Cooking School Chef

Harmons is a well-established grocery store chain known for its commitment to quality products, excellent customer service, and community-focused initiatives. With a reputation for offering fresh, organic, and premium grocery items, Harmons serves a diverse customer base looking for exceptional food experiences. As a company that values education and culinary excellence, Harmons has developed a unique Cooking School department to engage customers by teaching them the skills and techniques to prepare delicious meals at home using the store’s high-quality products and ingredients. This unique approach not only enhances the customer shopping experience but also builds a stronger connection to the brand and products. The position available is for the manager of this Cooking School department, a role that is fundamental in driving the mission of the Cooking School and supporting Harmons’ overall business goals.

The Cooking School Manager at Harmons acts as a brand ambassador and leader who oversees all operations related to the Cooking School. This position requires an individual who is passionate about food, possesses strong culinary knowledge, and enjoys teaching and engaging with customers. The manager works closely under the direction of the Store Director and the Vice President of Marketing, guiding the Cooking School Coordinator, Instructor Sous Chef, and student interns to ensure smooth and effective operations.

This role offers a competitive salary of $66,000 per year, reflecting the importance of the responsibilities and the specialized expertise required. The Cooking School Manager maintains a well-organized, clean, and inviting environment, ensuring that company standards around safety, sanitation, and productivity are upheld. The core objective is to cultivate a foodie culture among customers by offering hands-on demonstrations, chef’s table classes, private events, and catering opportunities both on and off-site. By doing so, the manager not only teaches cooking skills but also actively promotes Harmons products, contributing directly to the store’s performance and gross profit goals.

Key aspects of this role include recipe development, inventory management, marketing initiatives, and customer service excellence. The ideal candidate is approachable, personable, and passionate about culinary arts, with the ability to multitask and manage several aspects of the school simultaneously. Experience in catering private events and large-scale banquets is highly valuable, as is the ability to communicate effectively and accept constructive feedback. The manager is expected to be mission-driven, embody the values of integrity and positivity, and demonstrate a consistent focus on product quality, customer satisfaction, and collaborative teamwork.

Being a customer-facing role, the Cooking School Manager regularly interacts with both store associates and customers, fostering a warm and engaging environment. The work environment is generally comfortable but may involve exposure to hot, cold, and wet conditions common in culinary settings. Physical demands include the need to stand, walk, bend, and occasionally lift heavy objects up to 50 pounds. The position requires flexibility to work weekends, evenings, and holidays when classes or events are scheduled.

Overall, this role at Harmons offers an exciting opportunity to combine culinary skills with leadership and customer engagement in a supportive and mission-driven environment. Working as a Cooking School Manager, you become a vital part of the Harmons family, promoting healthier eating habits, educating the community, and helping customers discover the joy of cooking with premium ingredients and products from the store.