Private Staff As A Service | CuroHelp
Cook Jobs
Cook Jobs
Where your craft, professionalism, and passion for food truly matter.
Working with CuroHelp as a Cook means joining a network of highly skilled culinary professionals trusted by private households, estates, UHNW families, and principals across the UK and internationally.
We represent Cooks who are not only confident in the kitchen, but who bring warmth, reliability, organisation, and pride to every home they serve. Whether you specialise in family-style cooking, dietary-specific meal preparation, or elevated home dining, we match you with households that value your skill and treat you with respect.
CuroHelp Standard: Real homes. Real people. Real appreciation for your craft.
What to Expect When Working with CuroHelp
Consistent, high-quality placements
We work with clients who understand the value of exceptional household food preparation — from busy families to high-profile individuals and large estates.
You can expect structured roles where your contribution directly improves daily life for your employers.
Roles designed around your strengths
We take time to understand your cooking style, experience, preferences, and the environments you thrive in.
Whether you excel with nutritious family meals, batch cooking, international cuisine, or elevated comfort food, we ensure your placements fit your skill set.
Respectful, professional households
CuroHelp clients are thoroughly vetted, well-organised and committed to safe, fair working environments. You will always know exactly what is expected of you before starting a role.
Opportunities for growth
Many Cooks progress into hybrid roles such as Cook/Housekeeper, Cook/Nanny, Cook/Personal Assistant, or develop specialist expertise (wellness cuisine, children’s meals, medical diets, etc.).
We support your development and celebrate long-term, stable placements.
Flexible working patterns
Depending on your availability and lifestyle, we offer:
- Full-time and part-time roles
- Live-in and live-out opportunities
- Rota shifts
- Seasonal and temporary cover
- Travel roles for families with multiple homes
What We Look for in a CuroHelp Cook
- A genuine love of cooking and creating nourishing meals
- Experience working in private households or similar family-focused environments
- Strong understanding of food safety, cleanliness, and best kitchen practice
- Ability to plan menus, manage budgets, and organise shopping
- Reliability, discretion, and professionalism
- A calm, friendly demeanour and the ability to work around family life
- DBS clearance (or willingness to obtain one)
- Excellent references from previous employers
CuroHelp cooks are trusted, grounded, thoughtful, and always take pride in the home they serve.
Cook Jobs - Types we Recruit
Exceptional culinary professionals for private households, estates & travel.
CuroHelp recruits a wide range of professional Cooks to support families with daily meals, structured household routines, dietary needs, and high-quality food preparation.
Whether a household requires simple, nutritious family meals or refined home-style cooking, we match clients with cooks who deliver consistency, discretion and warm, reliable service.
Below are the core Cook types we recruit:
Family Cook
Provides every day, home-style meals tailored to the household’s preferences.
Focuses on fresh, balanced cooking, weekly menu planning and efficient kitchen management.
Private Household Cook
Experienced in working within private homes, handling everything from shopping and prep to plating and kitchen clean-down.
Comfortable adapting to varying requests and family schedules.
Live-In Cook
Ideal for estates or families requiring daily support.
Provides meals across the day, manages pantry supplies, and ensures constant kitchen organisation.
Live-Out Cook
Works set hours to prepare lunches, dinners or full-day service.
Suitable for families wanting professional cooking without residential support.
Travelling Cook
Supports families who move between homes, travel internationally, or require cooking during holidays.
Skilled at working in unfamiliar kitchens, sourcing ingredients abroad and adapting to travel schedules.
Cook/Housekeeper
A dual-role professional who combines strong cooking ability with housekeeping duties.
Perfect for smaller homes or families seeking one dependable person to support food preparation and household organisation.
Plant-Based or Wellness Cook
Specialises in vegetarian, vegan, whole-food, detox, anti-inflammatory or health-led diets.
Often experienced in nutrition and tailored meal planning.
Dietary-Specific Cook
Experienced in preparing meals for:
- Allergies
- Intolerances
- Gluten-free / dairy-free diets
- Diabetic or low-sugar cooking
- Weight-loss or performance-focused plans
Ensures meals remain delicious while meeting medical or lifestyle requirements.
Cultural or Regional Cuisine Cook
Specialists in cuisines such as:
- Mediterranean
- Middle Eastern
- Asian
- Caribbean
- African
- South American
- Eastern European
Ideal for families seeking authenticity or culturally familiar meals.
Estate or Large-Household Cook
Supports formal or semi-formal dining, large families, staff meals, and occasional entertaining.
Experienced in batch cooking, multiple dietary needs, and high-volume planning.
Weekend or Part-Time Cook
Provides support on selected days — ideal for households that only require cover for specific meals or busy family periods.
Temporary or Seasonal Cook
Short-term placements for holidays, events, summer estates, or periods when extra support is required.
Every Cook we recruit is vetted, experienced, discreet, and dedicated to providing warm, nourishing, high-quality food for your home.
Cook Jobs – What duties to expect
Exceptional home dining, crafted with care and discretion.
A CuroHelp Cook provides far more than daily meal preparation — they bring creativity, structure, and calm professionalism to your household’s culinary life.
Whether supporting a busy family, managing dietary requirements, or preparing elegant private dinners, our cooks ensure every meal is tailored, balanced, and beautifully presented.
Daily Meal Preparation
- Preparing breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks to the family’s preferences
- Cooking healthy, seasonal, and well-balanced meals
- Adapting dishes for children, dietary needs, or allergies
- Ensuring presentation and timing suit the household’s schedule
Menu Planning & Nutrition
- Designing weekly and seasonal menus aligned with the client’s tastes
- Incorporating nutritional or wellness-focused plans (gluten-free, vegan, low-carb, diabetic, etc.)
- Consulting with nutritionists, personal trainers, or healthcare professionals when required
- Keeping meals varied, fresh, and visually appealing
Shopping & Kitchen Management
- Sourcing fresh, high-quality ingredients from trusted suppliers or local markets
- Managing grocery budgets, pantry stock, and inventory rotation
- Maintaining a clean, hygienic, and organised kitchen
- Ensuring food safety, hygiene, and allergen standards are always upheld
- Overseeing equipment maintenance and ordering essentials
Entertaining & Special Occasions
- Preparing private dinners, family events, or small receptions
- Coordinating menus, table service, and timing with other household staff
- Offering fine-dining presentation, from canapés to multi-course meals
- Managing guest preferences and bespoke requests discreetly
Travel & Multi-Residence Support
- Accompanying families to secondary homes, holidays, or yachts
- Adapting to different kitchens and local ingredients
- Managing menus during travel or seasonal relocations
- Ensuring continuity of service across multiple properties
Teamwork & Discretion
- Working seamlessly with housekeepers, butlers, and estate managers
- Maintaining strict confidentiality within private households
- Anticipating needs and providing proactive support
- Upholding CuroHelp’s standards of professionalism and discretion
The CuroHelp Advantage – Private Staff as a Service™
Through our exclusive model, clients benefit from:
- Fully vetted and trained professionals
- Guaranteed replacement coverduring absence
- No employer liability— CuroHelp manages HR, payroll, and compliance
- Ongoing training and performance reviewsto maintain excellence
A CuroHelp Cook blends culinary talent with quiet efficiency, turning everyday dining into a refined experience — whether preparing a family supper or hosting private guests.
Discreet. Skilled. Dependable.
That’s the CuroHelp difference.
Cook Job Skills
Refined taste. Reliable service. Exceptional standards.
A CuroHelp Cook combines culinary expertise with organisation, creativity, and discretion — providing refined, personalised dining experiences for UHNW and VIP families.
Beyond cooking, they understand the rhythm of private households, working seamlessly with other staff to ensure mealtimes are effortless and elegant.
Culinary & Technical Skills
- Expert in meal preparation, menu design, and presentation
- Strong understanding of nutrition, flavours, and balance
- Skilled in preparing international and regional cuisines
- Able to cook for specific diets — vegan, gluten-free, diabetic, low-sodium, and more
- Experience with formal dining, family-style service, and events
- Efficient intiming, plating, and kitchen organisation
- Knowledge of food safety, storage, and hygiene best practices
Menu Planning & Nutrition
- Designs seasonal and nutritionally balanced menus
- Understands dietary preferences and health requirements
- Sources fresh, organic, and high-quality ingredients
- Collaborates with nutritionists or personal trainers when needed
- Adapts menus for children, athletes, or wellness-focused households
Organisational & Household Skills
- Manages budgets, shopping lists, and supplier relationships
- Keeps the kitchen stocked, clean, and well-maintained
- Plans ahead for travel, events, or family gatherings
- Works alongside housekeepers, butlers, and estate managers for smooth coordination
- Maintains impeccable organisation and time management
Interpersonal & Discretionary Skills
- Discreet and trustworthy, maintaining confidentiality at all times
- Calm, professional, and adaptable in fast-paced households
- Strong communication and teamwork abilities
- Emotionally intelligent— able to read the tone and expectations of the household
- Respectful of privacy, schedules, and family preferences
Adaptability & Flexibility
- Comfortable working in multiple residences or during travel
- Adapts to different kitchen setups and local ingredient availability
- Handles last-minute changes with efficiency and composure
- Experienced in rotational or international household arrangements
The CuroHelp Standard – Private Staff as a Service™
Every CuroHelp Cook is:
- Fully vetted, reference-checked, and trained infood hygiene
- Experienced in UHNW and VIP households
- Supported by ongoing professional development and performance reviews
- Backed by guaranteed replacement cover for seamless continuity
A CuroHelp Cook brings more than culinary ability — they bring refinement, reliability, and the quiet confidence of service done beautifully well.
Cook Job Qualifications
Professional training. Proven expertise. Trusted excellence.
At CuroHelp, we provide experienced and professionally trained Cooks who deliver outstanding culinary service with discretion and consistency.
Our Cooks combine formal culinary education with hands-on experience in private households, ensuring a perfect balance of skill, creativity, and professionalism.
Core Qualifications
Many CuroHelp Cooks hold formal culinary certifications and recognised professional training, including:
- City & Guilds Diploma in Professional Cookery (Levels 2–3)
- NVQ / SVQ in Professional Cookery or Catering
- Leiths School of Food and Wine Diplomas
- Cordon Bleu or equivalent culinary school training
- Hospitality and Catering Management Diplomas
- Level 2 or 3 Food Safety and Hygiene Certificates
These qualifications ensure technical excellence, food safety awareness, and menu development expertise suited to high-end private environments.
Specialist Training & Knowledge
Many of our Cooks have undertaken additional or specialist training to meet bespoke household requirements, such as:
- Nutrition and Dietary Planning (gluten-free, vegan, diabetic, or allergy-safe cooking)
- Health and Wellness Cuisine
- Plant-Based or Organic Food Preparation
- International Cuisine and Fine Dining Techniques
- Event Catering and Menu Design
- Wine and Food Pairing
This ensures your household’s culinary preferences and dietary needs are met with precision and creativity.
Private Household Experience
All CuroHelp Cooks are:
- Experienced in UHNW and VIP private homes, estates, and family offices
- Trained in formal service etiquette and confidential household operations
- Familiar with working alongside butlers, housekeepers, and estate managers
- Skilled at maintaining impeccable hygiene and presentation standards
Health, Safety & Compliance
Each Cook is:
- Certified in Food Hygiene and Allergen Awareness
- Fully reference and background checked (Enhanced DBS)
- Trained in Health & Safety and COSHH compliance
- Committed to confidentiality and professional conduct
The CuroHelp Advantage – Private Staff as a Service™
With CuroHelp, you enjoy the benefits of:
- Pre-vetted, fully trained professionals
- Ongoing skill development and performance reviews
- 24-hour replacement coverfor guaranteed service continuity
- No employer risk or liability– all HR, payroll, and compliance handled by CuroHelp
A CuroHelp Cook combines formal training with the intuition of private service — crafting refined, personalised meals with professionalism, care, and absolute discretion.
Discreet. Skilled. Dependable.
That’s the CuroHelp standard.
Cook Jobs - Apply
Where exceptional professionals find exceptional Cook.
At CuroHelp, we represent talented private staff who value professionalism, stability, and long-term career support.
We don’t just place people into jobs — we build careers.
When you join CuroHelp, you become part of a trusted network of private service professionals supported by our Private Staff as a Service™ model.
Our goal is for you to feel supported, valued, and able to deliver your best work.
Why Work with CuroHelp?
Fair, respectful treatment
We prioritise the wellbeing of our staff — always.
Premium households & professional environments
We partner with individuals and families who value quality, discretion, and strong working relationships.
Growth & development
We provide free training, compliance support, and continuous professional development opportunities.
A partner, not just a recruitment agency
With CuroHelp, you’re never left on your own.
We support you throughout your placement and career.
Cook Recruitment Agencies
While recruitment agencies can offer job introductions, many candidates experience significant drawbacks when relying on them. These challenges often stem from the traditional agency model, which prioritises placement volume over long-term support or job satisfaction.
You Are Treated as a Product, not a Professional
Traditional recruitment agencies get paid only when they place you, which encourages speed over suitability.
This often results in:
- Being pushed into placements that don’t fit
- Little interest in your long-term development
- A transactional experience rather than a supportive one
Lack of Transparency About Salaries & Job Conditions
Candidates often report that recruitment agencies:
- Withhold salary information
- Change details between interviews
- Fail to communicate real expectations
- Oversell jobs to secure a commission
This leads to mismatched expectations and poor job satisfaction.
Limited Aftercare … or None at All
Once you’re placed, most recruitment agencies step away completely.
You’re left with:
- No support if the job becomes difficult
- No mediation with the client
- No guidance or performance feedback
- No replacement assistance if a job ends abruptly
You are essentially on your own.
No Career Development or Training
Traditional recruitment agencies rarely invest in their candidates.
That means:
- No skills development
- No training opportunities
- No progression planning
- No structured support
Your long-term career is not their priority — only the placement fee is.
Pressure to Accept Jobs Quickly
Because recruitment agencies earn only when you start a job, candidates often face:
- Undue pressure to accept unsuitable jobs
- Encouragement to compromise on salary or duties
- Limited time to meet the family or understand expectations
This often leads to short-term placements and career instability.
Inconsistent Communication
Common candidate frustrations include:
- Recruitment agencies going silent for weeks
- No updates after interviews
- Not receiving feedback
- Being overlooked for jobs you are qualified for
This creates uncertainty and damages confidence.
High Staff Turnover Within Recruitment Agencies
Many recruitment agencies experience frequent internal staff changes.
As a result:
- Your consultant changes regularly
- Your CV is lost or forgotten
- You must repeat your history multiple times
- Jobs fall through the cracks
Continuity and personal understanding are often missing.
Some Recruitment Agencies Share CVs Without Permission
Candidates often discover their CV has been:
- Sent to clients without consent
- Submitted for jobs they never agreed to
- Shared with multiple families at once
This can put you in uncomfortable or unprofessional situations.
Recruitment Agencies Don’t Protect Your Rights
Agencies do not:
- Help negotiate fair contracts
- Mediate disputes
- Support you during conflict with employers
- Guarantee minimum hours or income
Your wellbeing is not contractually their responsibility.
No Income Security
If a placement ends:
- You lose your income instantly
- The agency has no obligation to re-place you
- The instability remains your burden
This creates uncertainty and financial vulnerability.
In Summary
Traditional recruitment agencies are built to serve clients first, not candidates.
Their model prioritises placements over people, leaving candidates with:
- Less control
- Less protection
- Less support
- Less long-term stability
This is why a modern staffing solution, like our Private Staff as a Service™, is increasingly preferred by candidates seeking real security, ongoing support, and professional respect.
Cook Frequently asked questions
A Cook prepares daily meals and maintains the smooth running of a household kitchen.
Their duties typically include:
- Planning and preparing meals for family, staff, or guests
- Managing grocery shopping and inventory
- Maintaining kitchen hygiene and food safety
- Catering for dietary needs and allergies
- Coordinating with other staff for events and service
CuroHelp Standard: Nourishment with care — service with skill.
A Cook typically manages everyday family-style meals, while a Private Chef provides fine-dining and formal culinary service.
However, many CuroHelp Cooks combine both skill sets — capable of creating simple home meals or elegant menus as required.
CuroHelp Standard: Comfort or couture cuisine — excellence in every kitchen.
Our Cooks serve private families, estate households, diplomats, executives, and seasonal residences.
They’re ideal for homes seeking healthy, consistent, and personalised dining — prepared with discretion and attention to detail.
CuroHelp Standard: Food as hospitality — service as lifestyle.
Yes. Many of our Cooks are graduates of respected culinary schools or have trained in private households, restaurants, or boutique hotels.
All understand dietary management, hospitality standards, and menu planning for families and guests.
CuroHelp Standard: Experience that speaks through every plate.
While formal education is not always required, most CuroHelp Cooks hold:
- Food Hygiene and Safety Certificates (Level 2 or 3)
- Allergen Awareness and HACCP training
- First Aid Certification
- Enhanced DBS Check
- Optional culinary qualifications such asCity & Guilds or Le Cordon Bleu
CuroHelp Standard: Certified for safety — trained for excellence.
Yes. CuroHelp Cooks are experienced in preparing meals for gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, kosher, halal, or medically restricted diets.
They ensure safety, variety, and nutrition in every plan.
CuroHelp Standard: Personalised nutrition — thoughtful preparation.
We provide both options:
- Live-in Cooksfor estates, countryside homes, or travel roles.
- Live-out Cooksfor city residences or part-time schedules.
Your arrangement is tailored to your lifestyle and household rhythm.
CuroHelp Standard: Flexibility without compromise — service without intrusion.
Yes. Many CuroHelp Cooks are also experienced event caterers, capable of preparing meals for private dinners, family gatherings, or small receptions.
For formal occasions, we can also provide Chef and Butler teams for full service.
CuroHelp Standard: Hospitality with heart — presentation with polish.
Typical schedules include:
- Full-time Cooks:8–10 hours daily, 5–6 days per week
- Part-time or family Cooks:3–5 days per week, flexible hours
- Live-in Cooks:adaptable routines aligned with household dining needs
CuroHelp Standard: Availability that fits your table — consistency that fits your life.
Yes. They manage ingredient sourcing, shopping lists, and budgeting — ensuring freshness and quality while respecting dietary or brand preferences.
CuroHelp Standard: Every ingredient chosen with care — every penny accounted for.
Yes. All CuroHelp candidates undergo full screening:
- Enhanced DBS check
- Employment and reference verification
- Identity and qualification review
- Professional interview and trial evaluation
CuroHelp Standard: Trust through transparency — confidence through diligence.
Yes. Many CuroHelp Cooks travel domestically or internationally — preparing meals during holidays, yacht stays, or business trips.
They ensure continuity and comfort wherever you dine.
CuroHelp Standard: Familiar flavours — wherever you go.
Yes. CuroHelp offers short-term, seasonal, or event-based Cooks — perfect for holiday homes, villa stays, or family gatherings.
CuroHelp Standard: Flexible appointments — consistent excellence.
Absolutely. Our Cooks are confident working autonomously — managing planning, cleaning, and inventory without supervision.
They also collaborate smoothly with Housekeepers, Butlers, or Estate Managers when part of a team.
CuroHelp Standard: Independence with integrity — teamwork with grace.
Yes. Many of our Cooks are experienced in family dining, preparing nutritious, age-appropriate meals for children and teens — balancing taste, variety, and healthy habits.
CuroHelp Standard: Family-focused cooking — wholesome from start to finish.
Yes. CuroHelp Cooks specialise in a wide range of cuisines including British, Mediterranean, Asian, Middle Eastern, French, and plant based.
We tailor placements to your culinary preferences and cultural background.
CuroHelp Standard: Global flavours — local excellence.
Rates depend on experience, schedule, and location:
- Full-time Cook: £55,000+ per annum
- Temporary or Event Cook: £400+ per day
CuroHelp Standard: Transparent rates — tailored value.
Yes. CuroHelp Cooks are accustomed to working in family environments and are comfortable around children, pets, and visitors.
CuroHelp Standard: Kindness in service — calm in every kitchen.
Yes. We encourage clients to meet or trial candidates before placement to ensure personality fit, culinary style, and household compatibility.
CuroHelp Standard: Confidence through connection — assurance through experience.
CuroHelp represents hand-selected professionals who combine culinary excellence with reliability, warmth, and discretion.
Our process ensures every Cook is matched not only by skill — but by values, compatibility, and commitment.
CuroHelp Standard: Tasteful service — trusted skill — timeless professionalism.