Cheese Associate Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

At Oliver Winery, every visit tells a story, Join the team behind the #2 tasting room in the country, as awarded by Newsweek Magazine, and help create unforgettable wine experiences at one of the Midwest’s most iconic wineries.

The Events and Retail Associate is a full-time member of the Hospitality team. This position reports to the Hospitality Director and supports both the Events & Experience Manager and the Hospitality Manager.

Primary responsibilities include Tasting Room operations (including keyholding), coordination and execution of special events, food and supply ordering/receiving, food and picnic preparation, and supporting daily tasting room experiences.

The ideal candidate is flexible, highly organized, and enjoys multitasking while engaging with a variety of guests and team members.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

EVENTS DUTIES

All event-related responsibilities are executed in collaboration with the Events & Experience Manager.

• Field and respond to event inquiries in a timely, professional manner, supporting the booking of private events and winery experiences.
• Provide administrative event support, including coordination, booking assistance, and communication of event details.
• Update and maintain the Oliver Winery company calendar to reflect all scheduled events and activities.
• Serve as the primary host for private events, and assist with onsite public and private events as needed, including set up, execution, and tear down.
• Attend and assist with offsite events as needed.
• Work with internal winery clients, including wholesale team members and managers/directors, to schedule, coordinate, and execute events and tours for internal needs.
• Support and guide the Events Intern in day-to-day execution, without direct supervisory responsibility.

RETAIL DUTIES

All retail-related responsibilities are executed in coordination with the Hospitality Manager.

Leadership Responsibilities:

• Serve as a Level II Keyholder:
• Perform opening and closing duties for the Tasting Room.
• Conduct and assist in coordinating reserved experiences.
• Provide and lead sensational customer service.

Operational Responsibilities:

• Assist with weekly ordering of food and supplies for the Tasting Room.
• Assist in receiving, unpacking, and labeling all food and merchandise orders.
• Reconcile retail and food invoices and submit to Accounts Payable in a timely manner to ensure accurate and prompt payment.
• Maintain accurate product data within the POS system, including all food and merchandise items, ensuring correct pricing, descriptions, and inventory alignment.
• Assist with weekly planning of food preparation and follow up with the food prep team.
• Prepare food components for winery experiences, including but not limited to:
• Cheese boards, charcuterie boards, and tasting plates for Reserved Tastings.
• Picnic package components for Reserved Picnics.
• Custom food components for private and public winery events.
• Assist the Hospitality Director with ongoing retail operations, organization, and process improvements as needed.

SUPPORT DUTIES

• Provide general administrative support to the Hospitality Management Team.
• Assist with answering phones and responding to general customer inquiries.

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS

• High School Diploma/GED or Associate’s Degree required.
• Minimum of two years of customer service or retail experience; event planning experience preferred.
• One year of supervisory experience preferred.
• Must be at least 21 years of age due to the nature of the business.

CORE COMPETENCIES & EXPECTATIONS

• Time Management & Ownership: Demonstrates strong prioritization and time management skills to effectively balance responsibilities within a dual-reporting structure. Delivers high-quality work with minimal supervision.
• Attention to Detail & Execution: Produces accurate, thorough work with a high level of attention to detail while maintaining efficiency.
• Collaboration & Problem Solving: Contributes to a team-oriented environment through effective communication and collaborative problem-solving.
• Adaptability & Agility: Manages multiple priorities and adjusts quickly in a fast-paced environment.
• Coachability: Open to feedback and able to quickly apply learnings to improve performance.
• Professional Communication: Builds strong relationships and communicates effectively with customers, vendors, team members, and leadership.
• Strong interest in wine and winemaking.

In addition, all successful winery employees will:

• Contribute to a positive work environment through attitude and effort.
• Be engaged and committed to doing their best work every day.
• Model winery values: Respect People, Expect Quality, Think Differently, and Get Stuff Done.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position requires the ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift for up to 8 hours per day. Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds while working on the retail floor.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

• Annual performance review conducted by management.
• Annual goals established collaboratively with supervisors.

SCHEDULE & AVAILABILITY

This is a full-time position (40 hours per week). Due to the nature of the role, there is no set schedule, and hours will vary based on event programming and retail needs. This position requires a high level of flexibility, including evenings, weekends, and extended hours as needed.

FLSA Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

We strongly encourage uploading a Cover Letter/Letter of Interest with your resume. For more information about working at Oliver Winery, check us out on Glassdoor! This document contains proprietary information and intellectual property of Oliver Winery, Inc. Disclosure, copying, distribution or use of this document and the information contained therein is strictly prohibited.© 2025 OLIVER WINERY & VINEYARDS, BLOOMINGTON, IN 47404 | OLIVER IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF OLIVER WINE COMPANY, INC. EOE