Private Chef | (Fixed-Term Contract)

This private chef position is an exciting opportunity to work with an ultra ultra-high net worth (UHNW) family of three located in beautiful Santa Barbara, California. The family seeks a highly skilled private chef to serve on a full-time, fixed-term contract from June 1 to August 1, 2026, with potential extension through September 1. The chef will prepare daily lunch and dinner meals, five days a week, demonstrating exceptional culinary expertise and professionalism. The compensation is highly competitive, ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 per day depending on experience. A private Airbnb accommodation will be provided for the duration of the contract, and relocation assistance is available for the right candidate.

The family maintains highly specific culinary standards, with a particular emphasis on high proficiency in authentic Chinese cuisine, which is a core requirement for the role. The ideal candidate will possess verifiable experience preparing Michelin-level authentic Chinese dishes, showcasing both traditional techniques and a polished level of execution. Beyond Chinese cuisine, the chef will also prepare Mediterranean, Italian, and California/seasonal cuisine, focusing on scratch-made, ingredient-driven dishes using top-tier sourcing from farmers' markets and quality purveyors for meat and seafood.

This role demands a seasoned private chef who thrives in a high-performance, disciplined environment and understands how to operate respectfully and discreetly within a UHNW household. Strong personal awareness is essential as the chef must maintain a low profile, exhibiting professionalism and discretion at all times. The family environment is highly structured, supportive, and communicative, with clear expectations and hands-on guidance regarding dietary preferences, allergies, and food preparation standards.

The family's profile includes two principals and one child, with the mother currently pregnant, emphasizing the need for careful attention to dietary needs and preferences. There are also two nannies requiring separate meals, adding to the complexity of meal preparation and household kitchen management. The chef will be responsible for the full scope of kitchen operations, including menu planning, sourcing, shopping, maintaining cleanliness, and organization across two fully equipped kitchens (upstairs and downstairs).

Candidates must be detail-oriented, thick-skinned, and consistent under pressure, able to adapt quickly to evolving requests and feedback with composure. The role requires a commitment to preparing all food in-house from scratch, including dumplings, noodles, sauces, and related components, with no store-bought or pre-made items allowed. The chef will need excellent multi-tasking abilities to manage simultaneous meal preparations while maintaining accuracy and high culinary standards.

This is an excellent opportunity for a private chef who desires to work within an upscale, disciplined household and showcase their expertise in Michelin-level authentic Chinese cuisine. The family offers a well-organized working environment with clear tools and feedback to support the chef’s success. Candidates ready to collaborate thoughtfully and maintain an unobtrusive presence will find this role rewarding and professionally fulfilling.