Seasonal Chef Instructor (Sur La Table)

CSC Generation•Chicago, IL

13d•$20 - $21•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 the company’s #bestincenter service standard by sharing culinary and pastry techniques, cooking and baking fundamentals, and personalized instruction that supports company initiatives. Through hands-on classes and engaging instruction, you inspire a love of cooking and baking while driving sales of cookware, cutlery, bakeware, mixers, and kitchen tools. The role includes delivering educational in-store classes, promoting featured products, supporting class and kitchen operations, and maintaining food safety, sanitation, inventory, and store standards. The position requires 12–16 hours of availability 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 12–16 hours per week on a flexible schedule, including 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 stand for up to four hours at a time; move around the store; reach, push, pull, bend, stoop, kneel, and crouch; use hands to demonstrate cooking techniques; lift or move merchandise up to 50 pounds; and ascend or descend ladders.
Ability to perceive and distinguish flavors and odors.
Ability to operate a computer, POS system, keyboard, merchandise scanner, and mouse.
Ability to work in a variable kitchen environment, including exposure to 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 by creating memorable educational experiences that encourage repeat visits and customer loyalty.
Deliver savory, pastry, and baking classes using provided recipes and game plans to maintain consistency and quality.
Explain cooking concepts and techniques clearly, encouragingly, and approachably.
Stay current on products, participate in available training, and seek additional learning resources.
Encourage second-class sign-ups and promote retail products used or featured in classes.
Meet class revenue and culinary program goals by supporting enrollment, positive reviews, guest return rates, customer engagement, and sales.
Set up and break down classes, organize mise en place, prepare ingredients, and clean workstations.
Clean and sanitize dishes and equipment, and restock and organize kitchen supplies and tools.
Comply with 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 applicable in compliance with state and location 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.