Private chef in Birmingham

Main purpose of job: To provide high-quality, personalised meal preparation and private dining services within clients’ homes. The role involves preparing nutritious, well-presented meals in accordance with individual preferences, dietary requirements, allergies, cultural needs and agreed service requirements. The Private Chef will be responsible for maintaining excellent standards of food quality, hygiene, professionalism and client service while working independently within private households. Position reports to: Service Manager / Operations Manager Location: Birmingham Salary: Competitive, dependent on qualifications and experience.

Main tasks of job:

• Plan, prepare and cook high-quality meals in clients’ homes, including daily meals, batch cooking, fine dining and meals for special occasions where required.
• Develop personalised menus in consultation with clients, taking into account preferences, allergies, intolerances, cultural requirements, religious requirements and any professionally prescribed dietary instructions.
• Purchase or arrange ingredients where required, manage agreed food budgets and maintain appropriate receipts and expenditure records when handling client funds.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene, allergen management, food storage, temperature control, cross-contamination prevention and safe use of kitchen equipment.
• Ensure kitchens, utensils, equipment and food preparation areas are left clean, safe, hygienic and organised following completion of each service.
• Communicate professionally with clients, relatives and other members of the household team while maintaining confidentiality, dignity, professional boundaries and respect for the client’s home.
• Report food safety concerns, equipment hazards, safeguarding concerns, changes in client wellbeing, accidents or incidents to the appropriate Lumen Healthcare manager in accordance with company procedures.

Licences, registrations and qualifications:

Essential:

• Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene for Catering qualification
• Food allergen awareness training or willingness to complete company-approved training.
• Good understanding of food hygiene, safe food preparation, storage, temperature control and cross-contamination prevention.
• Ability to prepare fresh meals independently and adapt meals according to individual client preferences.
• Good knowledge of common allergies, food intolerances and dietary requirements.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently within clients’ homes.
• Evidence of legal right to work in the United Kingdom.
• Willingness to complete appropriate pre-employment checks and company training.

Newly qualified chefs and recent graduates are encouraged to apply. Previous private chef experience is not essential where the applicant can demonstrate appropriate culinary skills, professionalism and willingness to develop within the role.

Desirable qualifications and experience:

• BSc in Culinary Arts, Culinary Management, Food Science, Nutrition, Hospitality Management or another relevant subject.
• MSc in Culinary Arts, Food Science, Nutrition, Gastronomy, Hospitality Management or another relevant subject.
• City & Guilds Professional Cookery qualification.
• NVQ Level 3 Professional Cookery.
• Diploma in Professional Cookery or Culinary Arts.
• Level 3 Award in Supervising Food Safety in Catering or equivalent.
• Previous experience as a Private Chef, Personal Chef or household chef.
• Experience within fine dining, luxury hotels, restaurants or premium hospitality.
• Experience preparing specialist diets including vegetarian, vegan, gluten‑free, dairy‑free, low‑salt, high‑protein or other dietary requirements.
• Knowledge of nutrition and healthy meal planning.
• Experience preparing texture‑modified meals and knowledge of IDDSI guidance.
• Experience working with older adults or individuals receiving health or social care services.
• Pastry, baking or dessert preparation experience.
• Experience preparing food for private events, dinner parties and special occasions.
• Current First Aid qualification.
• Safeguarding Adults training.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Experience:

Previous professional kitchen, catering, restaurant, hotel, private household or hospitality experience is desirable but not essential.

Applications are welcomed from new graduates and newly qualified chefs who have completed appropriate culinary training and can demonstrate strong practical cooking skills. Applicants should be comfortable working independently, planning meals, preparing food from fresh ingredients and maintaining appropriate standards of food safety and hygiene.

Personal qualities:

• Professional, reliable and punctual.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• High standards of personal hygiene and presentation.
• Creative and confident in meal preparation.
• Able to adapt to different client preferences and household environments.
• Respectful of privacy and confidentiality.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Organised with good time-management skills.
• Comfortable receiving feedback and adjusting menus accordingly.
• Able to maintain professional boundaries while developing positive relationships with clients.

Pre-employment requirements:

• Proof of identity and right to work.
• Verification of relevant qualifications.
• Employment and education history checks.
• Satisfactory references.
• Food hygiene and allergen training verification.
• Appropriate DBS check where required for the client assignment.
• Driving licence checks where driving is required.
• Completion of Lumen Healthcare induction and mandatory training.