Seasonal Chef Instructor - Savory
No salary listed
Mid
Bachelor's
Arlington County, Arlington, VA, USA
In Person
TrainingCorporate & Technical Training
About the job
Requirements
- Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of employment.
- A degree in culinary arts is preferred; candidates with extensive culinary experience and demonstrated technical proficiency may be considered instead of formal education.
- Have 1-2 years of kitchen operations experience.
- Hold a valid Food Manager Certification.
- Be available to work 12-16 hours per week, including nights, weekends, and holidays, with a flexible schedule.
- Be able to remain standing for up to 4 hours at a time, move around the store, and retrieve merchandise from the stockroom or sales floor.
- Be able to perceive and differentiate flavors and odors, and use hands to perform cooking techniques such as chopping, whisking, slicing, stirring, and juicing.
- Be able to grab, reach, push, pull, bend, stoop, kneel, and crouch; lift and move merchandise weighing up to 50 pounds; and use ladders.
- Be able to operate a computer, point-of-sale system, keyboard, merchandise scanner, and mouse.
- Be able to work in a variable kitchen environment that may include open flames, hot surfaces, temperature variations, and physical or airborne food allergens.
- Maintain regular and predictable attendance and be flexible in adjusting class assignments based on demand.
Responsibilities
- Represent the company's brand and culture by creating memorable educational experiences that inspire repeat visits and customer loyalty.
- Deliver in-store savory cooking classes following provided recipes and game plans to ensure consistency and quality.
- Communicate technical cooking concepts and savory techniques in a clear, encouraging, and approachable manner.
- Stay current on products, participate in available training, and independently seek additional learning resources.
- Drive sales by upholding kitchen standards, encouraging customers to sign up for a second class, and promoting retail items used or featured in class.
- Meet class revenue goals by supporting high enrollment, positive reviews, and guest return rates.
- Meet culinary program goals through classes that drive customer engagement and sales, measured by second-class sign-ups, retail culinary product sales, and guest feedback through Google reviews.
- Set up and break down classes, including organizing mise en place, preparing ingredients, and cleaning workstations.
- Clean and sanitize dishes and equipment promptly to support kitchen operations.
- Restock, organize, and maintain kitchen supplies and tools to support store readiness.
- Ensure compliance with food safety standards, local health codes, and sanitation regulations.
- Handle tools, ingredients, and kitchen equipment properly to maintain a safe and efficient work environment.
- Maintain accurate inventory, minimize shrink, and control supply and culinary expenses.
- Handle liquor, wine, and beer when required in compliance with applicable alcohol regulations and company policies, including age restrictions.
- Maintain store safety and cleanliness and promptly address maintenance needs.
- Comply with wage and hour laws and accurately record time worked according to company policy.
- Model and follow company policies and standard operating procedures.
Desired Qualifications
- Demonstrate passion for community engagement and providing exceptional customer experiences.
About the company
Sur La Table sells premium cookware, dinnerware, cutlery, kitchen electrics, and bakeware through brick-and-mortar stores and an online platform, and it also runs one of the largest cooking-class programs in the United States. Customers browse and purchase products online or in stores, while hands-on cooking classes teach techniques from basic to specialized cuisines; SLT Perks rewards purchases with points, and affiliate partners earn commissions. The business combines a wide range of premium kitchen goods with a large, active education program and a loyalty scheme accessible in-store and online, setting it apart from retailers that sell gear or offer classes alone. Its goal is to be the go-to destination for premium kitchen products and culinary learning, building a community of home cooks and professionals through products, classes, loyalty, and partnerships.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Hopkins, Minnesota
Founded
1972
Get referred to Sur La Table
See people who can refer or advise you
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- South Coast Plaza reopened March 6, 2026, reinforcing premium mall presence.
- Walnut Creek returns in late 2026, expanding brand visibility in affluent markets.
- Second Servings launched August 25, 2026, unlocking fees, credit loops, and younger shoppers.
What critics are saying
- 2023 data breach settlement signals weak security and litigation exposure persists.
- Stores still close, including Dallas and SouthPark, showing footprint pruning after bankruptcy.
- Resale could cannibalize full-price sales if Second Servings trains customers to wait.
What makes Sur La Table unique
- Premium cookware authority with immersive classes and expert-led in-store consultations.
- Second Servings turns Sur La Table into a branded resale marketplace first-mover.
- Seattle Coffee Gear acquisition deepens coffee category breadth and specialty expertise.
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Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- 401(k) Company Match
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Sick Leave
- Paid Holidays
- Unlimited Paid Time Off
- Pet Insurance
- Employee Discounts