality.
• Source high-quality ingredients from local markets, specialty vendors, and suppliers as appropriate.
• Manage grocery lists, pantry inventory, and staples so the household is always well stocked.
• Keep accurate receipts and follow household procedures for purchasing and expense reporting.
• Work within established grocery and kitchen budgets.

Kitchen Management & Dinner Service

• Keep the kitchen clean, organized, and sanitary throughout the day, with a full reset after dinner service.
• Provide attentive, individually plated dinner service, ensuring meals are beautifully presented and served at the family's preferred dining time.
• Follow proper kosher food preparation practices, food safety, storage, and labeling procedures.
• Minimize food waste through thoughtful planning.
• Care for kitchen equipment and flag any supply or maintenance needs promptly.
• Coordinate with other household staff as needed.
• Maintain professionalism and discretion at all times.

Qualifications

• Creative and passionate about preparing fresh, wholesome, beautifully presented meals.
• Warm, professional, polished, and discreet.
• Proactive, dependable, and comfortable taking ownership of the family's daily culinary needs.
• Highly organized and capable of independently managing all aspects of the kitchen.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing plans, dietary preferences, and family schedules.
• Confident preparing multiple complementary menus while maintaining excellent timing and presentation.
• Service-oriented and comfortable providing attentive, individually plated dinner service.
• An excellent communicator who works collaboratively with household staff and principals.
• Comfortable working in a home with two dogs.
• Interested in establishing a long-term working relationship with the family.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of professional culinary experience, including work as a Private or Personal Chef in a household setting.
• Strong understanding of kosher dietary laws, food handling, and preparation.
• Experience preparing health-conscious meals and running multiple complementary menus with excellent timing and presentation.
• Experience with Mediterranean, Israeli, Asian, and a variety of international cuisines.
• Strong menu planning, grocery shopping, and kitchen management skills.
• Ability to work independently in a private residence.
• Current Austin resident with a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Current food safety certification.
• Excellent communication skills and a flexible, service-oriented approach.
• Ability to pass a background check and provide professional references.

Salary and Benefits

• $130,000 - $150,000 Depending on overall fit/experience. 
• Health insurance stipend.
• Paid time off and sick days.
• Paid designated federal holidays off.