Live-in Chef – Executive Residence
Job Description:
About the Company
Our client is a well-established organization with an office-cum-residential facility located on a private farm. The residence is used by senior management and occasionally hosts high-profile visitors and business guests. The environment requires a high level of professionalism, discretion, excellent hospitality, and attention to detail.
Job Summary
The Live-in Chef will be responsible for providing high-quality culinary services to the Executive and occasional guests at an executive residence. The role will focus primarily on preparing traditional Kenyan cuisine, while also providing broader menu options when entertaining guests.
The Chef will work closely with a company nutritionist to plan meals in line with dietary requirements, nutritional guidelines, portions, and presentation standards. The role also includes light housekeeping responsibilities focused on the kitchen, dining, and lounge areas, as well as pantry management, shopping, food hygiene, and general hospitality support.
Key Responsibilities
Culinary & Meal Preparation
Plan, prepare, and serve primarily traditional Kenyan meals for the Executive.
Prepare a wider range of local and international dishes when required for guests and special occasions.
Work closely with the company nutritionist to implement meal plans, dietary guidelines, portion requirements, and nutritional recommendations.
Maintain high standards of food quality, taste, freshness, presentation, and consistency.
Adapt menus and meal preparation to changing schedules, preferences, dietary requirements, and guest needs.
Ensure meals are prepared and served according to the Executive's schedule.
Kitchen & Pantry Management
Maintain a clean, organized, and well-managed kitchen at all times.
Manage pantry and kitchen inventory, ensuring adequate supplies are available.
Prepare shopping lists based on meal plans, stock levels, and upcoming requirements.
Accompany the designated driver for market runs and assist with food and kitchen-related procurement.
Monitor the quality and freshness of food supplies and minimize wastage.
Maintain proper storage and organization of food items and kitchen supplies.
Executive Hospitality & Guest Service
Professionally host and serve the Executive and visiting guests.
Provide polished table service and ensure meals are presented to a high standard.
Welcome and serve high-profile visitors with warmth, professionalism, and discretion.
Anticipate the needs and preferences of the Executive and guests.
Communicate clearly and courteously with the Executive, visitors, driver, nutritionist, and other internal staff.
Adapt smoothly to changes in schedules, meal requirements, and special visits.
Hygiene, Food Safety & Kitchen Standards
Maintain impeccable food hygiene and kitchen sanitation standards.
Ensure food is prepared, handled, stored, and served in accordance with appropriate health and safety requirements.
Maintain cleanliness of kitchen equipment, work surfaces, utensils, and storage areas.
Monitor food storage conditions and expiry dates.
Follow appropriate procedures for preventing cross-contamination and food spoilage.
Light Housekeeping & Residence Support
Maintain cleanliness and order in the kitchen, dining area, and lounge areas associated with the executive residence.
Ensure guest-facing areas are neat, presentable, and ready for use.
Coordinate with the broader facilities and cleaning personnel responsible for the rest of the building.
Minimize unnecessary movement and traffic within the executive residence to maintain privacy and comfort.
Support general hospitality readiness when the residence is hosting visitors.
Discretion & Professional Conduct
Maintain strict confidentiality regarding the Executive, guests, household activities, schedules, and other sensitive information.
Demonstrate maturity, emotional intelligence, and sound judgment when interacting with senior management and high-profile visitors.
Maintain a professional appearance and conduct at all times.
Respect the privacy, security, and personal preferences of the Executive and guests.
Handle unexpected situations calmly and professionally.
Qualifications & Experience
Diploma or Certificate in Culinary Arts, Food Production, Hospitality Management, or a related field.
At least 3–5 years of professional experience as a Chef, preferably in an executive residence, private household, boutique hotel, high-end restaurant, or similar environment.
Strong culinary mastery of traditional Kenyan cuisine.
Ability to prepare a broader range of dishes to accommodate diverse guest preferences.
Demonstrated experience with food hygiene, kitchen sanitation, food storage, and kitchen management.
Experience serving senior executives, VIPs, private clients, or high-profile guests is an added advantage.
Good understanding of portion control, meal planning, presentation, and inventory management.
Ability to work collaboratively with a nutritionist and follow dietary and nutritional guidelines.
Valid Food Handler's Certificate.
Valid medical report confirming fitness to handle food and perform the duties of the role.
Key Skills & Competencies
Traditional Kenyan Cuisine
All-Round Culinary Capability
Food Presentation & Quality
Food Hygiene & Kitchen Management
Meal Planning & Portion Control
Pantry & Inventory Management
Executive Hospitality & Table Service
Customer/Guest Service
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Discretion & Confidentiality
Emotional Intelligence & Maturity
Attention to Detail
Initiative & Problem Solving
Professionalism & Personal Presentation
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Consistent quality, taste, and presentation of meals.
Timely preparation and service according to the Executive's schedule.
High standards of kitchen hygiene and food safety.
Effective pantry and kitchen inventory management with minimal wastage.
Positive feedback from the Executive and guests.
Professional and discreet handling of executive and guest interactions.
Cleanliness and presentation of kitchen, dining, and lounge areas.
Responsiveness to dietary requirements and changing meal needs.
Work Pattern & Location
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Flexibility: The Chef should be willing to accommodate occasional early breakfasts, late dinners, special events, or visits by high-profile guests, with reasonable advance notice.
Live-in arrangement: The role is based at the executive residence and requires the candidate to reside on-site.