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Cheese Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Mariano's

CHEESE SHOP/MURRAY'S CHEESE

Glenview, IL · On-site

Valuable associate discounts on purchases, including food, travel, technology and so much more ... Interest in, and openness to try, cheese daily * Easily conveys ideas at the appropriate level ...

Heinens

Specialty Cheese Department Lead

Deerfield, IL · On-site

Specialty Cheese Lead Established in 1929, Heinen's is a leading, family-owned grocery retailer ... Our culture is rooted in an associate-first philosophy, placing a strong emphasis on the well-being ...

Mariano's

CHEESE SHOP/CLERK

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

Valuable associate discounts on purchases, including food, travel, technology and so much more ... Inform customers of Cheese Shop specials * Provide customers with fresh products that they have ...

Albertsons

Deli Associate

West Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $18.35/hr

You will have the opportunity throughout your day to utilize various tools like our meat and cheese ... associates gives you energy · Smiling and making others smile is your favorite · You are eager ...

Albertsons

Deli Associate

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $18.35/hr

You will have the opportunity throughout your day to utilize various tools like our meat and cheese ... associates gives you energy · Smiling and making others smile is your favorite · You are eager ...

Albertsons

Deli Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.10 - $18.60/hr

You will have the opportunity throughout your day to utilize various tools like our meat and cheese ... associates gives you energy · Smiling and making others smile is your favorite · You are eager ...

Albertsons

Deli Associate

Oak Lawn, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $18.35/hr

You will have the opportunity throughout your day to utilize various tools like our meat and cheese ... associates gives you energy · Smiling and making others smile is your favorite · You are eager ...

Albertsons

Deli Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.10 - $18.60/hr

You will have the opportunity throughout your day to utilize various tools like our meat and cheese ... associates gives you energy · Smiling and making others smile is your favorite · You are eager ...

Albertsons

Deli Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.10 - $18.60/hr

You will have the opportunity throughout your day to utilize various tools like our meat and cheese ... associates gives you energy · Smiling and making others smile is your favorite · You are eager ...

Albertsons

Deli Associate

Romeoville, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $18.35/hr

You will have the opportunity throughout your day to utilize various tools like our meat and cheese ... associates gives you energy · Smiling and making others smile is your favorite · You are eager ...

Albertsons

Deli Associate

Oak Lawn, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $18.35/hr

You will have the opportunity throughout your day to utilize various tools like our meat and cheese ... associates gives you energy · Smiling and making others smile is your favorite · You are eager ...

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All JobsCheese Associate JobsCheese Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL

Cheese Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$20

$34

How much do cheese associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for cheese associate in Chicago, IL is $20.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $21.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cheese associate?

Cheese Associates are retail employees who specialize in the selection, care, presentation, and sale of cheeses within grocery stores, specialty shops, or markets. They assist customers by providing recommendations, sharing knowledge about different types of cheeses, and sometimes offering samples. Cheese Associates are responsible for maintaining product freshness, restocking displays, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. They play a key role in educating customers about cheese pairings and storage methods. The position often requires excellent communication skills and a passion for artisanal foods.

What key skills and qualifications are needed to excel as a cheese associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cheese Associate, you need knowledge of cheese varieties, food safety, and basic retail or food handling experience, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, food safety certifications, and cheese cutting tools is usually required. Strong customer service, communication, and teamwork skills help you engage customers and work efficiently with colleagues. These skills and qualifications ensure proper cheese handling, excellent customer experiences, and compliance with health regulations in a retail food environment.

What are some common challenges faced by cheese associates, and how can they be overcome?

Cheese Associates often face challenges such as keeping up with a wide variety of products, managing proper storage conditions, and providing knowledgeable recommendations to customers. Staying organized and regularly updating product knowledge are key to overcoming these challenges. Collaborating with team members and seeking guidance from more experienced staff can also help ensure consistent product quality and excellent customer service.

What is the difference between Cheese Associate vs Cheese Clerk?

AspectCheese AssociateCheese Clerk
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food handling certifications often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; food handling certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentGrocery stores, specialty cheese shops, supermarketsGrocery stores, supermarkets, specialty food stores
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting customers, stocking cheese products, providing product knowledgeAssisting customers, stocking cheese, cashier duties
Industry UsageCommonly used in retail food environmentsCommonly used in retail grocery settings

The main difference between a Cheese Associate and a Cheese Clerk lies in their job scope. Cheese Associates often focus on customer service and product knowledge, while Cheese Clerks may also handle cashier duties. Both roles typically require similar credentials and work in similar environments, but the Cheese Associate role emphasizes product expertise and customer interaction.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cheese jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Cheese jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Cheese Associate jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Cheese Associate job openings:

Cheese Associate jobs near you

CHEESE SHOP/MURRAY'S CHEESE

Mariano's

Glenview, IL • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Mariano's rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 94 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

81st of 123 rated grocery stores

Job description

Responsible for learning and supporting a full-service Murray's experience that will embody the food passion, cheese knowledge, interactive customer service, and industry leading merchandising that is uniquely Murray's Cheese. Work closely with in store Murray's Cheese Master to create an environment of outgoing, personal, theatrical cheese retailing within the store environment. Role model and demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety of others.

Based in Illinois, Mariano's merged with The Kroger Company in 2015. Today, we're proudly serving Mariano's customers in over 40 stores throughout the Chicago Metro area. 
As part of the Kroger family of companies, we take pride in bringing diverse teams with a passion for food and people together with one common purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit. With a history of innovation, we work tirelessly to create amazing experiences for our customers, communities AND each other, with food at the heart of it all.
Here, people matter. That's why we strive to provide the ingredients you need to create your own recipe for success at work and in life. We help feed your future by providing the value and care you need to grow. If you're caring, purpose-driven and hungry to learn, your potential is unlimited.
Whether you're seeking a part-time position or a new career path, we've got a fresh opportunity for you. Apply today to become part of our Mariano's family! 
If you are in need of reasonable accommodation to complete a job application or to otherwise participate in the application or pre-hiring process, please call 844-849-7136 or contact the location's management.

What you'll receive from us:

The Kroger Family of Companies offers comprehensive benefits to support your Associate Well-Being, including Physical, Emotional, Financial and more. We'll help you thrive, with access to:

  • A wide range of healthcare coverage, including affordable, comprehensive medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage, through company plans or collective bargaining agreement plans.
  • Flexible scheduling in full- and part-time roles with paid time off, including holiday and sick pay based on eligibility and length of service.
  • Emotional and financial support with free counseling through our Employee Assistance Program and free, confidential financial tools and coaching with Goldman Sachs Ayco.
  • Valuable associate discounts on purchases, including food, travel, technology and so much more.
  • Up to $21,000 in tuition reimbursement over your career, through our industry-leading Continuing Education program.
  • Vast potential for growth, through an abundance of industry-leading training programs and diverse career pathways.
For more information about benefits and eligibility, please visit our Benefits Page! 

Minimum 

  • A strong desire to learn, enthusiasm for the product, and an interest and willingness to try new and innovative approaches.
  • Interest in, and openness to try, cheese daily
  • Easily conveys ideas at the appropriate level based on audience
  • Retail experience
  • Super Foodie and supportive of cheese business initiatives
  • Able to inspire, motivate customers while ensuring successful completion of all assigned tasks
  • Cut, wrap, and merchandise cheese and related grocery items.
  • Active demoing within the Murray's Cheese Shop, Deli and other areas.
  • Proactive customer service: ongoing conversations and tasting with customers.
  • Daily cheese tastings to develop product expertise; must be willing to taste cheese every day.
  • Contribute to target sales and gross profit goals.
  • Follow health, safety and sanitation guidelines for all products.
  • Comply with Murray's operations manual and ensuring consistently fully stocked, fresh, signed, rotated product selection.
  • Complete Murray's Basic Skills Training and Murray's Red Jacket Training.
  • Create and maintain Murray's Boutique experience: education, service, effective cross-selling, merchandising, pushing and promoting designated products.
  • Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

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