Seasonal Chef Instructor (Sur La Table)

CSC Generation•Houston, TX

9d•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 deliver engaging, hands-on classes and personalized instruction that share culinary techniques and fundamentals while supporting company initiatives. The role inspires customers to cook and bake and helps drive sales of cookware, cutlery, bakeware, mixers, and kitchen tools. You represent Sur La Table’s brand and service standards by creating memorable educational experiences, following provided recipes and class plans, and communicating techniques in an approachable way. You support class operations and store readiness, maintain food safety and sanitation standards, and contribute to sales and class performance goals. The position requires 12–16 hours of availability per week, with a flexible schedule that includes 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.
Available to work 12–16 hours per week, with flexibility for nights, weekends, and holidays, and to adjust class assignments based on demand.
Able to communicate verbally and work cooperatively with associates and customers.
Able to stand for up to four hours at a time; move around the store; retrieve merchandise; and perform reaching, pushing, pulling, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and hand movements used in food preparation and demonstrations.
Able to lift and/or move merchandise weighing up to 50 pounds and ascend or descend ladders.
Able to operate a computer, POS system, keyboard, merchandise scanner, and mouse.
Able 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, following provided recipes and game plans to maintain consistency and quality.
Explain cooking concepts and techniques in a clear, encouraging, and approachable manner.
Stay current on products, participate in available training, and seek additional learning resources independently.
Drive sales by maintaining kitchen standards, encouraging second-class sign-ups, and promoting retail products featured or used in class.
Meet class revenue and culinary program goals through enrollment, positive reviews, guest returns, customer engagement, and sales.
Set up and break down classes, including organizing mise en place, preparing ingredients, and cleaning 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 efficiently.
Maintain accurate inventory, minimize shrink, and control supply and culinary expenses.
Handle liquor, wine, and beer when needed in accordance with applicable regulations and company policies, including age restrictions.
Maintain store safety and cleanliness and promptly address maintenance needs.
Follow wage and hour laws, record time worked accurately, and adhere to company policies and standard operating procedures.