Seasonal Chef Instructor (Sur La Table)

CSC Generation•Arlington, VA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Seasonal Chef Instructor at Sur La Table, you are the 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 knowledge, teaching cooking and baking fundamentals, and providing personalized instruction that supports company initiatives. Through hands-on classes, you inspire customers’ love of cooking and baking while helping drive sales of cookware, cutlery, bakeware, mixers, and kitchen tools. The role also supports store and kitchen operations, including class preparation and cleanup, maintaining supplies, and following food-safety, sanitation, alcohol-handling, and other company requirements. The position requires 12–16 hours of availability per week with 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 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.
Able to work 12–16 hours per week with a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Able to remain standing for up to four hours at a time and perform the described reaching, lifting, climbing, and food-preparation tasks, including lifting or moving merchandise up to 50 pounds.
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 using provided recipes and game plans, delivering consistent, high-quality experiences.
Explain cooking concepts and techniques clearly, encouragingly, and accessibly.
Maintain product and culinary knowledge through available training and independent learning.
Promote retail products featured or used in class, encourage second-class sign-ups, and help meet class revenue and culinary program goals.
Support strong enrollment, positive customer reviews, and guest return rates.
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 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, accurately record time worked, and comply with Sur La Table policies and standard operating procedures.
Attend work regularly and predictably and adjust class assignments based on demand.