Hire a Private Chef in 24 Hours

Our comprehensive recruitment service includes an initial consultation to understand your exact requirements, access to our exclusive network of pre-vetted Private Chef candidates, shortlist delivery within 24-48 hours, interview coordination and logistics support, thorough background checks and reference verification, offer negotiation assistance, and ongoing support through the onboarding period. We operate on a success-fee basis—you only pay when your new Private Chef starts work. Our replacement guarantee provides additional security, offering a free replacement if the placement doesn't work out within the guarantee period.

We deliver your first shortlist of pre-vetted private chef candidates within 24-48 hours of our initial consultation. The complete hiring timeline typically runs 2-4 weeks from initial contact to offer acceptance, though we can accelerate this for urgent needs. Factors affecting timeline include your interview availability, whether cooking trials are required, and any international relocation requirements. Our record for emergency placements is 72 hours from first contact to chef starting work, though we recommend allowing adequate time for thorough vetting and smooth transitions.

Essential qualifications include formal culinary education from recognized institutions, current food safety certification (ServSafe or equivalent), and 3+ years of professional cooking experience. For yacht positions, STCW certification is mandatory. Beyond credentials, private chefs need proven experience in high-end residential settings, expertise in multiple cuisines, and strong references from previous household employers. Additional valuable qualifications include nutrition certifications, sommelier training, and specialized dietary expertise (kosher, halal, allergen-free). Language skills and valid travel documents enhance candidacy for international households.

Lighthouse provides a comprehensive replacement guarantee for all private chef placements. If your chef doesn't work out within the guarantee period, we'll find a replacement at no additional cost. The guarantee period varies based on position level and contract terms, typically ranging from 60-180 days. This isn't just insurance - it reflects our confidence in our vetting process. Our replacement rate is under 5% because we prioritize long-term fit over quick placements. The guarantee covers voluntary departures, performance issues, and compatibility concerns.

Our seven-step vetting process is the industry's most comprehensive. We begin with technical skills assessment and career verification, followed by in-depth behavioral interviews focusing on household compatibility. We contact at least three previous employers for detailed references, conduct thorough background checks including criminal records and certification verification, and assess practical skills through scenario planning. Personality profiling ensures cultural fit, and we coordinate cooking trials when requested. This rigorous process typically eliminates 90% of initial candidates, ensuring only exceptional chefs reach your shortlist.

Private Chef compensation varies significantly based on experience level, responsibilities, location, and specific requirements of the role. During our initial consultation, we provide detailed salary benchmarking tailored to your specific situation and market conditions. This ensures your offer is competitive enough to attract quality candidates while remaining aligned with current market rates. We draw on our extensive placement experience to advise on the full compensation package including benefits, accommodation, and other factors that influence candidate decisions.

Yes, Lighthouse assists with immigration requirements for international placements. We partner with specialized immigration attorneys who understand the unique aspects of household employee visas. Our team helps identify candidates with existing work authorization when possible and guides you through sponsorship processes when necessary. We're experienced with various visa categories including H-2B, O-1 for chefs with extraordinary ability, and country-specific household employee visas. While we facilitate the process, employers typically cover legal fees and government filing costs. Timeline expectations vary by country but typically range from 2-6 months for visa processing.

Lighthouse successfully places private chefs globally, from Manhattan penthouses to Caribbean islands, European estates to Middle Eastern palaces. Our network includes locally-based chefs in major markets and professionals willing to relocate for the right opportunity. For remote locations, we identify candidates with proven adaptability and often recruit chefs with yacht or safari lodge experience who excel in challenging environments. We also source chefs willing to rotate between multiple residences, understanding the complexity of maintaining consistent service standards across properties in different countries or climates.

Lighthouse excels at urgent placements without compromising quality. Our emergency placement protocol activates immediately, leveraging our database of pre-vetted candidates and network of chefs between positions. We've successfully placed private chefs within 72 hours for situations like sudden departures or last-minute event needs. Urgent placements still undergo essential vetting including reference checks and background verification, though we may conduct some steps in parallel rather than sequentially. We maintain a roster of interim chefs for temporary coverage while conducting thorough searches for permanent placements.

Starting your private chef search is simple. Contact Lighthouse via phone, email, or our website contact form to schedule a 15-30 minute consultation. During this conversation, we'll discuss your culinary preferences, household structure, and specific requirements. Within 24-48 hours, you'll receive a customized shortlist of qualified candidates. There's no cost or obligation for this initial service. Our success-fee structure means you only pay when you hire, allowing you to explore options risk-free. Our consultants are available seven days a week to accommodate your schedule.

Private family service requires a fundamentally different mindset than restaurant work. Great private chefs prioritize consistency and personal preferences over creativity and innovation. They excel at reading family dynamics, adapting to children's changing tastes, and creating comfort through familiar favorites perfectly executed. Unlike restaurant chefs who perform for diverse audiences nightly, private chefs build intimate knowledge of their principals' preferences, health goals, and lifestyle rhythms. They must be equally comfortable preparing a molecular gastronomy tasting menu and a simple grilled cheese sandwich, understanding that both require excellence in their context.

Confidentiality is paramount in private household recruitment. All Lighthouse consultants sign comprehensive NDAs, and we limit information sharing throughout the search process. Candidate profiles initially use anonymous household descriptions, revealing specific details only after mutual interest is established and confidentiality agreements are signed. We conduct reference checks discreetly, understanding that many candidates are currently employed. Our secure systems protect sensitive information, and we train all staff in privacy protocols. For high-profile searches, we implement additional security measures including encrypted communications and restricted team access.