Culinary Lead (Sur La Table)

Sur La Table, with over 58 stores across the United States, is recognized as the leader in the avocational cooking market, offering an unparalleled selection of premium-quality kitchen and tableware products. Known for their extensive culinary expertise and inspirational cooking programs, Sur La Table has cultivated a vibrant community centered around the love of cooking and sharing food. As the host of the largest avocational cooking program in the US, the brand seamlessly blends exclusive merchandise with hands-on classes and experiences designed to empower customers in their culinary adventures. Sur La Table’s commitment to creating happiness through food extends beyond just sales, focusing on exceptional customer interaction, community engagement, and providing educational experiences.

The role of Culinary Lead at Sur La Table is central to the success and daily operations of each store. This position requires a unique combination of culinary expertise, leadership, and business acumen to inspire customers and associates alike. The Culinary Lead is responsible for supporting and enhancing the culinary program, which is crucial for driving both customer engagement and revenue growth. Beyond managing daily cooking classes and product demonstrations, this role demands the ability to cultivate a high-performing culinary team through recruitment, training, and ongoing development. Culinary Leads drive sales growth by implementing innovative strategies to enhance both culinary experiences and retail performance.

This job is vital in delivering a #bestincenter customer experience—a company-wide metric reflecting excellence in service and engagement. Culinarily and operationally, the Culinary Lead ensures every cooking class and customer interaction is memorable, educational, and inspiring. They work closely with store leadership to increase foot traffic through classes and special events, manage inventory and kitchen safety, and ensure compliance with food safety and local health codes. The ideal candidate possesses exceptional communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, and a genuine passion for connecting with the community through food and cooking. The role expects adaptability, as workweeks typically range from 20 to 25 hours, including nights, weekends, and holiday shifts, emphasizing flexibility and commitment to customer experience excellence.

The Culinary Lead must also excel at operational responsibilities such as maintaining food safety standards, managing inventory, minimizing waste, and adhering to company policies. This role involves direct interaction with customers and staff, requiring strong verbal communication skills and the physical ability to engage actively throughout the store and kitchen areas. With responsibilities ranging from coaching associates to delivering hands-on culinary demonstrations, this position is designed for a motivated and passionate culinary professional ready to lead by example and contribute meaningfully to Sur La Table's mission of inspiring culinary creativity and joy.