We are seeking an exceptional Live-in Private Chef to join a private household on a beautiful Oxfordshire estate. This is a rare opportunity for a highly experienced chef who is passionate about delivering outstanding cuisine while becoming a valued part of a warm, welcoming, and professional family environment.
This position could also be an exciting opportunity for a chef couple, with one person undertaking the role of Private Chef and the other creating an exceptional front-of-house experience as Host/Hostess, delivering impeccable service, elegant table settings, and outstanding hospitality.
The successful candidate(s) will oversee the family’s day-to-day culinary requirements while creating memorable dining experiences for both the family and their guests. Entertaining will range from intimate family meals to formal lunches, dinners, and events for up to 30 guests, with additional support available for larger occasions, including shoot days and estate events.
Both roles will, on occasion, require accompanying the principals when they travel to other residences or on holiday to provide private chef and hosting services as required.
This is an outstanding opportunity for talented, discreet, and experienced professionals seeking a long-term position within a prestigious private estate.
Private Chef Responsibilities
Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Planning and preparing nutritious, high-quality daily meals for the family.
- Designing creative, seasonal menus tailored to the family’s preferences, dietary requirements, and entertaining needs.
- Delivering exceptional restaurant-quality dining experiences for private lunches, dinners, and events for up to 30 guests.
- Sourcing the highest-quality seasonal ingredients and managing all kitchen purchasing, budgeting, and stock control.
- Ensuring the kitchen is maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness, organisation, and food safety.
- Working closely with the family to understand their preferences and adapting menus accordingly.
- Supporting shoot days, estate events, and other special occasions.
- Collaborating with the wider estate team to ensure seamless service and exceptional guest experiences.
- Maintaining complete discretion, professionalism, and confidentiality at all times.
The Ideal Chef
- Proven experience within private households, luxury estates, superyachts, or Michelin/high-end hospitality.
- Passionate about producing beautiful, seasonal, restaurant-quality cuisine.
- Highly organised, proactive, and able to anticipate the family’s needs.
- Comfortable catering for both relaxed family dining and larger-scale entertaining.
- Calm, personable, flexible, and able to work seamlessly within a private household.
- Holds a full UK driving licence.
- Has the right to work in the UK.
Host/Hostess Opportunity (Chef Couple Preferred)
For the right applicants, we would also consider employing a partner in a Host/Hostess role. Responsibilities would include:
- Providing exceptional front-of-house service for the family and guests.
- Preparing elegant table settings and ensuring impeccable dining presentation.
- Delivering professional food and beverage service.
- Assisting with entertaining, estate events, and guest hospitality.
- Shopping for household and entertaining requirements.
- Laundry associated with hosting, including table linens and dining essentials.
- Organising and maintaining tableware, glassware, cutlery, and serving pieces.
- Creating beautiful floral arrangements and ensuring the home is always presented to an exceptional standard for entertaining.
- Working closely with the chef and wider estate team to deliver a seamless hospitality experience.
- Accompanying the principals when travelling or on holiday to provide hosting support where required.
The Host/Hostess role may be offered on either a full-time or part-time basis, depending on the successful candidates’ experience and the family’s requirements.
Accommodation & Benefits
- Beautiful two-bedroom property provided on the estate.
- Live-in accommodation included.
- Five-day working week, with flexibility required to work weekends and adapt to the family’s schedule.
- Opportunity to travel with the principals to other residences and on holidays when required.
- Long-term opportunity within a welcoming private household and professional estate team.
- A varied and rewarding role combining family dining, luxury hospitality, and high-end entertaining in a stunning countryside setting.
Location: Oxfordshire Private Estate (Live-in Accommodation Provided)
Hours: Five days per week, with weekend working and adjust to the family’s schedule as required.
Salary: From £75,000+ per annum, depending on experience.
REFS&W#3634893
