Culinary Lead (Sur La Table)

Sur La Table is a premier retailer in the culinary industry, boasting over 58 stores nationwide and hosting the largest avocational cooking program in the United States. Renowned for its unparalleled selection of exclusive and premium-quality kitchen and tableware, Sur La Table pairs this extensive product range with exceptional culinary expertise and inspiration. This unique blend not only elevates cooking experiences but also fosters a passionate community of food lovers and aspiring chefs. Sur La Table's commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of its business, from customer service to innovative cooking classes, all designed to create happiness through the joy of cooking and sharing good food.

As a Culinary Lead at Sur La Table, you will be pivotal in driving the success of the store and enhancing the customer experience. This role demands a dynamic individual who can combine deep culinary knowledge with sharp business acumen and strong teaching skills. You will support and lead the culinary program by delivering engaging cooking classes that inspire customers at every level, ultimately driving sales and customer loyalty. The Culinary Lead is also responsible for building and managing a talented culinary team, ensuring high performance and a positive, collaborative workplace culture.

In this capacity, you will leverage your leadership abilities to recruit, train, and develop associates, providing real-time coaching and feedback to foster growth and improve team engagement. Your ability to communicate effectively with store management about team performance will be crucial. You will act as a brand ambassador, representing Sur La Table’s values and culture by creating memorable and educational experiences that inspire repeat business and community connection.

Operational excellence and compliance are also key components of the role. You will ensure that the culinary space adheres to food safety standards, health regulations, and company policies. This includes proper handling of kitchen tools and ingredients, maintaining inventory accuracy, controlling costs, and managing sanitation requirements. Additionally, you may oversee the handling of alcoholic beverages in compliance with state laws and company standards.

Physically, the role requires stamina, agility, and sensory acuity; the ability to remain standing for extended periods, move around the store, and perform various cooking techniques with precision is essential. Flexible scheduling, including nights, weekends, and holidays, is expected, along with regular attendance and adaptability to changing class demands.

Sur La Table offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $20.90 to $22.23 and fosters a workplace that values inclusivity and equal opportunity. The company embraces diversity and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. The hiring process may incorporate artificial intelligence tools to assist recruitment but ultimately relies on human decision-making to ensure fairness and accuracy.

Joining Sur La Table as a Culinary Lead means becoming part of a passionate team dedicated to sharing the art and joy of cooking. You will have the opportunity to influence how customers experience cooking, contribute to the growth and success of a respected retail brand, and develop your culinary leadership skills in a supportive and innovative environment.