Seasonal Chef Instructor (Sur La Table)
About The Position
The Seasonal Chef Instructor at Sur La Table serves as an in-store culinary expert and advocate for the culinary arts, specializing in savory cooking, pastry and baking, or both. The instructor delivers hands-on classes and personalized instruction in cooking and baking fundamentals and techniques, following provided recipes and class plans to provide consistent, high-quality experiences. The role inspires customers to cook and bake while supporting sales of cookware, cutlery, bakeware, mixers, and kitchen tools. The instructor represents the Sur La Table brand by creating engaging customer experiences, supporting class enrollment and retail sales goals, and contributing to store and kitchen readiness. The position also includes food-safety and sanitation compliance, kitchen setup and cleanup, inventory and supply upkeep, accurate timekeeping, and adherence to company policies. This seasonal role requires availability for 12–16 hours per week on a flexible schedule that may include nights, weekends, and holidays; scheduled hours may vary based on 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 12–16 hours per week, with a flexible schedule that includes nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Regular and predictable attendance, with flexibility to adjust class assignments based on demand.
- Ability to communicate verbally and work cooperatively with associates and customers.
- Ability to remain standing for up to four hours at a time and move around the store while directing class participants, assisting customers, and retrieving merchandise.
- Ability to distinguish variations in flavors and odors or identify specific tastes and scents.
- Ability to grab, reach, push, pull, bend, stoop, kneel, and crouch to demonstrate techniques or retrieve and replenish merchandise and equipment.
- Ability to use hands to chop, whisk, slice, stir, juice, and demonstrate other cooking techniques.
- Ability to lift 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; candidates with extensive culinary experience and demonstrated technical proficiency may be considered instead.
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 class plans, maintaining the company’s standards for quality and consistency.
- Explain cooking concepts and techniques clearly, encouragingly, and accessibly.
- Maintain product and culinary knowledge by participating in available training and seeking additional resources.
- Encourage second-class sign-ups and promote retail items used or featured in class.
- Support class revenue and culinary program goals through enrollment, positive guest feedback, and return visits.
- 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 efficiently.
- Maintain inventory, minimize shrink, and control supply and culinary expenses.
- Handle liquor, wine, and beer when needed in compliance with applicable 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.
Benefits
- 401(k) after 90 days, for associates who are at least 21 years of age.
- Employee discount.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
