Full-Time Private Chef job (M/F) in Abu Dhabi, UAE
Job description
A UHNW family based on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi is seeking an exceptional live-out Private Chef to join their household on a long-term basis.
The role involves preparing daily breakfast, packed lunches, and dinner for a family of five, with a strong emphasis on refined Mediterranean and Greek cuisine and clean, healthy cooking using premium ingredients.
The ideal candidate will have prior experience in the UAE, a broad international culinary repertoire, and the ability to take full ownership of menu planning, ingredient sourcing, and overall kitchen operations. This position offers a competitive salary, visa and benefits, and the opportunity to work in a professional, respectful, and well-structured private household environment.
Responsibilities
Meal Planning & Culinary Execution
- Plan, prepare, and serve daily breakfast, packed lunches for adults and children, and dinner according to the agreed household schedule.
- Create seasonal, rotating menus with a strong Mediterranean and Greek focus, complemented by a refined international repertoire (Japanese, Thai, Levantine, light Italian, modern European).
- Maintain consistently high standards of flavour, presentation, nutrition, and timing, with dinners served family-style.
- Ensure all meals follow the household’s preference for clean, healthy, and minimally processed cuisine, with no fried or processed foods.
Packed Lunches (Adults & Children)
- Prepare balanced, nutritious, and travel-friendly packed lunches for both parents and children.
- Develop and manage a structured lunchbox rotation including mains, sides, fruit, and healthy snacks to ensure variety without repetition.
- Ensure packed meals remain fresh, appealing, and practical for school and workdays.
Ingredient Sourcing & Kitchen Ownership
- Take full ownership of food and beverage purchasing, including supplier selection, ordering, quality control, receiving, and storage.
- Source premium, high-quality ingredients locally, with strong knowledge of UAE markets and specialty suppliers.
- Manage pantry, refrigerator, and freezer organisation, including labelling, stock rotation, and waste minimisation.
Kitchen Operations & Hygiene
- Maintain an immaculately clean, organised, and professional kitchen environment at all times.
- Strictly follow food safety, hygiene, and best-practice handling standards.
- Coordinate effectively with other household staff, where applicable, to ensure smooth daily operations.
Household Integration & Professional Conduct
- Work discreetly and professionally within a private family environment, including around children.
- Communicate clearly with principals regarding menus, preferences, and scheduling.
- Demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness to occasional changes or special requests, including special dinners or ad hoc events.
Requirements
Professional Experience
- Proven experience as a Private Chef or in a senior chef role within private households, fine dining, yachts, or high-end hospitality.
- Prior experience in the UAE strongly preferred, with demonstrated ability to source high-quality ingredients locally.
- Strong hands-on expertise in Mediterranean and Greek cuisine, with confidence across a broad international repertoire.
Culinary Philosophy & Skill Set
- Strong commitment to healthy, clean cooking using whole, fresh, and minimally processed ingredients.
- Ability to prepare refined yet approachable dishes suitable for both adults and children.
- Excellent palate, attention to detail, and consistency in execution.
Personal Attributes
- Highly organised, reliable, discreet, and calm under pressure.
- Comfortable working independently and taking full ownership of the kitchen and food programme.
- Professional, respectful, and family-oriented mindset, with ease working around children daily.
Practical & Technical Requirements
- Excellent knowledge of food hygiene, kitchen safety, and sanitation standards (certifications preferred).
- Strong time management and planning skills to balance preparation, service, and breaks efficiently.
- Live-out and able to commute reliably to Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi.
References & Vetting
- Excellent professional references required.
- Willingness to complete a paid cooking trial, depending on experience and portfolio.
Work conditions
- Accommodation: Live-out, not provided
- Work Schedule: 6 days per week
- Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Start Date: As soon as possible
Salary
Hi, I’m Runet — a recruiter who’s passionate about helping people find the right opportunities where they can truly grow and succeed. Having worked as a private chef, personal trainer, and stewardess, I’ve experienced the industry from the inside out, which helps me understand my clients’ needs on a deeper level. I genuinely love connecting with people, building trust, and creating positive experiences that leave everyone feeling valued and satisfied.
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