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Estate Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Silver Oak Cellars LLC

Sous Chef

Oakville, CA · On-site

$57K - $77K/yr

Incorporate seasonal estate-grown produce into menus while maximizing utilization through ... Collaborate with the Executive Chef on menu development, staff scheduling and culinary planning ...

Hotel Figueroa

Junior Sous Chef

Los Angeles, CA

$53K - $72K/yr

Compensation TypeHourlyHighgate Hotels Highgate is a leading real estate investment and hospitality ... Overview The Junior Sous Chef assists the Sous Chef and Executive Chef in the daily operation of ...

Liora Estate

Sous Chef

Healdsburg, CA · On-site

$80K/yr

We are seeking a passionate and driven Sous Chef to support the culinary leadership team in delivering a refined, high-quality dining experience. This role is ideal for a culinary professional who ...

Highgate Hotels

Junior Sous Chef

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$53K - $72K/yr

Hourly Highgate is a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company with over ... The Junior Sous Chef assists the Sous Chef and Executive Chef in the daily operation of the kitchen ...

Hotel Figueroa

Junior Sous Chef

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$53K - $72K/yr

Compensation TypeHourlyHighgate Hotels Highgate is a leading real estate investment and hospitality ... Overview The Junior Sous Chef assists the Sous Chef and Executive Chef in the daily operation of ...

Liora Estate LLC

Sous Chef

Healdsburg, CA · On-site

$80K/yr

We are seeking a passionate and driven Sous Chef to support the culinary leadership team in delivering a refined, high-quality dining experience. This role is ideal for a culinary professional who ...

Delicato Family Wines

Chef

Napa, CA · On-site

Work LocationNapa, CA Position Purpose Acting on own initiative, the Chef position is responsible for the development, preparation, and production of the Culinary Program for Black Stallion Estate ...

Delicato Family Wines

Chef

Napa, CA · On-site

Work LocationNapa, CA Position Purpose Acting on own initiative, the Chef position is responsible for the development, preparation, and production of the Culinary Program for Black Stallion Estate ...

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Estate Chef information

What is an estate chef?

Estate chefs are professional culinary experts who work in private residences, estates, or for high-net-worth individuals and families. Their responsibilities include meal planning, grocery shopping, preparing daily meals, and accommodating special dietary preferences or restrictions. Estate chefs often manage kitchen staff, maintain kitchen inventory, and sometimes cater private events or parties hosted at the estate. They are expected to deliver high-quality, personalized dining experiences, often with discretion and flexibility to meet the needs of their employers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an estate chef?

To thrive as an Estate Chef, you need advanced culinary skills, menu planning expertise, and experience in high-end or private kitchens, often supported by a culinary degree or professional chef certification. Proficiency with kitchen management systems, food safety standards, and specialized equipment is typically required. Exceptional organization, discretion, and adaptability are vital soft skills for catering to the unique preferences and schedules of estate owners. These abilities ensure consistently high-quality dining experiences, efficient kitchen operations, and seamless service in a luxury residential environment.

What are some common challenges an estate chef may face when managing private household kitchens?

Estate Chefs often navigate unique challenges such as adapting to the evolving preferences and dietary needs of household members, planning and executing menus for special events, and sourcing high-quality ingredients, sometimes on short notice. Additionally, they may manage a small kitchen team or coordinate with other estate staff, requiring strong communication and organizational skills. Flexibility and discretion are essential, as priorities can shift quickly in private households and confidentiality is highly valued.

What is the difference between Estate Chef vs Personal Chef?

AspectEstate ChefPersonal Chef
CredentialsCulinary degree, experience in high-end kitchensCulinary training, often certified, with personalized skills
Work EnvironmentLarge estate kitchens, private propertiesPrivate homes, individual clients
Employer & IndustryWealthy estate owners, luxury hospitalityPrivate individuals, families
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Estate Chefs typically work in large estate kitchens for wealthy clients, preparing meals for multiple guests and events. Personal Chefs focus on preparing customized meals for individual clients or families in private homes. While both roles require culinary expertise, Estate Chefs often have more experience with large-scale meal preparation and luxury settings, whereas Personal Chefs emphasize personalized service and tailored menus.

What are popular job titles related to Estate Chef jobs in California?

For Estate Chef jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Estate Chef jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Estate Chef jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Estate Chef jobs?

Cities in California with the most Estate Chef job openings:

Estate Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Estate Chef job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Sous Chef

Silver Oak Cellars LLC

Oakville, CA • On-site

$57K - $77K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
The Sous Chef is a key culinary leader responsible for delivering exceptional food experiences that reflect the Family of Silver Oak's commitment to hospitality, craftsmanship, and quality. This position partners closely with the Executive Chef to lead daily culinary operations, mentor the kitchen team, execute world-class winery events, and ensure every guest experience reflects our premium brand standards. In the Executive Chef's absence, the Sous Chef assumes full responsibility for kitchen operations and culinary execution.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Foster a positive, collaborative, high-performing kitchen culture through clear communication, daily pre-service meetings, and accountability to quality and hospitality standards.
  • Onboard, coach and develop culinary team members through ongoing training, feedback and performance management.
  • Plan and lead daily kitchen operations, including prep lists, workflow, production priorities and participation in food preparation.
  • Ensure efficient execution by overseeing cooking techniques, knife skills, seasoning, food preparation and overall culinary quality.
  • Maintain a clean, organized and high-performing kitchen while developing team members through hands-on coaching and leadership.
  • Lead the culinary execution of multi-course lunches, dinners, food and wine pairings, internal meals and large-scale hospitality events.
  • Ensure consistency in recipes, portioning, plating, presentation and final quality while maintaining the Executive Chef's culinary standards.
  • Coordinate kitchen team responsibilities to ensure seamless event execution and independently lead events in the Executive Chef's absence.
  • Engage with guests during dining experiences by presenting menu concepts and representing the Family of Silver Oak culinary program.
  • Manage purchasing, receiving and inventory while maintaining established food, labor and operating budgets.
  • Evaluate vendor relationships, inspect deliveries for quality and maintain appropriate inventory, storage and par levels to minimize waste.
  • Support labor scheduling and staffing decisions to balance operational efficiency with exceptional guest experiences.
  • Partner with the Executive Chef and Landscaping team to plan, maintain and harvest the culinary gardens.
  • Incorporate seasonal estate-grown produce into menus while maximizing utilization through preservation techniques. Support maintenance of culinary gardens; harvesting, pruning, trellising as needed
  • Partner with Hospitality, Events, Vineyard, Facilities and Winemaking teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences and support company-wide initiatives.
  • Collaborate with the Executive Chef on menu development, staff scheduling and culinary planning across Family of Silver Oak properties.
  • Welcome guests into the kitchen, participate in event planning meetings and support internal staff events.
  • Ensure compliance with County Health Department regulations, food safety standards and safe chemical handling practices.
  • Maintain an exceptionally clean, organized and inspection-ready kitchen, including food storage, sanitation stations, loading docks, floors and workspaces.
  • Promote a culture of cleanliness, sanitation and safety through daily oversight and accountability.

Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • 8+ years of progressive culinary experience, including at least 3 years in fine dining, luxury hospitality or equivalent high-end culinary environments.
  • Advanced knowledge of all kitchen areas including prep, pantry, contemporary cooking methods, pastries and breads.
  • Understanding of seasonality, sustainable farming practices, fishing and animal husbandry
  • Working knowledge of wine, food pairing principles, and luxury hospitality.
  • High level of attention to detail to ensure food production runs seamlessly to properly execute on high luxury events
  • CA Food Manager Certification preferred.
  • Must be able to work flexible hours including nights and weekends.
  • Ability to speak and describe our cuisine to a small/large group of guests.
  • Valid CA Driver's License and clean DMV record.
  • Ability to drive between multiple winery locations for events.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Strong demonstrated leadership and ability to work in a team.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to do the following:
  • Stand on feet for long periods of time.
  • Perform repetitive motion activities.
  • Physically able to occasionally lift 30-50 lbs.
  • Coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
  • Busy and distractive open office/kitchen atmosphere.
  • Kitchen can be hot and slippery.
  • Ability to work with regular distraction.

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