Job Overview
Employment Type
Temporary
Part-time
Work Schedule
Flexible
Weekend Shifts
Night Shifts
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
employee discount
Retirement Plan
flexible schedule
Training and Development
Job Description
Sur La Table is a premier retail establishment specializing in high-quality kitchenware and culinary products, boasting over 58 stores across the United States. Known for the largest avocational cooking program in the country, Sur La Table offers an unmatched selection of exclusive and premium culinary goods aimed at inspiring and equipping home cooks and professional chefs alike. The company’s commitment is not just to provide quality merchandise but also to foster a deep passion for cooking through expert instruction, community engagement, and curated culinary experiences. Sur La Table’s brand is centered around the joy and art of cooking, making it a beloved destination for culinary enthusiasts seeking both innovative tools and educational opportunities.
The company cultivates a vibrant culture where every team member, from sales associates to digital growth specialists, shares a unified goal to enhance customer happiness by promoting the joy of cooking and food sharing. This collaborative spirit drives the organization to maintain excellence both in product offerings and service standards, creating memorable experiences that encourage repeat visits and a loyal customer base.
The role of Seasonal Chef Instructor, Pastry, at Sur La Table is an exciting opportunity for culinary professionals passionate about baking and pastry arts to become key ambassadors of the brand in-store. This position involves delivering exceptional hands-on pastry classes that not only educate but also inspire a love for baking among participants. The instructor becomes a trusted source of expertise in pastry techniques and baking fundamentals, offering personalized guidance that supports the company’s culinary program and drives retail sales of related bakeware, mixers, and decorating tools.
As the in-store specialist, the Seasonal Chef Instructor plays a critical role in promoting Sur La Table’s mission by providing #bestincenter service, an internal standard representing excellence in customer interaction and culinary education. Beyond teaching, the instructor supports business performance goals through achieving high enrollment in classes, receiving positive feedback, and encouraging continuous customer engagement and return visits. This role requires a dynamic and approachable individual able to convey complex pastry concepts with clarity and enthusiasm.
The position further demands strong operational skills, including setting up and breaking down class environments, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, managing inventory, and ensuring adherence to food safety and sanitation regulations. Physical requirements include standing for extended periods, moving around the store, handling equipment, and occasionally lifting items up to 50 pounds. The Seasonal Chef Instructor must be flexible to work 12 to 16 hours per week, including nights, weekends, and holidays, adapting to business needs and maintaining predictable attendance.
Overall, this role offers a blend of culinary creativity, teaching, customer service, and retail strategy within a supportive and rewarding company environment dedicated to enriching people’s culinary lives.
The company cultivates a vibrant culture where every team member, from sales associates to digital growth specialists, shares a unified goal to enhance customer happiness by promoting the joy of cooking and food sharing. This collaborative spirit drives the organization to maintain excellence both in product offerings and service standards, creating memorable experiences that encourage repeat visits and a loyal customer base.
The role of Seasonal Chef Instructor, Pastry, at Sur La Table is an exciting opportunity for culinary professionals passionate about baking and pastry arts to become key ambassadors of the brand in-store. This position involves delivering exceptional hands-on pastry classes that not only educate but also inspire a love for baking among participants. The instructor becomes a trusted source of expertise in pastry techniques and baking fundamentals, offering personalized guidance that supports the company’s culinary program and drives retail sales of related bakeware, mixers, and decorating tools.
As the in-store specialist, the Seasonal Chef Instructor plays a critical role in promoting Sur La Table’s mission by providing #bestincenter service, an internal standard representing excellence in customer interaction and culinary education. Beyond teaching, the instructor supports business performance goals through achieving high enrollment in classes, receiving positive feedback, and encouraging continuous customer engagement and return visits. This role requires a dynamic and approachable individual able to convey complex pastry concepts with clarity and enthusiasm.
The position further demands strong operational skills, including setting up and breaking down class environments, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, managing inventory, and ensuring adherence to food safety and sanitation regulations. Physical requirements include standing for extended periods, moving around the store, handling equipment, and occasionally lifting items up to 50 pounds. The Seasonal Chef Instructor must be flexible to work 12 to 16 hours per week, including nights, weekends, and holidays, adapting to business needs and maintaining predictable attendance.
Overall, this role offers a blend of culinary creativity, teaching, customer service, and retail strategy within a supportive and rewarding company environment dedicated to enriching people’s culinary lives.
Job Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- ability to work 12 to 16 hours per week including nights, weekends, and holidays
- ability to remain standing for up to 4 hours at a time
- ability to communicate verbally and work cooperatively with associates and customers
- ability to move around the store directing class participants and retrieving merchandise
- ability to lift and move merchandise weighing up to 50 lbs
- capability to accurately perceive and differentiate taste or scent variations
- ability to perform physical activities including grabbing, reaching, pushing, pulling, bending, stooping, kneeling, and crouching
- ability to operate computer, POS system, keyboards, merchandise scanners, and mouse
- availability to adjust schedule based on business needs
- ability to work in a variable kitchen environment with open flames, hot surfaces, temperature variations, and food allergens
Job Qualifications
- Must be 21 years of age or older at the time of employment
- degree in culinary arts preferred but candidates with extensive culinary experience and demonstrated technical proficiency will be considered in lieu of formal education
- 1-2 years of kitchen operations experience
- valid food manager certification
- excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
- passion for community engagement and providing exceptional customer experiences
Job Duties
- Represent Sur La Table’s brand and culture by creating memorable, educational experiences that inspire repeat visits and customer loyalty
- deliver an exceptional in-store culinary experience focused on pastry and baking classes that reflects Sur La Table’s passion for food, teaching, and high standards while following provided recipes and game plans
- communicate technical concepts and advanced pastry skills in a clear, encouraging, and approachable manner
- maintain expertise by staying current on products, actively engaging in training, and independently seeking additional resources
- drive sales by upholding kitchen standards, encouraging second class sign-ups through strong customer engagement, and promoting retail items used or featured in class
- deliver class revenue goals by ensuring high enrollment, positive reviews, and guest return rates
- assist in setting up and breakdown of classes including organizing mise en place, prepping ingredients, and cleaning workstations
- clean and sanitize dishes and equipment promptly to ensure smooth kitchen operations
- assist with restocking, organizing, and maintaining kitchen supplies and tools to support overall store readiness
- ensure compliance with food safety standards, local health codes, and sanitation regulations
- properly handle all tools, ingredients, and kitchen equipment to maintain a safe and efficient work environment
- maintain accurate inventory levels, minimize shrink, and control supply and culinary expenses
- may handle liquor, wine, and beer in compliance with state and location alcohol regulations and company policies, including enforcing age restrictions
- ensure store safety and cleanliness, addressing any maintenance needs promptly
- adhere to applicable wage and hour laws and accurately record time worked according to Sur La Table policy
- model and ensure consistent adherence to all Sur La Table policies and standard operating procedures
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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