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Cheese Expert Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Heinens

Specialty Cheese Department Lead

Deerfield, IL · On-site

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Specialty Cheese Lead Established in 1929, Heinen's is a leading, family-owned grocery retailer ... Maintain in-depth product knowledge to provide expert guidance and drive customer satisfaction.

The Cheese Shop

Cheesemonger

Concord, MA · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

The Cheese Shop in Concord, MA is looking for a passionate and knowledgeable Cheesemonger to join ... Responsibilities: * Assist customers in selecting cheeses by providing expert guidance, tasting ...

Heinens

Specialty Cheese Department Lead

Port Barrington, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Role Overview At Heinen's, our approach to specialty cheese centers on creating a "cheese shop ... Maintain in-depth product knowledge to provide expert guidance and drive customer satisfaction.

Pacific Cheese, Co.

Director of Quality Assurance

Reno, NV · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

POSITION SUMMARY This Corporate QA position is responsible as the subject matter expert for cheese products with emphasis on primary manufacturing and product conversion and will lead the development ...

Murray s Cheese

Head Monger - Bleecker

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$22 - $24.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... expert knowledge on cheeses, charcuterie, and specialty foods. * Cut, wrap, and weigh products to customer specifications. * Guide customers through the cheese and charcuterie selection process ...

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Cheese Expert information

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How much do cheese expert jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for cheese expert in the United States is $18.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cheese expert?

Cheese experts, also known as cheesemongers or affineurs, are professionals who specialize in the selection, care, and presentation of cheese. They possess deep knowledge about different types of cheese, their origins, production methods, and optimal storage conditions. Cheese experts often work in specialty shops, restaurants, or production facilities, helping customers choose cheeses and providing pairing recommendations. Their expertise also extends to aging and maturing cheeses to bring out the best flavors and textures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cheese expert?

To thrive as a Cheese Expert, you need in-depth knowledge of cheese varieties, production processes, tasting techniques, and often formal training in culinary arts or dairy science. Familiarity with inventory management systems, food safety certifications, and point-of-sale software is typically required. Excellent customer service, communication skills, and a passion for educating others about cheese help distinguish top professionals in this field. These skills ensure accurate recommendations, safe handling, and an engaging customer experience, which are vital for success in specialty food retail and hospitality environments.

What are some common challenges faced by cheese experts in a retail or specialty shop setting?

Cheese Experts often encounter challenges such as managing perishable inventory, staying knowledgeable about diverse cheese varieties, and educating customers with varying levels of cheese familiarity. Balancing customer preferences with stock limitations and ensuring proper storage conditions to maintain quality can also be demanding. Additionally, Cheese Experts frequently collaborate with team members to create engaging displays, organize tastings, and keep up with food safety regulations, all of which require strong communication and adaptability.

How do you become a cheese expert?

To become a cheese expert, one typically gains knowledge through formal education in food science or cheese-making, and acquires hands-on experience in cheese production, tasting, and pairing. Certification programs and continuous learning about cheese varieties, production methods, and flavor profiles help develop expertise in this field.

How much does a cheese expert make?

A cheese expert's salary typically ranges from $30,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Advanced knowledge of cheese varieties and certifications can lead to higher earnings, especially in specialty or high-end food establishments.
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Cheese Expert jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cheese Expert job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,409 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Niemann Harvest Market Cheese Specialist

Niemann Foods

Champaign, IL • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

SUMMARY

The Niemann Harvest Market Cheese Specialist duties include but are not limited to providing excellent customer service, gaining product knowledge, rotation of product, merchandising, controlling shrink and working in a safe manner while fostering the Niemann Harvest Market culture.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

  • Delivers superior guest service and ensure absolute customer satisfaction
  • Learns and uses the three E's: Engagement, Educate, Empowerment
  • The "Expert" in cheese, cheese pairings and cheese accoutrements
  • Understands the shopper's cheese application and help them determine the best option for their needs
  • Knows use, and taste of products offered
  • Quality assurance checks of department
  • Proper handling and rotation of product
  • Day to day operational procedures to ensure stock level, inventory, and cleanliness
  • Promote sales, provide samples
  • Follow all Health Code guidelines
  • Follows all store and department policies and procedures
  • Follows safety policies and procedures; is a safety role model
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor

KEY ATTRIBUTES

  • Passion/purpose
  • Foodie/farmer
  • Thirst for knowledge/curious/inquisitive
  • People enthusiast/outgoing
  • Genuine
  • Good communicator/desire to share
  • Trendy/fun
  • Honest
  • Techie
  • Cheese expert
  • The ability to prioritize and multi task
  • Detail Oriented
  • Ability to work in a fast paced environment
  • Problem solving skills
  • High energy level
  • Adaptability                                                                                                                                      

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • This position has no supervisory responsibilities

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED);
  • One to three months related experience and/or training;
  • Or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. 
  • Write routine reports and correspondence. 
  • Speak effectively before groups of customers or Associates of organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

  • Basic math concepts (addition, subtraction, division, multiplication), weights and measures

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

  • Food Handler's Certification as required by State Law provided at store level 

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

  • Slip resistant shoes with closed toe and heel
  • Safety Cutter
  • Pallet jack
  • Ladder
  • Stepladder
  • Uniform per store policy
  • Associates may be required to use standard cheese equipment including, but not limited to,
  • Wrapper

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

Regularly (Over 2/3 of the time)

  • Stand
  • Walk
  • Use hands to finger, handle, or feel
  • Reach with hands and arms
  • Stoop
  • Kneel
  • Crouch
  • Lift and/or move up to 20 pounds       

Frequently (Between 1/3 to 2/3 of the time)

  • Lift and/or move up to 50 pounds           

Occasionally (Less than 1/3 of the time)

  • Sit
  • Climb
  • Balance
  • Stoop
  • Kneel
  • Crouch
  • Overhead lifting
  • Taste or Smell
  • Crawl
  • Lift and/or move up to 100 pounds

Vision

  • Close
  • Distance
  • Ability to adjust focus
  • Ability to distinguish colors
  • Peripheral
  • Depth perception

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

Regularly

  • Moving mechanical parts
  • Fumes or airborne particles
  • Cold

Occasionally

  • Wet and/or humid conditions
  • Extreme cold
  • Toxic or caustic chemicals

NOISE LEVEL

  • Regularly
  • Moderate

PAY RANGE (depends on industry experience)

Min Wage up to $18/hour (IL Locations Only)

Starting pay will be based on experience, internal equity, and scope of responsibility.

BENEFITS (eligibility based on full-time/part-time status)

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance 

Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical and Dependent Care)

Life Insurance

Voluntary Benefits

Paid Time Off 

Retirement Plans

Employee Assistance Program



**Niemann Foods Management retains the discretion to add to or change the position requirements at any time.                                                     

**Position requirements may vary by store location

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