Private family seeks a friendly, experienced, full-time Private Chef with a strong focus on nutrition and wellness to oversee daily culinary needs at their primary residence on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. This position is based in NYC, with a summer relocation to the family’s secondary home in Southampton, NY.

The position begins in May in New York City, includes a scheduled four-week break in June, and resumes in July in Southampton, where private accommodations include a bedroom, bathroom, and access to a vehicle. Responsibilities include preparing two high-quality, health-conscious meals per day for a family of four, with meals prepped for the weekend. The family does not often host, and the home kitchen will be a single, well-equipped space. This role is based on a 5-day work week, typically Monday through Friday, with overriding availability to work weekends and longer hours during the summer months and as requested.

The ideal candidate will be highly reliable and personable, with an open-mind and respectful demeanor. A solid background in nutritious, organic culinary practices is required, with expertise in both Japanese and authentic Italian cuisines preferred. This role requires a genuine passion for creating fresh, organic, and health-conscious meals, along with a willingness to occasionally involve the children in fun, hands-on cooking experiences. Professionalism, discretion and the capacity to work seamlessly with existing household staff are essential for this role.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Creating fresh seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine on a five-day basis for lunch and dinner
• Prepare fun, tasty, nutritious, whole food-based meals for children with a focus on organic ingredients
• Coordinate with household staff (nanny & housekeeper) to prepare meals and stock provisions per their preferences
• Facilitate a fun, family-centric environment, occasionally engaging the children in age-appropriate prep (e.g. making pasta)
• Plan menus and meals tailored to dietary preferences and health goals
• Prepare and package meals for weekends as needed
• Oversee all elements of hospitality, food and beverage service within the residence on a daily basis
• Handle all aspects of grocery shopping and supply procurement, standardizing and maintaining kitchen inventory per family preferences (e.g. specific yogurts for children, fresh produce)
• Source ingredients from local farmer’s markets when possible
• Maintain a clean, organized kitchen, upholding the highest sanitary and cleanliness standard
• Assist in feeding household dogs when needed
• Additional duties and responsibilities as needed and upon request

 

Requirements:

• Strong command of English language; superior communication skills, both written and verbal
• Excellent references required from both current and previous employers
• Minimum 3-5+ years related experience working in a similar role for a private home or family
• Exceptional organizational skills and dedication to responsibilities; above and beyond attitude
• Strong understanding of seasonal ingredients and health-conscious cooking
• Strong knowledge of child-specific dietary requirements and nutrient-rich foods
• Deep knowledge of and experience with Japanese cuisine, authentic Italian and high-end Mediterranean dishes
• Passionate about creating elevated but not overly rich meals
• Polished, poised and professional in both mindset and manor, use of utmost discretion at all times
• Ability to seamlessly adapt to changing environments and household dynamics
• Valid Driver’s License; confident driver with zero points on license
• Valid US Passport willing and able to travel domestically and internationally as needed
• Legally able to work within the United States