Resident Chef (Sur La Table)

Sur La Table is a leading specialty retailer of kitchenware and cooking classes with over 58 stores nationwide. Renowned for offering an unsurpassed selection of exclusive and premium-quality goods for the kitchen and table, Sur La Table also boasts the largest avocational cooking program in the United States. The company’s commitment extends beyond retail, providing culinary expertise and inspiration to customers, whether in-store or online. Sur La Table’s vibrant culture is focused on creating happiness through cooking and sharing good food, making it a destination for culinary enthusiasts and home cooks alike. As part of its team, employees are dedicated to rolling up their sleeves and delivering exceptional customer experiences centered around the joy of cooking.

The role of Resident Chef at Sur La Table is pivotal in the store’s success as it blends culinary mastery, leadership, and educational skills to inspire customers and enhance overall business performance. Resident Chefs lead and manage high-performing culinary teams that provide engaging cooking classes designed to enrich customers' culinary knowledge and skills. This position is central to fostering an enthusiastic team culture, ensuring high standards in the culinary program, and delivering memorable, instructive experiences that keep customers returning. The Resident Chef works closely with store leadership to drive sales growth through culinary programming, and is accountable for maintaining compliance with food safety standards and operational procedures.

This role demands a unique combination of culinary talent, business acumen, and teaching expertise. The Resident Chef is responsible for recruiting, mentoring, and coaching a motivated culinary and retail team to exceed performance expectations. They uphold Sur La Table’s #bestincenter standard— a company-wide benchmark for excellence in service— by leading customer-focused initiatives that elevate visitor satisfaction and loyalty. With responsibilities that include managing daily store operations, overseeing safety and sanitation, controlling inventory and costs, and monitoring key performance indicators, the Resident Chef plays an influential role in the store's operational and financial success.

Working as a Resident Chef requires excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, along with the ability to work a flexible schedule that includes nights, weekends, and holidays. Physical stamina is also essential, as the role involves standing for extended periods, moving around the store, and performing culinary demonstrations that require manual dexterity. Additionally, Resident Chefs must maintain current knowledge of products, trends, and industry best practices while fostering an atmosphere where both associates and customers feel inspired and valued.

Sur La Table is committed to equal opportunity employment and inclusive workplace practices, welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, and supports individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process. The company also embraces the use of AI tools to assist recruitment while ensuring that final hiring decisions are made by human staff. This role offers an exciting opportunity for culinary professionals passionate about leadership, teaching, and crafting exceptional culinary retail experiences to advance their careers in a dynamic, customer-centric environment.