Seasonal Chef Instructor (Sur La Table)
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 knowledge, teaching cooking and baking fundamentals, and providing personalized instruction that supports company initiatives. Through hands-on classes and engaging instruction, you inspire customers’ interest in cooking and baking while helping drive sales of cookware, cutlery, bakeware, mixers, and kitchen tools. This role includes teaching classes using provided recipes and game plans, contributing to sales and class performance goals, and supporting kitchen and store operations. It requires compliance with food safety, sanitation, alcohol-handling, safety, and company procedures. The position offers seasonal work, with availability of 12–16 hours per week and a flexible schedule that may include nights, weekends, and holidays; scheduled hours can 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.
- Availability to work 12–16 hours per week, with a flexible schedule that includes nights, weekends, and holidays; scheduled hours may vary with business needs.
- 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; retrieve merchandise; and perform reaching, pushing, pulling, bending, stooping, kneeling, and crouching.
- Ability to use hands to perform cooking demonstrations and techniques such as chopping, whisking, slicing, stirring, and juicing.
- Ability to lift or move merchandise weighing up to 50 pounds and climb ladders to retrieve or move merchandise.
- 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.
- Ability to perceive and distinguish variations in flavors or odors and identify specific tastes or scents.
Nice To Haves
- A degree in culinary arts; candidates with extensive culinary experience and demonstrated technical proficiency may be considered instead.
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, maintaining consistent quality and service standards.
- Explain cooking concepts and techniques clearly, encouragingly, and accessibly.
- Stay current on products, participate in available training, and seek additional learning resources.
- Drive sales by maintaining kitchen standards, encouraging sign-ups for a second class, and promoting retail products featured or used in class.
- Meet class revenue and culinary program goals through enrollment, positive reviews, guest return rates, and customer engagement.
- Set up and break down classes, including organizing mise en place, preparing ingredients, and cleaning 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 applicable, in accordance with regulations, company policies, and age restrictions.
- Maintain store safety and cleanliness and address maintenance needs promptly.
- Follow wage and hour laws and accurately record time worked according to company policy.
- Follow Sur La Table policies and standard operating procedures.
Benefits
- 401(k) after 90 days for associates age 21 or older.
- Employee discount.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
