Chef

We are in search for a FT live-out Chef for a HNW family based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Chef should be formally trained and willing to relocate to Grand Rapids permanently. Ideal candidates will have a minimum of 5+ years of experience working in a private formal or semi-formal household. This is a year-round position that requires the Chef’s full commitment.

Start date is ASAP. The Chef should be available, even if not needed, to work Mondays-Fridays, Weekends and Holidays.

SCHEDULE:

The Chef’s hours when the Principals are not traveling is 7am-7pm consisting of lunch and dinner most days and a buffet brunch and dinner on Sundays for 2 (or more, if guests are expected) people. Some weeks only dinner will be needed Monday-Thursday; then lunch and dinner Friday, Saturday and Sunday. When the Principals travel, which is about 30% of the year, the Chef will switch to a Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm schedule that does not have to be at the residence. During this time, work may involve planning menus, sourcing, provisioning, testing recipes or taking vacation time.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Culinary experience required, including preparation and presentation of diverse foods and styles.
• Culinary degree or educational track highly desired.
• Exceptional knowledge of household table etiquette, service, and entertaining protocol.
• Proven history of providing outstanding customer service, with a professional and tactful demeanor.
• Strong time management skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Flexibility in schedule to meet six days a week requirements/needs; this includes day shifts, night shifts, weekends and holiday shifts as needed. At times may require a 7-day schedule.
• Preservation of a peaceful household atmosphere is essential.
• Ability to travel to and work at winter and summer homes; valid driver’s license required.
• Must be responsible, resolute, and dependable; neat and tidy in appearance; organized and dependable.
• Proper storing of opened food to ensure freshness and safety.
• Exemplify a cheerful outlook and demonstrate pride in service.
• Demonstrate an eye for details and aesthetics.
• The highest level of confidentiality and sensitivity to privacy must be always exercised.

Cleaning and Sanitation:

• Maintain clean and sanitary chef kitchen and chef pantry, ensuring the highest health, sanitation, safety, and food storage standards, including categorizing and label dating all food.
• Conduct daily cleaning of surfaces, sweep and mop floors as needed and after meal service.
• Maintain non-work surface stainless in a polished condition.
• Conduct daily and deep cleaning of stove, oven, fryer, ice machine, sinks, microwave, refrigerators, freezers, exhaust hood and chef's dishwashers.
• Empty and clean interior of trash bins daily as needed.
• Keep pantry, shelves, cold storage, freezers, drawers, kitchen cupboards, and counters clean and organized in family and chef kitchens.

Service:

• Coordinate table settings, serve ware, and meal service themes with House Manager.
• Provide meal service, clearing, and clean up with or in the absence of other staff.
• Work with House Manager and staff to coordinate special dinner parties, events, and special occasions.

Other:

• Create exciting flavor combinations with an awareness of the highest quality ingredients.
• Superfood knowledge and health awareness a plus.
• Understanding of food sourcing in its purest form.
• Deep knowledge of organic products, balancing carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
• Prepare high quality and tasty smoothies and smoothie bowls.
• Experience with vegetarian and vegan recipes and options.
• Provide principals and staff with written and verbal instructions on how to prepare meals when absent.
• Skilled at portion control to minimize waste and control budget.
• Stay abreast of food trends, cooking techniques and recipe research.
• Value quality over quantity.
• Efficiently communicate with other staff; attentively listen, accept direction, ask questions, work well with others, and demonstrate a desire to be part of a team.
• Ensure services are performed at the highest level of quality and hospitality.
• Ability to handle constructive criticism in order to grow, learn and improve.
• Arrive to work timely; fully utilize opportunities during downtimes to conduct research, recipe preparation, menu creation, clean and organize, and perform other administrative responsibilities.
• Assist with seasonal and crucial duties of manager and other staff.
• Produce, track and manage expense reports, paying close attention to and controlling budget within given restraints.
• Complete other projects as assigned.

We are looking for energetic, hard-working professionals who love creating a safe and peaceful environment. Ideal candidates will learn how to take initiative, use their time wisely and learn the Principal’s likes and dislikes over time. Some of the most important qualities in a chef are someone who the Principals can trust and depend on long-term.