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Resident Chef (Sur La Table)

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Work Schedule

Flexible
Weekend Shifts
Night Shifts
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
employee discount
Retirement Plan
flexible schedule
Professional Development

Job Description

Sur La Table is a renowned retailer in the culinary industry, boasting over 59 stores across the United States and operating the largest avocational cooking program in the nation. Established as a premium kitchen and tabletop goods provider, Sur La Table prides itself on offering a meticulously curated collection of exclusive and high-quality products designed to elevate cooking and dining experiences. The company’s mission extends beyond just selling products — it aims to inspire and educate culinary enthusiasts through expert guidance, engaging cooking classes, and comprehensive customer service. Known for its commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and community, Sur La Table continues to expand its footprint while maintaining a culture investing in both customer and employee growth. This vibrant culinary brand supports a diverse range of roles, embracing those who thrive in dynamic retail environments focused on passion for cooking and excellent service.

Position Overview

As a Resident Chef at Sur La Table, you play an integral role in driving the success of the store by leading and developing a team of culinary professionals passionate about food and customer engagement. This leadership role requires a dynamic blend of culinary expertise, strong business acumen, and effective teaching skills. Resident Chefs lead interactive cooking classes designed to inspire and educate customers, creating memorable culinary experiences that foster loyalty and drive continued business growth. You are expected to champion a company-wide standard through the bestincenter initiative, ensuring excellence in customer service at every touchpoint.

The role’s responsibilities span multiple areas including team development, customer experience, sales growth, and operational compliance. You are charged with recruiting, mentoring, and retaining high-performing culinary teams, along with coaching and fostering a positive, goal-oriented work environment. Serving as a brand ambassador, you create educational and enjoyable experiences that increase store traffic and engagement through compelling cooking classes and private events. Your leadership directly affects business performance by leveraging sales strategies and analyzing key performance indicators to meet and exceed culinary and retail goals.

Operationally, the Resident Chef ensures compliance with food safety standards and local health regulations, manages inventory, maintains store safety, and oversees employee records integrity. This role also demands physical stamina and agility, including the ability to stand for extended periods, lift merchandise up to 50 lbs, and work flexibly during nights, weekends, and holidays. A strong candidate will be a skilled communicator with a passion for community engagement and continuous development.

This position offers a rare opportunity for culinary professionals who are passionate about teaching, leadership, and retail to influence a national brand recognized for quality and innovation in the culinary retail space. The Resident Chef position fosters a collaborative work culture that values enthusiasm, precision, and a commitment to providing unmatched culinary experiences for customers. Sur La Table is an equal opportunity employer that supports diversity and inclusion and is committed to reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Employment with Sur La Table means being part of a team dedicated to creating happiness through cooking and sharing good food every day.

Job Requirements

  • Must be 21 years of age or older at the time of employment
  • Culinary degree strongly preferred
  • 1-2 years of experience as a culinary instructor
  • 3-4 years of kitchen management experience
  • Valid Food Manager Certification
  • Proven sales achievement and team motivation skills
  • Strong leadership abilities
  • Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
  • Passion for community engagement
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and retail systems
  • Ability to stand for long periods
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
  • Flexible schedule including nights weekends and holidays
  • Ability to operate computer and POS systems
  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards

Job Qualifications

  • Must be 21 years of age or older at the time of employment
  • Culinary degree strongly preferred with equivalent experience considered in exceptional cases
  • 1-2 years experience as a culinary instructor
  • 3-4 years of progressively responsible kitchen management experience
  • Valid Food Manager Certification
  • Proven track record of achieving sales and motivating high performing sales teams
  • Strong leadership skills to inspire develop and retain high performing teams
  • Excellent communication problem-solving and decision-making abilities
  • Passion for community engagement and exceptional customer experiences
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and retail systems preferred

Job Duties

  • Recruit mentor and retain a high-performing culinary and retail team
  • Lead coach and inspire associates to exceed performance expectations and uphold a positive team culture
  • Conduct regular performance evaluations provide feedback and create development plans
  • Represent Sur La Table’s brand and culture by creating memorable educational cooking class experiences
  • Ensure an outstanding cooking class experience by following recipes and game plans
  • Work with store leadership to increase foot traffic and store engagement through classes and events
  • Maintain expertise by staying current on products and training
  • Ensure exceptional customer experience by leading a customer-focused culture
  • Oversee and respond to all customer feedback related to culinary programs
  • Drive sales growth by developing and implementing culinary and retail business strategies
  • Analyze key performance metrics daily and leverage insights to optimize store performance
  • Consistently meet or exceed culinary and retail goals measured by KPIs
  • Manage daily store operations ensuring compliance with food safety standards health codes and sanitation
  • Maintain accurate inventory levels minimize shrink and control expenses
  • Handle liquor wine and beer in compliance with regulations and policies
  • Ensure store safety cleanliness and maintenance
  • Maintain accuracy and integrity of employee records including time attendance and certifications
  • Adhere to wage and hour laws and record time worked according to policy
  • Model and ensure all policies and SOPs are communicated maintained and followed
  • Communicate verbally and work cooperatively with associates and customers
  • Remain standing for extended periods and move about the store coaching and directing associates and class participants
  • Maintain ability to perceive flavor and odor variations and demonstrate culinary techniques
  • Lift and move merchandise up to 50 lbs and ascend/descend ladders
  • Operate computer POS system and scanners
  • Work flexible schedule including nights weekends and holidays
  • Teach 6-8 cooking classes per week
  • Work in varied kitchen environments including exposure to open flames hot surfaces and allergens

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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