We are looking for an organised and energetic Cook/Family Assistant to join a busy private household on a full-time, live-out basis in Chelsea, London. This is a super, fun, hands on and busy role for a friendly family that need the extra support. Someone enthusiastic, hard working, passionate about healthy food but who is happy to muck in with the other elements of the home is essential. Must be a driver.
The family of four includes two school-aged boys, aged 9 and 11, and a friendly Cockapoo. This is a varied and hands-on role for someone who is naturally helpful, highly organised and confident in the kitchen, with a genuine understanding of healthy, balanced family nutrition.
The core focus of the position will be food shopping, meal preparation, nutrition and keeping the family’s day-to-day life running smoothly. The family are looking for someone who enjoys preparing wholesome, nutritious and appealing family food. A strong cooking background is essential, but this is very much a family-focused role rather than a Private Chef position. There are dietary requirements to adhere to and the family enjoy a range of cuisines, including Asian and mediterranean, so someone capable of producing good modern style cuisine and catering for different allergies is essential, and also able to follow some recipes the client enjoys.
The successful candidate will work alongside an established Housekeeper and an in-house PA, supporting the family with the practical aspects of their busy daily routine.
Job duties Responsibilities of the Live-out Family Assistant / Cook include:
Cooking, Food & Nutrition
• Take primary responsibility for the family's day-to-day cooking and food preparation
• Prepare wholesome, balanced and nutritious family meals, with a focus on quality ingredients and good nutrition
• Plan and prepare healthy breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks as required
• Shop for fresh, high-quality ingredients and manage household food stocks
• Source ingredients from trusted suppliers and local shops, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal and nutritious produce
• Keep the kitchen well organised and ensure food is stored correctly
• Prepare family-style meals that are nutritious, appealing and appropriate for both adults and children
• Be confident adapting meals to suit individual preferences, dietary requirements and allergies - one child is allergic to sesame and tree nuts, and one principal prefers to the gluten/dairy free
• Prepare food for the children, Housekeeper, in-house PA and the Principal as required, with occasional ad hoc meals
• Keep up to date with the family's preferences and ensure there is always suitable food available
• Involve the children in simple cooking or baking where appropriate
• Maintain excellent kitchen hygiene and organisation
Family Assistance & Errands
• Support the smooth running of the family's busy day-to-day life
• Run errands including grocery shopping, dry cleaning, parcels, deliveries, returns and other household tasks (when required)
• Undertake occasional school pick-ups and transport the children when required (small car provided, automatic - driving licence and confident London driver essential)
• Be available to jump in and assist with practical tasks as they arise - as can happen in a busy private home
• Support the family during particularly busy periods and help ensure schedules run smoothly
• Provide occasional babysitting, with up to approximately four evenings per month, agreed in advance
• Offer practical support around the children
• Be aware of the children's schedules, activities and commitments and help keep them on track (there is a PA but just to support during busy times)
• Walk the family dog when required /take to vet/groomers if needed
• Work closely with the Housekeeper and PA to ensure good communication and coordination across the household
• Approach the role with flexibility and a genuine muck-in, can-do attitude
Candidate Profile
• The ideal candidate will be an experienced private household professional who combines strong cooking ability with excellent organisation and a practical, family-focused approach
• Significant experience working within private households in a similar family assistant, family cook or all-rounder capacity
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to work within a fast-paced household • A highly organised, systems-driven approach and the ability to anticipate what needs doing
• A warm and engaging personality, particularly around children, with the ability to be discreet within the home
• The confidence to support school-aged children
• A resilient and calm nature, with the ability to manage pressure and changing priorities
• A proactive, practical and flexible approach to household life
• A willingness to jump in and help wherever needed
• A valid UK driving licence; a car will be provided for work use (small automatic car - candidate must be able to drive around London)
• Fluent English
Hours : Monday to Friday, 11:00 – 20:00. Hours will be fairly consistent during term time, although some flexibility will be required for occasional later evenings. When the family travels, there may be periods of adjusted working hours and annual leave arrangements to accommodate their plans. No regular international travel is required, but you may be asked to travel for up to 2 weeks to Switzerland, and the flexibility to be willing to do this is required. Location Chelsea, London, UK.
Salary IRO £55-60K depending on experience - paid on a payroll with 28 days holiday allowance, statutory pension etc.
If you are interested in this role, please e mail ella@sugarellacooks.co.uk with your CV, images of food and sample menus.