House Manager | Chef

Overview

Job Title: House Manager | Chef
Location: Menlo Park, CA and Malibu, CA (with occasional travel to Gstaad, Switzerland)
Start Date: January 2024

Position Overview:

We are seeking a highly skilled and professional House Manager | Chef to oversee the management of two residences, one in Menlo Park (main residence) and one in Malibu. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic environment, where you will blend culinary expertise with household management. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, flexible, and capable of handling the diverse needs of a busy household.

Key Responsibilities:

• Household Management:
  • Oversee and manage housekeepers at both properties to ensure cleanliness, organization, and a seamless experience for the principal.
  • Manage seasonal maintenance tasks such as rotating mattresses, power washing, and preparing the Malibu home for use.
  • Conduct pre-arrival visits to ensure the Malibu home is in excellent condition and ready for occupancy.
  • Provide clear instructions to housekeepers on a variety of tasks and vendor coordination. Ensure all vendor details are accurately captured in existing digital manual.
  • Conduct regular inspections of both properties, identifying maintenance issues and coordinating repairs.
  • Responsible for maintaining all household systems, such as security, maintenance schedules, and household inventory.
  • Ensure all vehicles are in top condition (fuel, service, cleaning), and manage schedules for these tasks.
  • Organize household shopping, including pantry restocking, fridge replenishing, and managing shopping lists for both homes.
  • Oversee insurance reviews and ensure all personal and property insurance is up-to-date annually.
• Culinary Duties:
  • Prepare a variety of fresh, seasonal, and healthy cuisines, with an emphasis on variety and balance.
  • Plan and execute themed dinner nights (e.g., Mexican night).
  • Create a diverse menu with options for all family members, paying close attention to food preferences such as limited use of garlic and onions.
  • Serve meals buffet style most nights, with occasional formal plated dinners possible.
  • Serve food and beverages to guests.
  • Manage kitchen inventory, purchasing, and preparing meals in advance to ensure smooth operations.
• Coordination and Administration:
  • Collaborate with the family office and accounting team to review household invoices and address any questions or discrepancies.
  • Perform light administrative tasks related to the management of household activities, such as vendor coordination, project planning, and reviewing household expenses.
  • Ensure that all paperwork for household services, including insurance, vendors, and contractors, is filed and kept up to date.
  • Manage the home inventory and assets by taking periodic photos to track household items.
• Guest and Family Services:
  • When the family has guests, ensure a welcoming and professional atmosphere. This includes preparing guest trays (e.g., water and tea), setting up for meals, and attending to guest needs.
  • Assist the family with personal tasks as needed, such as online shopping, returns, and organization.

Travel Requirements:

• Approximately 20-25% travel to Malibu and occasionally to Gstaad, Switzerland (particularly around Christmas).
• Travel to Malibu is more frequent in summer, and the role may require working weekend days 1-2 times per month.

Qualifications:

• Must have experience working as a private chef in a high-end household.
• Strong culinary skills.
• Prior experience managing household staff, overseeing maintenance, and coordinating multiple tasks and vendors.
• Must be local to the San Francisco Bay Area and available for regular in-person duties.
• Must be willing to undergo a thorough background investigation and have stellar references from past employers or clients.
• Must be able to lift up to 35 pounds, sit, stand, and climb stairs as part of regular duties.
• Must be professional, polished, and adaptable to various household needs.
• COVID-19 vaccination is required.
• Fluent in English; additional languages are a plus.

Schedule:

• Monday-Friday, 12:00 PM - 8:30 PM.
• Occasional weekend shifts, approximately two weekend days per month.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary: $160,000 - $170,000 per year, based on experience.
• Healthcare Stipend: $6,000 per year.
• Personal Wellness Stipend: $150 per month.
• Gas allowance for work-related car use.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): 2 weeks' vacation (ideally when the principal is traveling without the employee), sick days, and 5 paid holidays.
• Annual wage reviews and discretionary bonus.
• Equipment Provided: Laptop and phone for work purposes.
• Longevity: The family values long-term employment and is looking for someone committed to staying for many years to come!