10/12/2026
Position: Estate - Chef
Description: Temporary Head Chef – Private Estate
Christmas & New Year Contract | Retainer Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced - Temporary Head Chef- for the Christmas and New Year period at a beautiful private estate.
The owners visit the estate approximately 2–4 times per year, including 7–10 days each July, the Christmas/New Year period, and occasional shorter stays during spring and/or autumn.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced yacht, private estate or high-end catering chef who is confident working within a busy private household and understands the importance of flexibility, discretion and excellent communication.
The owner takes an active interest in the meals and menus for family and guests, so the successful chef must be comfortable collaborating closely with the owner, taking direction and developing a positive, lasting working relationship.
The family enjoys a varied range of cuisine, particularly Mediterranean, French, Asian and high-quality home-style cooking.
The Head Chef will be responsible for menu planning in conjunction with the owner, provisioning and food orders, working from established preference lists, maintaining recipes and standards, kitchen organisation and ensuring the smooth overall running of the kitchen.
During the festive period, the estate operates with approximately 24 staff, and this is an extremely busy programme. A temporary Sous Chef will be employed to support the Head Chef across all areas of the kitchen.
Guests usually arrive around 20 December and remain until 2 January. The Head Chef will start approximately six days prior to guest arrival to receive and organise provisions, set up the kitchen and begin food preparation.
We are looking for someone with a positive attitude, calm demeanour and good level of fitness, who is accustomed to the demands and longer hours associated with a busy private household during peak periods.
Excellent communication, organisation and interpersonal skills are essential.
For the right candidate, there is the retainer contract opportunity following the temporary assignment, covering the owners' future visits to the estate.
A fantastic opportunity for a professional chef looking to establish a long-term relationship with a very private family and potentially secure ongoing seasonal work throughout the year.
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https://www.blueoceansyachting.com/search/jobs/details?recordId=recJagOXrg8Z5NRhy
