Savory Chef Instructor — In-Store Cooking Classes Lead

Cscgeneration 2; North Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 24,796 - 38,572; Part time

Job summary

Sur La Table invites applications for Seasonal Chef Instructor, Savory. As the in-store expert, you’ll share savory cooking techniques and culinary fundamentals, guiding hands-on classes that drive cookware and tool sales.

You’ll deliver engaging instruction, maintain high service standards, and represent the brand while supporting store goals. A culinary arts degree is preferred, with 1–2 years kitchen ops experience and a Food Manager Certification.

Qualifications

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• A degree in culinary arts is preferred; however, 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.

Responsibilities

• Represent Sur La Table’s brand and culture by creating memorable, educational experiences that inspire repeat visits and customer loyalty.
• Deliver exceptional in-store culinary experiences focused on savory cooking classes that reflect Sur La Table’s passion for food, teaching, and high standards, while 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.
• Maintains expertise by staying current on products, actively engaging in available training, and independently seeking out 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.
• Consistently meet or exceed culinary program goals by delivering exceptional classes that drive customer engagement and sales. Performance is measured by key KPIs such as second-class sign-ups, retail culinary product sales, and guest feedback through Google reviews.
• 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, company policies, including enforcing age restrictions.
• Ensure store safety and cleanliness, addressing any maintenance needs promptly.
• Adhere to applicable wage and hour laws. Accurately records time worked according to SLT Policy.
• Model and ensure consistent adherence to all Sur La Table policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Skills

Customer experience

Brand representation

Cooking techniques

Class instruction

Communication

Product knowledge

Training participation

Education

Culinary arts degree

Job description

Sur La Table invites applications for Seasonal Chef Instructor, Savory. As the in-store expert, you’ll share savory cooking techniques and culinary fundamentals, guiding hands-on classes that drive cookware and tool sales.

You’ll deliver engaging instruction, maintain high service standards, and represent the brand while supporting store goals. A culinary arts degree is preferred, with 1–2 years kitchen ops experience and a Food Manager Certification.