Seasonal Chef Instructor (Sur La Table)

CSC Generation•Palo Alto, CA

11d•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 teach hands-on classes and provide personalized instruction in culinary and pastry techniques and cooking and baking fundamentals. The role is intended to inspire a love of cooking and baking while supporting company initiatives and driving sales of cookware, cutlery, bakeware, mixers, and kitchen tools. You create memorable, educational customer experiences and deliver classes using provided recipes and game plans. The role also supports class and store operations, maintains food safety and sanitation standards, and follows company policies and procedures. The position requires availability for 12 to 16 hours per week, with a flexible schedule that includes 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.
Available to work 12 to 16 hours per week, with a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays; scheduled hours may differ based on business needs.
Able to communicate verbally and work cooperatively with associates and customers.
Able to remain standing for up to four hours at a time; move around the store; and perform reaching, pushing, pulling, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and food-preparation tasks.
Able to lift and/or move merchandise weighing up to 50 pounds and ascend or descend ladders.
Able to use 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; candidates with 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 educational experiences that encourage repeat visits and customer loyalty.
Teach savory, pastry, and baking classes using provided recipes and game plans, delivering clear and approachable instruction.
Maintain culinary and product knowledge by participating in available training and seeking additional resources.
Promote retail items featured or used in class and encourage customers to sign up for additional classes.
Work toward class revenue and culinary program goals, including enrollment, positive 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, and restock, organize, and maintain kitchen supplies and tools.
Follow food safety standards, local health codes, and sanitation regulations; handle tools, ingredients, and equipment safely.
Maintain accurate inventory, minimize shrink, and control supply and culinary expenses.
When applicable, handle liquor, wine, and beer in accordance with 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.