Job Title: NEW YORK CITY - EXECUTIVE PRIVATE CO-CHEF (rotational 3 1/2 days on, 3 1/2 days off)

Location: New York City 

Salary: $175,000 - $225,000 DOE + Benefits

Employment Type: Full-Time, Live-out (potential seasonal travel to the Hamptons)

Reports To: Principals & Estate Manager

Position Summary:

A private, health-conscious high-net-worth household is seeking talented and experienced Executive Co-Chef with a strong focus on nutritious, clean, and elevated cuisine. The ideal candidate will be passionate about wellness, well-versed in a variety of dietary lifestyles and capable of delivering high-end meals that are both nourishing and beautifully presented. The candidate, if hired, will work closely with the family's nutritionist.

This is a unique opportunity for two chefs who value quality, sustainability, and holistic well-being, and who thrive in a discreet, fast-paced, and service-oriented environment. The role requires culinary creativity, a strong nutritional foundation, and a deep respect for organic, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients.

Schedule

• chedule: ~3.5 days per week
• Hours: 7:00 am to close
• Pace: High-intensity workdays balanced with generous time off

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and prepare clean, seasonal, and nutrient-dense menus that align with the principal’s lifestyle and health goals
• Craft personalized meal plans, daily meals, and snacks tailored to dietary needs and preferences.
• Use functional, high-integrity ingredients sourced from trusted organic, local, and specialty purveyors.
• Develop consistent hospitality and culinary standards across all properties, including main residence, secondary homes and private aircraft.
• Informal meal service as required. 
• Travel as needed to set up or oversee kitchen operations during the principals’ stays at secondary homes or while onboard aircraft.
• Collaborate with the Estate Manager to identify staffing needs and recruit, vet, and onboard additional chefs and kitchen staff for summer months or travel support.
• Lead training and mentorship of junior and plane chefs to ensure consistency in food quality, safety, and presentation.
• Oversee scheduling, coordination, and performance of the culinary team across multiple properties.
• Maintain clear and professional communication with other household staff to ensure seamless service.
• Maintain immaculate kitchen environments and enforce strict standards of food safety, hygiene, and allergen control.
• Manage food budgets, inventory, and provisioning schedules.
• Recommend and oversee kitchen appliances, tools, and design modifications to optimize function and wellness-focused cooking techniques 
• Organize food storage and transport logistics for private jet travel.
• Oversight and direction of the family's organic vegetables garden and bee hives with a view to creating produce to be preserved for consumption at other homes and gifting. 

Qualifications:

• Minimum 10+ years of professional culinary experience, with at least 3–5 years in a private household, luxury hospitality, or wellness retreat setting.
• Deep knowledge of healthy, functional, and specialty diets; formal nutrition training or certifications a plus.
• Proven experience managing multi-property culinary operations and hiring/training culinary staff.
• Culinary degree from an accredited institution preferred.
• Experience with private jet or yacht catering is strongly preferred.
• Highly discreet, professional, and trustworthy, with a calm demeanor under pressure.
• Ability to travel frequently and work flexible hours, including holidays and weekends, based on the principal’s schedule.
• Valid passport and driver’s license required, background and reference checks mandatory.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Top-tier salary commensurate with experience
• Performance-based bonus potential
• Health insurance and wellness benefits
• Paid vacation and travel expenses

This job description serves as an initial outline of the role and expectations and is not intended to function as a formal contract. As is common in private households, schedules and day-to-day needs may shift over time. The ideal candidate will be flexible, adaptable, and comfortable working within a dynamic, evolving environment.

Kooking, LLC is acting solely as a recruiting and placement firm for this position and is not the employer of record for this role unless otherwise explicitly stated. All hiring decisions, compensation, benefits, and employment terms are determined by the client employer. By applying, you acknowledge that submission of an application does not guarantee placement or employment.

Kooking, LLC is an equal opportunity recruiting firm and does not discriminate in its recruiting, screening, or placement practices based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.