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 Overview
A 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 Responsibilities
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Plan, prepare, and execute daily lunch and dinner service for 25–100 guests
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Collaborate with the breakfast chef and support breakfast offerings as needed
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Create and execute menus featuring Southern, ranch-style, and Spanish-inspired cuisine
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Deliver a range of dining experiences, from high-volume ranch meals to refined, elevated dinners
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Ensure every meal provides a memorable, “wow-worthy” guest experience
Management & Team Leadership
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Supervise and lead a team of:
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Breakfast Chef
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Additional Chef / Prep Support
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1–2 Cleaning / Serving / Bussing Staff
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Oversee scheduling, training, and performance of culinary and service staff
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Maintain high standards of teamwork, professionalism, and hospitality
Operations & Administration
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Manage all food purchasing, ordering, and inventory
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Oversee kitchen organization, sanitation, and cleanliness of the lodge kitchen and dining areas
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Ensure efficient food cost management and proper product utilization
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Maintain readiness for fluctuating guest counts and seasonal demands
Guest Experience & Innovation
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Develop creative, seasonal menus while incorporating ranch favorites such as:
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BBQ, steaks, and wild game
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King Ranch enchiladas, tacos, and regional specialties
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Elevated dinner selections such as salmon, steakhouse-style dishes, and refined sides
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Introduce new and innovative ideas to continually elevate the guest experience
Schedule Overview
Peak Hunting Season (Aug 15 – Feb 15):
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Breakfast Chef: 5:30 AM – 9:30 AM
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Executive Chef: Arrives 10:00–10:30 AM for lunch prep and service
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Break: Approximately 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
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Dinner Service: Evening preparation and execution 5:00 PM – 9:00PM
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Schedule will include 7 days per week during active guest stays
Off-Season (Feb 15 – Aug 1):
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Significantly reduced workload
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Paid year-round regardless of guest volume
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Additional time off and alternative projects as needed
Qualifications
Required:
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Prior experience as an Executive Chef or Private Chef
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Strong leadership and team management skills
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Ability to cook for both large groups and smaller, personalized guest experiences
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Excellent organizational, budgeting, and purchasing skills
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Professional, flexible, and hospitality-driven mindset
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Creative chef passionate about menu development and guest satisfaction
Additional Details
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Work in a state-of-the-art industrial kitchen
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Lead culinary operations at a ranch capable of hosting up to 100 guests
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Live on a beautiful private ranch property
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Opportunity to build and shape the ranch’s culinary program as it continues to grow
Ideal Candidate
This role is perfect for a chef who:
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Loves ranch life and hospitality
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Takes pride in leadership and ownership of their kitchen
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Enjoys creating memorable guest experiences
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Is creative, adaptable, and self-motivated
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Is excited to grow with a premier hunting and ranch retreat