Job Description
Private Chef – Private Household | Western Algarve
An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Private Chef to join a well-established private household in the Alvor / Portimão area.
This is a full-time, live-out position within a large private residence, working as part of an established household team.
The family is looking for a chef who enjoys preparing fresh, light and flavourful food, with a particular preference for Mediterranean-style cuisine rather than heavier, traditional dishes. An interest or flair for Asian cuisine would also be particularly welcomed.
The emphasis is on simple, beautifully prepared everyday food using fresh, quality ingredients, rather than overly elaborate fine dining.
The Role
The Private Chef will take responsibility for the family’s weekday lunches and dinners, including:
- Planning varied weekly menus in line with the family’s preferences
- Grocery shopping and sourcing fresh, high-quality ingredients
- Preparing and serving lunch and dinner Monday to Friday
- Preparing lunches in advance where appropriate, ready to be enjoyed later
- Maintaining an organised, well-stocked kitchen
- Managing food supplies, ingredients and kitchen essentials
- Cleaning all kitchen equipment, utensils and work areas used during each shift
- Undertaking occasional deeper kitchen cleaning as required
- Ensuring excellent standards of food hygiene, organisation and cleanliness
- Working collaboratively with the wider household team
The residence has a fully equipped kitchen, including two dishwashers, and an established team of household staff. The household operates collaboratively, with housekeepers supporting with areas such as floors and general cleaning and assisting with dishes where required.
The family also has well-loved dogs within the home, so applicants must be comfortable working around pets.
Working Hours
Monday to Friday
Morning: 9:00am – 2:00pm
The morning will typically begin with grocery shopping and ingredient sourcing, followed by preparation and lunch service.
Evening: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Return to the residence to prepare/serve dinner and leave the kitchen organised at the end of service.
This is a live-out position and applicants will therefore need to be based within a reasonable commuting distance of Alvor / Portimão or willing to relocate independently.
Requirements
- Previous professional Chef experience essential
- Private household experience would be highly advantageous
- Confident preparing fresh, healthy and Mediterranean-style cuisine
- Asian cooking experience or a genuine flair for Asian cuisine would be an advantage
- Able to independently plan menus, shop and manage the family’s day-to-day food requirements
- Excellent kitchen organisation and hygiene standards
- Flexible, reliable and discreet
- Comfortable working as part of an established household team
- Comfortable around dogs
- Fluent English essential
- Portuguese advantageous but not essential
- Full driving licence and own vehicle essential
- Legal right to work in Portugal
Salary & Contract
Up to €3,000 per month, dependent on experience
- Full Portuguese employment contract
- Monday–Friday position
- Live-out
- Immediate start
- Long-term opportunity within an established private household