Cash Handling Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Description Role PurposeAs a Retail Sales Associate, you create an exceptional experience for every guest by delivering Wild Fork's service philosophy of personal chef and friendly butcher. You engage customers with expert product knowledge, meal inspiration, and warm hospitality while supporting replenishment, inventory accuracy, and store readiness.You play a vital role in maintaining a clean, well‑stocked, easy‑to‑shop store and confidently perform essential operational routines — including working in freezer environments, handling cash, and supporting opening and closing duties — even when leadership is not present.You bring our values to life every day: Determination, Simplicity, Availability, Humility, Sincerity, Discipline, Ownership.Position Type: Full-time + Part-timeStarting Wage: $18.50 per hour + Bonus Potential   Core Responsibilities:1. Customer Experience & SellingDeliver a warm, engaging "personal chef & friendly butcher" shopping experience.Provide recommendations, cooking tips, recipes, and product insights based on customer needs.Demonstrate understanding of daily sales goals, promotions, and store priorities, and apply that knowledge through effective customer interaction and selling behaviors. Drive sales by engaging customers, building baskets, and suggesting product pairings.Support Wild Fork's service standards to ensure customers feel welcomed, valued, and inspired to return.Leverage product knowledge to confidently recommend solutions, build basket size, and deliver a personalized, engaging customer experience.  2. Replenishment, Merchandising & Store ReadinessStock, rotate, and merchandise products to ensure a full, fresh, and visually compelling store.Complete FIFO rotation and maintain accurate labeling and pricing.Keep the store clean, organized, and customer‑ready at all times.Support planogram changes, promotional sets, and daily recovery routines. 3. Inventory SupportAssist with receiving and processing deliveries with care and accuracy.Maintain back‑stock organization and communicate low stock or product issues promptly.Follow shrink‑prevention practices and report concerns to leadership. 4. Freezer & Cold Environment WorkConfidently work in cold temperatures (walk‑in freezer) to pull products, organize stock, and execute counts.Adhere to food safety, sanitation, and freezer safety guidelines. 5. Cash Handling & Opening/Closing RoutinesOperate the POS with accuracy; process transactions, returns, and exchanges.Perform opening and closing duties when leadership is not present, including register counts, cash pulls, safe drops, store walkthroughs for readiness and safetyFollow all cash handling SOPs with precision and integrity. 6. Team Collaboration & SupportWork closely with Team Leaders to execute daily priorities and meet store goals.Participate in training, product knowledge sessions, and new processes.Actively participate in ongoing training and development to strengthen product expertise, selling capability and consistency in execution. Support a positive, inclusive team culture where everyone feels valued. Qualifications:1 year of retail, grocery, hospitality, or food experience required.Strong customer service skills with enthusiasm for food and culinary exploration.Ability to work in fast‑paced environments and manage multiple tasks.Comfortable working in extremely cold temperatures.Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand/walk 8–10 hours.Flexible scheduling (mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays).Basic math skills for cash handling; POS experience a plus. Values & Behaviors:We look for Sales Associates who:Show determination and urgency in serving customers.Engage with humility, sincerity, and pride in the Wild Fork brand.Demonstrate discipline and ownership in every task.Work respectfully as part of a team.Stay curious about products, cooking, and customer needs. Benefits:Medical, Dental, & Vision InsuranceHealth Reimbursement Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, Behavioral Health Matters Program, Live Health Online (Virtual Care)Monthly Bonus Plan401(k) and Company MatchPTO: Vacation, Sick, Birthday PTOCulinary Perks: Culinary Training, Chew on This – Monthly Product Giveaway, Wild Chef – Monthly Allowance to Shop in StoreOngoing Development: Mentorship Program, Better Futures Program (free community college)Optional Perks: Fin Fit – Financial Resources, Discounts (cars, cell phones, services & more), Employee Referral Bonus Program EOE, including disability/vets