Private Chef
VA Enterprises, LLC
Operations · Full-time
Grand Rapids, MI, USA · Holland, MI, USA
Posted on Feb 27, 2026
This full-time, salaried/exempt position is responsible for utilizing a deep passion and inventive approach to ensure a stunning culinary experience for the Principals and their guests.
Reporting relationship: Manager of Domestic Services
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Culinary:
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Prepare and present meals, including appetizers, soups, entrees, sides, breads, fresh-baked desserts, snacks, and beverages, keeping presentation in mind.
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Ensure promptness, freshness, quality, and variety of dishes.
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Research and prepare diverse menus for Principals’ review, incorporating preferences, dietary restrictions, and seasonal changes; ensure repetition is minimal.
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Maintain a journal of menu choices and preferences to ensure variety and reduce repetition.
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Research and implement new techniques and ingredients.
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Shop for groceries, beverages, and kitchen supplies; proactively maintain adequate inventory.
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Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with local vendors, artisans, and retailers.
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Maintain food and beverage products "in date" and discard expired items.
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Prepare fresh, high-quality, “to go” meals on occasion.
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Cleaning and Sanitation:
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Maintain a clean and sanitary chef kitchen and chef pantry, ensuring the highest health, sanitation, safety, and food storage standards, including categorizing and labelling all food with dates.
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Conduct daily cleaning of surfaces, sweep and mop floors as needed, and after meal service.
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Maintain non-work surface stainless steel in a polished condition.
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Conduct daily and deep cleaning of stove, oven, fryer, ice machine, sinks, microwave, refrigerators, freezers, exhaust hood, and chef's dishwashers.
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Empty and clean the interior of trash bins daily as needed.
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Keep pantry, shelves, cold storage, freezers, drawers, kitchen cupboards, and counters clean and organized in family and chef kitchens.
Service:
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Coordinate table settings, service ware, and meal service themes with the Manager.
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Provide meal service, clearing, and clean up with or in the absence of other staff.
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Work with the Manager and staff to coordinate special dinner parties, events, and special occasions.
Other:
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Create exciting flavor combinations with an awareness of the highest quality ingredients.
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Superfood knowledge and health awareness are a plus.
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Understanding of food sourcing in its purest form.
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Deep knowledge of organic products, balancing carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
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Prepare high-quality and tasty smoothies and smoothie bowls.
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Experience with vegetarian and vegan recipes and options.
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Provide Principals and staff with written and verbal instructions on how to prepare meals when absent.
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Skilled at portion control to minimize waste and control budget.
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Stay abreast of food trends, cooking techniques, and recipe research.
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Value quality over quantity.
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Efficiently communicate with other staff; attentively listen, accept direction, ask questions, work well with others, and demonstrate a desire to be part of a team.
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Ensure services are performed at the highest level of quality and hospitality.
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Ability to handle constructive criticism in order to grow, learn, and improve.
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Arrive at work on time; fully utilize opportunities during downtimes to conduct research, recipe preparation, menu creation, clean and organize, and perform other administrative responsibilities.
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Assist with seasonal and crucial duties of the Manager and other staff.
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Produce, track, and manage expense reports, paying close attention to and controlling the budget within given restraints.
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Complete other projects and duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS:
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Culinary experience required, including preparation and presentation of diverse foods and styles.
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Culinary degree or educational track highly desired.
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Exceptional knowledge of household table etiquette, service, and entertaining protocol.
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Proven history of providing outstanding customer service, with a professional and tactful demeanor.
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Strong time management skills
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
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Flexibility in schedule to meet six days a week requirements/needs; this includes day shifts, night shifts, weekends, and holiday shifts as needed. At times may require a 7-day schedule.
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Must be flexible to accommodate lunch and dinner times that change on occasion.
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Preservation of a peaceful household atmosphere is essential.
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Ability to travel to and work at winter and summer homes; valid driver’s license required.
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Must be responsible, resolute, and dependable; neat and tidy in appearance; organized and dependable.
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Proper storing of opened food to ensure freshness and safety.
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Exemplify a cheerful outlook and demonstrate pride in service.
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Demonstrate an eye for details and aesthetics.
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The highest level of confidentiality and sensitivity to privacy must always be exercised.
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
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Ability to remain standing for lengthy periods of time.
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Ability to grab, reach, push, pull, bend, stoop, kneel, and crouch to retrieve and/or replenish merchandise and/or cooking equipment.
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Ability to use hands to seize, hold, grasp, turn, or otherwise, to chop, whisk, slice, stir, juice, and/or other techniques.
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Ability to work at a physically demanding pace.
VA Enterprises, LLC is an equal opportunity employer.
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