Lead Culinary & Operations Assistant

Taste Buds Kitchen | Bellevue, WA

Compensation: $22–$25/hour, depending on experience Schedule: Approximately 20 hours per week, including evenings and weekends Location: Bellevue, WA Reports to: Owner

About Us

Taste Buds Kitchen is a culinary entertainment destination where kids, families, and adults come together to cook, create, and connect! From birthday parties and kids' cooking camps to adult date nights and corporate team-building events, we believe the kitchen is a place for fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

We're a growing, locally owned business looking for a friendly, energetic, and highly organized Lead Culinary & Operations Assistant to help keep our kitchen running smoothly and our guests smiling!

This is a hands-on role for someone who loves food, enjoys working with people, and thrives in a fast-paced, fun environment. One day you might be grocery shopping and prepping ingredients for an upcoming class, and the next you could be welcoming guests, assisting a culinary instructor, or helping lead a birthday party!

We're looking for someone who takes initiative, pays attention to the details, and isn't afraid to jump in wherever needed.

What You'll Do

Kitchen Operations & Preparation

• Coordinate grocery shopping and ingredient purchasing for upcoming classes, camps, and private events.
• Manage inventory, organize supplies, and help minimize food waste.
• Prepare, measure, and portion ingredients according to recipes and class requirements.
• Ensure the kitchen is organized, stocked, and ready for upcoming events.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, food safety, and kitchen organization.

Culinary & Event Support

• Assist culinary instructors with cooking classes, birthday parties, camps, and corporate events.
• Help lead cooking demonstrations and hands-on culinary activities.
• Set up and break down cooking stations and event spaces.
• Step in as an event host or culinary instructor when trained and needed.
• Help ensure classes and events run smoothly, safely, and on schedule.

Guest Experience & Hosting

• Warmly welcome guests and create a fun, engaging, and memorable experience.
• Confidently interact with children, families, and adults.
• Host birthday parties, assist with group activities, and help keep guests entertained and engaged.
• Answer guest questions and provide exceptional customer service.
• Represent Taste Buds Kitchen with enthusiasm, professionalism, and a positive attitude.

Operations & Team Support

• Support the General Manager with daily kitchen operations and event coordination.
• Assist with training and onboarding new culinary assistants and hosts.
• Help ensure staff follow established procedures and brand standards.
• Take initiative in identifying and solving operational challenges.
• Serve as a reliable backup lead for classes and events when needed.

Who We're Looking For

Personality matters! We're looking for someone who is naturally warm, outgoing, friendly, and genuinely enjoys connecting with people.

Our ideal candidate is:

• Organized & Detail-Oriented: You love a good checklist, stay on top of details, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

• Proactive & Dependable: You see what needs to be done and take initiative without waiting to be asked.

• Warm & Engaging: You have a welcoming personality, positive energy, and can make guests of all ages feel comfortable.

• Confident & Adaptable: You're comfortable taking the lead, speaking in front of groups, and handling unexpected challenges.

• A Team Player: You're happy to roll up your sleeves, whether that means chopping vegetables, helping a child decorate a cupcake, or hosting a room full of adults.

• Passionate About Food & People: You enjoy cooking, learning new recipes, and bringing people together.

Qualifications

• Experience in hospitality, food service, catering, culinary instruction, event hosting, or a related field preferred.
• Comfortable with basic cooking techniques, food preparation, and kitchen equipment.
• Strong communication, organizational, and multitasking skills.
• Previous experience working with children or leading group activities is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of assigned responsibilities.
• Ability to obtain a Washington State Food Worker Card.
• Reliable transportation for grocery shopping and purchasing responsibilities.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends based on event schedules.

Why Join Taste Buds Kitchen?

• Work in a fun, creative, and welcoming environment.
• Enjoy a variety of responsibilities - no two days are exactly alike!
• Be part of a growing local business and supportive team.
• Develop your culinary, hospitality, and leadership skills.
• Make a difference by helping guests create memorable experiences through cooking.

Ready to Join Our Kitchen?

If you're someone who loves food, people, and making things happen, we'd love to hear from you!

Please submit your resume along with a brief introduction telling us why you'd be a great fit for Taste Buds Kitchen Bellevue.