Resident Chef (Sur La Table)

As a Resident Chef at Sur La Table, you play a key role in the success of the store by leading high-performing culinary teams that inspire customers throughout every stage of their culinary experience. This position leads engaging cooking classes, fostering an enthusiastic and knowledgeable team and overseeing the success of the in-store culinary program. This role requires a blend of culinary talent, business acumen, and teaching skills to drive sales, enhance customer #bestincenter experience, a company-wide standard for excellence in service, and build a high-performing culinary team.

Responsibilities

Recruit, mentor and retain a high-performing team; Lead, coach, and inspire associates to exceed performance expectations; Conduct regular performance evaluations and create development plans; Represent Sur La Table's brand and culture by creating memorable, educational experiences; Ensure outstanding cooking class experience by following provided recipes and game plans; Work with store leadership to increase foot traffic and store engagement through cooking classes and private events; Drive sales growth by developing and implementing strategies; Analyze key performance metrics daily to optimize store performance; Consistently meet or exceed culinary and retail goals; Manage daily store operations while ensuring compliance with food safety standards, local health codes, and sanitation regulations; Maintain accurate inventory levels and control expenses; Ensure store safety and cleanliness; Maintain accuracy of employee records; Adhere to applicable wage and hour laws; Model and ensure Sur La Table policies and SOPs are followed.

Requirements

Must be 21 years of age or older; 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; Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities; Passion for community engagement and providing exceptional customer experiences; Ability to communicate verbally and work cooperatively with associates and customers; Ability to remain standing for up to 5 hours at a time; Ability to move about the store coaching and directing associates and/or class participants; Ability to grab, reach, push, pull, bend, stoop, kneel, and crouch; Ability to use hands to chop, whisk, slice, stir, juice and demonstrate other techniques; Ability to lift and/or move merchandise weighing up to 50 lbs; Ability to ascend/descend ladders; Ability to operate a computer, POS system, keyboards, merchandise scanners and mouse; Workweeks expected to be between 46 and 48 hours with flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays; Regular and predictable attendance with flexibility to adjust class assignments, ensuring 6-8 classes are taught per week; Ability to work in a variable kitchen environment with open flames, hot surfaces, temperature variations, and food allergens.

Nice to have

Culinary degree strongly preferred (equivalent experience considered only in exceptional cases); Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and retail systems preferred