Seasonal Chef Instructor (Sur La Table)

CSC Generation•White Plains, NY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Seasonal Chef Instructor at Sur La Table, you are an in-store culinary expert and advocate for the culinary arts, specializing in savory cooking, pastry and baking, or both. You provide engaging, hands-on classes and personalized instruction in culinary and pastry techniques and cooking and baking fundamentals. The role inspires customers to cook and bake while supporting company initiatives and driving sales of cookware, cutlery, bakeware, mixers, and kitchen tools. The position also supports kitchen and store operations through class preparation and cleanup, supply organization, food safety, sanitation, inventory control, and compliance with company policies and applicable regulations. The role requires 12–16 hours of availability per week, with a flexible schedule that may include nights, weekends, and holidays; scheduled hours may vary with business needs.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years old at the time of employment.
Demonstrated proficiency in savory cooking, pastry and baking, or both.
1–2 years of kitchen operations experience.
Valid Food Manager Certification.
Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
Passion for community engagement and providing exceptional customer experiences.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to work 12–16 hours per week with a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to communicate verbally and work cooperatively with associates and customers.
Ability to stand for up to four hours at a time and move about the store while teaching, assisting customers, and retrieving merchandise.
Ability to perceive and differentiate flavors and odors.
Ability to reach, push, pull, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and use hands for food preparation and demonstrations.
Ability to lift and/or move merchandise weighing up to 50 pounds and to use ladders.
Ability to operate a computer, POS system, keyboard, merchandise scanner, and mouse.
Ability to work in a variable kitchen environment that may include open flames, hot surfaces, temperature variations, and physical or airborne food allergens.

Nice To Haves

A degree in culinary arts is preferred; extensive culinary experience and demonstrated technical proficiency may be considered in lieu of formal education.

Responsibilities

Represent Sur La Table’s brand and culture by creating memorable educational experiences that encourage repeat visits and customer loyalty.
Teach savory, pastry, and baking classes using provided recipes and game plans to ensure consistent quality.
Explain cooking concepts and techniques clearly, encouragingly, and accessibly.
Maintain product and culinary knowledge through available training and independent learning.
Promote class enrollment, second-class sign-ups, and retail products featured or used in class.
Meet culinary program and class revenue goals through customer engagement, positive reviews, and returning guests.
Set up and break down classes, organize mise en place, prepare ingredients, and clean workstations.
Clean and sanitize dishes and equipment promptly.
Restock, organize, and maintain kitchen supplies and tools.
Follow food safety standards, local health codes, and sanitation regulations.
Handle tools, ingredients, and kitchen equipment safely and properly.
Maintain accurate inventory, minimize shrink, and control supply and culinary expenses.
When applicable, handle liquor, wine, and beer in accordance with relevant regulations and company policies, including age restrictions.
Maintain store safety and cleanliness and promptly address maintenance needs.
Follow wage and hour laws, accurately record time worked, and adhere to company policies and standard operating procedures.
Attend work regularly and predictably and adjust class assignments based on demand.