Seasonal Chef Instructor (Sur La Table)

CSC Generation•Canton, CT

10d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Seasonal Chef Instructor at Sur La Table, you are an in-store expert and advocate for the culinary arts, specializing in savory cooking, pastry and baking, or both. You deliver high-quality service by sharing culinary and pastry knowledge, teaching cooking and baking fundamentals, and providing personalized instruction that supports company initiatives. Through hands-on classes and engaging instruction, you inspire customers to cook and bake while helping drive sales of cookware, cutlery, bakeware, mixers, and kitchen tools. The position also supports kitchen and store operations, including class setup and cleanup, maintaining supplies and equipment, and following food safety, sanitation, and company procedures. The role requires availability for 12 to 16 hours 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 of age 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 exceptional customer experiences.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Availability for 12 to 16 hours per week, with flexibility to work 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 around the store to direct class participants, assist customers, and retrieve merchandise.
Ability to distinguish variations in flavors or odors and identify tastes or scents.
Ability to grab, reach, push, pull, bend, stoop, kneel, and crouch; use hands to chop, whisk, slice, stir, juice, and demonstrate other techniques.
Ability to lift and/or move merchandise weighing up to 50 pounds and ascend or descend 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 through memorable, educational experiences that encourage repeat visits and customer loyalty.
Teach savory, pastry, and baking classes using provided recipes and game plans to ensure consistency and quality.
Explain cooking concepts, savory techniques, and pastry skills in a clear, encouraging, and approachable manner.
Maintain product and culinary expertise by participating in available training and independently seeking additional resources.
Promote retail products used or featured in class and encourage customers to sign up for additional classes.
Meet culinary program and class revenue goals through strong enrollment, positive reviews, guest return rates, and customer engagement.
Set up and break down classes, organize mise en place, prepare ingredients, and clean workstations.
Clean and sanitize dishes and equipment promptly and help restock, organize, and maintain kitchen supplies and tools.
Follow food safety standards, local health codes, sanitation regulations, and safe practices for handling tools, ingredients, and equipment.
Maintain accurate inventory, minimize shrink, and control supply and culinary expenses.
Handle liquor, wine, and beer when required, complying with applicable regulations, company policies, and 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 reliably and predictably, adjusting class assignments based on demand.