Seasonal Chef Instructor (Sur La Table)

CSC Generation•Berkeley, CA

11d•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 high-quality service by sharing culinary and pastry techniques, cooking and baking fundamentals, and personalized instruction in support of company initiatives. Through hands-on classes and engaging instruction, you inspire customers to cook and bake while encouraging sales of cookware, cutlery, bakeware, mixers, and kitchen tools. The role also supports class and store operations, including preparation and cleanup, maintaining kitchen supplies, following food safety and sanitation requirements, managing inventory and expenses, and complying with company policies and applicable regulations. 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, with a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays; scheduled hours may vary according to business needs.
Regular and predictable attendance, with flexibility to adjust class assignments based on demand.
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; reach, bend, kneel, crouch, and use hands for food preparation and demonstrations; lift or move merchandise weighing up to 50 pounds; and climb ladders.
Able to perceive and distinguish variations in flavors and odors or identify tastes and scents.
Able to operate 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; 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 while communicating culinary concepts and techniques clearly and approachably.
Stay current on products, participate in available training, and seek additional learning resources.
Encourage second-class sign-ups and promote retail products featured or used in classes.
Support class revenue and culinary program goals by driving enrollment, positive reviews, guest returns, engagement, and sales.
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.
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.
When applicable, handle liquor, wine, and beer in compliance with regulations and company policies, including age restrictions.
Maintain store safety and cleanliness and promptly address maintenance needs.
Adhere to wage and hour laws, accurately record time worked, and follow company policies and standard operating procedures.