Demo Chef - Private Training Facility

The World of Whirlpool is an experience like no other because we create unique experiences through workshops, hands-on kitchen & laundry demonstrations with experts in the appliance industry. Walk into the World of Whirlpool and begin a journey of discovery. We are both an appliance showcase highlighting a select group of Whirlpool Corporation brands, and a hands-on experience center offering exciting workshops and a chance to interact with experts.

The Lead Demo/Prep Chef is part of a small, core team creating and executing fun and engaging programming in an interactive branded environment. The World of Whirlpool brand in Chicago is the first of its kind, and potential for growth on our team and this role.  We are passionate about making the daily chores of cooking, cleaning, and washing, easier and more fun for our employees and our guests.  

WORK SCHEDULE: Monday – Friday (primarily) and varies based on client needs and business demands.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Comfortable and skilled at working with and in front of guests and team members from all departments 

• Able to plan new and exciting events while working with other team members to coordinate the experience 

• No direct reports but expected to help with the delegation and execution of other’s tasks may be expected 

• A desire to learn, improve, and do your best daily 

• Passionate about home cooking  

• Must be able to stand, walk, and move about for extended periods of time  

• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills  

• Friendly and customer-service oriented 

• Flexible, open-minded, and accommodating 

• Restaurant, catering, or hospitality experience preferred 

• Experience assisting or teaching cooking classes preferred  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Lead all assigned public and private culinary demonstrations and workshops.

  • planning all necessary menus 

  • coordinating necessary staffing and other needs 

  • leading guests during hands-on cooking workshops showing demos and explaining tricks & hacks 

  • plating and serving in front of guests 

• Present cooking techniques clearly and professionally in guest-facing environments.

• Execute programming in alignment with brand standards to enhance the guest experience.

• Independently plan and complete all culinary preparation required for assigned demonstrations and communicate with Executive Chef when assistance is required.

• Develop detailed prep lists, timelines, and ingredient requirements in advance of programming.

• Contribute ideas for new workshops, trainings, and utilization of culinary spaces.

• Ensure all mise en place is fully completed prior to demonstration start time.

• Coordinate staffing support, equipment, ingredients, and workspace setup for assigned events.

• Communicate supply, staffing, or operational needs to the Executive Chef in advance.

• Maintain professional communication and operate within established reporting structures.

• Support Executive Chef direction and adhere to established culinary and operational procedures.

• Maintain high energy, professionalism, and positive engagement when working with guests and staff.

• Clean, reset, and organize demonstration kitchens and presentation areas following events.

• Properly label, store, or discard food in compliance with food safety and sanitation standards.

• Present in the commercial kitchen for all Board of Director’s visits and as requested by the Executive Chef or Sous Chef.

• Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality for all assigned demonstrations and scheduled events.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:  

• Assist in the development, testing, refinement, and photography of demonstration recipes.

• Assist the main Culinary team during non-demonstration operations as needed.

• Help coordinate cross-departmental event details to support overall guest experience.

• Delegate specific tasks during event execution when appropriate.

• Perform light hand-washing of tools that cannot be cleaned by dishwashing staff.

• Alert appropriate staff to cleaning, maintenance, or equipment issues.

• Participate in leadership touchpoints to maintain communication and operational efficiency.

• Support additional property or company initiatives as assigned.

• Perform other duties as needed to ensure company goals and guest expectations are exceeded.