Private Executive Chef

Private Executive Chef Needed for Luxury Ranch & Hunting Retreat (Live-In)Title: Private Executive Chef Location: Private Ranch Pearsall, Texas (Relocation Available) Position Type: Full-Time, Live-In Salary: $70,000-$85,000 (Salaried, Paid Year-Round) Housing: Furnished home on ranch property Benefits: 3 Weeks PTO + Relocation Assistance Available Position OverviewA prestigious and growing private ranch and hunting retreat is seeking a talented, hands-on Executive Chef to lead all culinary and lodge food service operations. This is a unique opportunity to live and work on a beautiful ranch property, creating exceptional dining experiences rooted in Southern, ranch-style, and Spanish-influenced cuisine. The Executive Chef will oversee all culinary operations, including menu development, purchasing, preparation, service, and management of a small culinary and service team. This role is ideal for a creative professional who thrives in a hospitality-driven environment and takes pride in delivering memorable, high-quality meals to guests. The ranch operates seasonally with peak demand from August 15 through February 15, particularly during dove and deer hunting seasons. The Executive Chef is compensated year-round, with significantly lighter responsibilities and additional time off during the off-season. Key ResponsibilitiesPlan, prepare, and execute daily lunch and dinner service for 25-100 guestsCollaborate with the breakfast chef and support breakfast offerings as neededCreate and execute menus featuring Southern, ranch-style, and Spanish-inspired cuisineDeliver a range of dining experiences, from high-volume ranch meals to refined, elevated dinnersEnsure every meal provides a memorable, "wow-worthy" guest experience Management & Team LeadershipSupervise and lead a team of:Breakfast ChefAdditional Chef / Prep Support1-2 Cleaning / Serving / Bussing StaffOversee scheduling, training, and performance of culinary and service staffMaintain high standards of teamwork, professionalism, and hospitality Operations & AdministrationManage all food purchasing, ordering, and inventoryOversee kitchen organization, sanitation, and cleanliness of the lodge kitchen and dining areasEnsure efficient food cost management and proper product utilizationMaintain readiness for fluctuating guest counts and seasonal demands Guest Experience & InnovationDevelop creative, seasonal menus while incorporating ranch favorites such as:BBQ, steaks, and wild gameKing Ranch enchiladas, tacos, and regional specialtiesElevated dinner selections such as salmon, steakhouse-style dishes, and refined sidesIntroduce new and innovative ideas to continually elevate the guest experience Schedule OverviewPeak Hunting Season (Aug 15 - Feb 15):Breakfast Chef: 5:30 AM - 9:30 AMExecutive Chef: Arrives 10:00-10:30 AM for lunch prep and serviceBreak: Approximately 2:00 PM - 5:00 PMDinner Service: Evening preparation and execution 5:00 PM - 9:00PMSchedule will include 7 days per week during active guest stays Off-Season (Feb 15 - Aug 1):Significantly reduced workloadPaid year-round regardless of guest volumeAdditional time off and alternative projects as needed QualificationsRequired:Prior experience as an Executive Chef or Private ChefStrong leadership and team management skillsAbility to cook for both large groups and smaller, personalized guest experiencesExcellent organizational, budgeting, and purchasing skillsProfessional, flexible, and hospitality-driven mindsetCreative chef passionate about menu development and guest satisfaction Additional DetailsWork in a state-of-the-art industrial kitchenLead culinary operations at a ranch capable of hosting up to 100 guestsLive on a beautiful private ranch propertyOpportunity to build and shape the ranch's culinary program as it continues to grow Ideal CandidateThis role is perfect for a chef who:Loves ranch life and hospitalityTakes pride in leadership and ownership of their kitchenEnjoys creating memorable guest experiencesIs creative, adaptable, and self-motivatedIs excited to grow with a premier hunting and ranch retreat