Lead Culinary & Operations Assistant
About The Position
Taste Buds Kitchen is hiring a hands-on Lead Culinary & Operations Assistant to help run its Bellevue kitchen and create enjoyable experiences for guests attending cooking classes, camps, birthday parties, adult events, and corporate team-building events. The role combines kitchen preparation and inventory management, culinary and event assistance, guest hosting, and operational team support. The person in this role may shop for groceries, prepare ingredients, assist instructors, welcome guests, lead activities, and step in as an event host or culinary instructor when trained and needed. The position requires initiative, attention to detail, a warm and engaging personality, and comfort working in a fast-paced environment. The role is approximately 20 hours per week, including evenings and weekends, with flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends based on event schedules. It is located in Bellevue, Washington, and reports to the Owner.
Requirements
- Comfort with basic cooking techniques, food preparation, and kitchen equipment.
- Strong communication, organizational, and multitasking skills.
- Ability to work independently and take ownership of assigned responsibilities.
- Ability to obtain a Washington State Food Worker Card.
- Reliable transportation for grocery shopping and purchasing responsibilities.
- Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends based on event schedules.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in hospitality, food service, catering, culinary instruction, event hosting, or a related field.
- Previous experience working with children or leading group activities.
- Enjoyment of cooking and learning new recipes.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate grocery shopping and ingredient purchasing for classes, camps, and private events.
- Manage inventory, organize supplies, and help minimize food waste.
- Prepare, measure, and portion ingredients according to recipes and class requirements.
- Keep the kitchen organized, stocked, and ready for events.
- Maintain cleanliness, food safety, and kitchen organization standards.
- Assist culinary instructors with cooking classes, birthday parties, camps, and corporate events.
- Help lead cooking demonstrations and hands-on culinary activities.
- Set up and break down cooking stations and event spaces.
- Step in as an event host or culinary instructor when trained and needed.
- Help classes and events run smoothly, safely, and on schedule.
- Welcome guests and create a fun, engaging, and memorable experience.
- Interact confidently with children, families, and adults; host birthday parties and support group activities.
- Answer guest questions and provide customer service.
- Represent Taste Buds Kitchen with enthusiasm, professionalism, and a positive attitude.
- Support the General Manager with daily kitchen operations and event coordination.
- Assist with training and onboarding culinary assistants and hosts.
- Help ensure staff follow established procedures and brand standards.
- Identify and address operational challenges proactively.
- Serve as a backup lead for classes and events when needed.
Benefits
- Fun, creative, and welcoming work environment.
- Varied responsibilities and workdays.
- Opportunity to join a growing local business and supportive team.
- Opportunity to develop culinary, hospitality, and leadership skills.
- Opportunity to help guests create memorable experiences through cooking.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
