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Cheese Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Specialist, Retail Cheese

Barnstable, MA

$26.97 - $44.85/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Retail Cheese Specialist is responsible for providing customer support to store patrons and making recommendations for cheese pairings, portions and other food compliments while providing ...

Specialist, Retail Cheese

Providence, RI

$26.97 - $44.85/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Retail Cheese Specialist is responsible for providing customer support to store patrons and making recommendations for cheese pairings, portions and other food compliments while providing ...

Specialist, Retail Cheese

Barnstable, MA · On-site

$26.97 - $44.85/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Retail Cheese Specialist is responsible for providing customer support to store patrons and making recommendations for cheese pairings, portions and other food compliments while providing ...

Specialist, Retail Cheese

Barnstable, MA · On-site +1

$26.97 - $44.85/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Retail Cheese Specialist is responsible for providing customer support to store patrons and making recommendations for cheese pairings, portions and other food compliments while providing ...

Specialist, Retail Cheese

Providence, RI

$26.97 - $44.85/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Retail Cheese Specialist is responsible for providing customer support to store patrons and making recommendations for cheese pairings, portions and other food compliments while providing ...

Cheese Department Supervisor - Rye Brook, NY

Rye, NY · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Cheese Specialist, you are friendly and ambitious with a love for cheese, wine, and food. To truly be successful in the position, you need to be thoughtful and passionate about your work with a ...

Deli-Cheese Bar

East Meadow, NY · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Cheese Specialist Full Time Hourly - Estimated pay range $18-19 depending on qualifications and experience Must be at least 18 years and older Position Description: Cheese Specialists have extensive ...

Deli-Cheese Bar

East Meadow, NY · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Cheese Specialist Full Time Hourly - Estimated pay range $18-19 depending on qualifications and experience Must be at least 18 years and older Position Description: Cheese Specialists have extensive ...

Deli-Cheese Bar

East Meadow, NY · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Cheese Specialist Full Time Hourly - Estimated pay range $18-19 depending on qualifications and experience Must be at least 18 years and older Position Description: Cheese Specialists have extensive ...

Showing results 21-40

Cheese Specialist information

See salary details

$14

$18

$34

How much do cheese specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for cheese specialist 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 specialist?

Cheese Specialists are professionals who have expert knowledge about different types of cheese, including their origins, flavors, aging processes, and uses. They often work in grocery stores, specialty shops, or restaurants, assisting customers with cheese selection, offering pairing suggestions, and ensuring proper storage and display. Cheese Specialists may also handle ordering, cutting, and wrapping cheese, as well as educating staff and customers on cheese varieties and tasting notes.

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

To thrive as a Cheese Specialist, you need in-depth knowledge of cheese varieties, origins, and proper storage, often supported by experience in specialty food retail or culinary training. Familiarity with point-of-sale systems, inventory management software, and food safety certifications is typically required. Excellent customer service, communication, and a passion for educating others about cheese help you stand out in this role. These skills ensure exceptional customer experiences, proper product handling, and the ability to drive sales in a specialty food environment.

How does a cheese specialist typically collaborate with other departments within a grocery store or specialty shop?

As a Cheese Specialist, you’ll work closely with departments such as deli, bakery, and wine to create paired offerings and cross-promotions that enhance the customer experience. Regular collaboration with purchasing teams is also key to ensure a curated and fresh cheese selection. Additionally, you may assist with staff training and educate team members on cheese varieties and storage, fostering a knowledgeable and cohesive work environment.

What is the difference between Cheese Specialist vs Cheesemonger?

AspectCheese SpecialistCheesemonger
CertificationsKnowledge of cheese types, tasting, and pairing; certifications like Certified Cheese Professional (CCP) are commonSimilar certifications; focus on cheese knowledge and customer service
Work EnvironmentGourmet shops, specialty food stores, or cheese shopsGrocery stores, specialty food markets, cheese shops
Industry UsageUsed in retail, culinary, and educational contexts to denote expertise in cheeseCommonly used in retail and grocery settings to describe staff with cheese knowledge

Both Cheese Specialists and Cheesemongers require strong cheese knowledge and customer service skills. While Cheese Specialists often have more advanced certifications and may work in specialized or educational roles, Cheesemongers typically focus on retail sales and customer interaction. The roles overlap significantly, but the title Cheese Specialist may imply a higher level of expertise or certification.

How do you become a cheese specialist?

To become a cheese specialist, individuals typically gain knowledge through formal education in food science, dairy technology, or cheese-making courses. Practical experience in cheese production, tasting, and pairing, along with certifications from recognized culinary or dairy organizations, can enhance expertise in this field.

How much do cheese specialists make?

Cheese specialists typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certification level. Those working in specialty stores or with advanced knowledge may earn higher wages, and some may receive benefits or bonuses based on their expertise and customer service skills.
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What are popular job titles related to Cheese Specialist jobs?

For Cheese Specialist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Cheese Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,409 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

$26.97 - $44.85/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


KeHE Distributors rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

37th of 49 rated food wholesalers


Job description

Why Work for KeHE?
  • Full-time
  • Pay Range: $26.97/Hr. - $44.85/Hr.
  • Shift Days: , Shift Time:
  • Benefits after 30 days
    • Health/Rx
    • Dental
    • Vision
    • Flexible and health spending accounts (FSA/HSA)
    • Supplemental life insurance
    • 401(k)
    • Paid time off
    • Paid sick time
    • Short term & long term disability coverage (STD/LTD)
    • Employee stock ownership (ESOP)
    • Holiday pay for company designated holidays

    Overview

    At KeHE, we’re obsessed with creating solutions, unboxing potential, and serving others – and it all starts with you. As an employee-owned distributor of natural and organic, specialty, and fresh products, we’re committed to making a positive impact and scaling our success together. With a culture that fosters development and opportunity, you’ll be embarking on a career that’s moving forward. When you join KeHE, you’re becoming part of a team that is a force for good.


    Primary Responsibilities

    The KeHE Retail Cheese Specialist supports onsite customer employees with the initial establishment and continued support of an internal cheese shop. This includes ordering products for initial set up and product display, transmitting orders for delivery to the store and setting up display cases by cutting, wrapping, pricing and merchandising products. The Retail Cheese Specialist is responsible for providing customer support to store patrons and making recommendations for cheese pairings, portions and other food compliments while providing training and instruction to customer employees on all cheese monger activities.

    • Regular Full -  Services an average of 10 stores per week.
    • Road warriors
    • Requires reliable transportation and valid drivers license
    • Must have grocery and deli experience.

    Essential Functions

    Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

    • Present, sell, and execute all promotional activity to maximize sales and achieve minimal residual quanties. Asisst in planning and execution of all display programs as designated and developed by the customer, both at store level and corporate headquarter level.
    • Educate the customer on what their store needs are based on the trends.
    • Supports stocking of back stock in cheese and deli to review recommended order writing.
    • Deliver exceptional customer service at all times when communicating with store management, personnel and the public; adhering to customer policies and procedures in compliance with KeHE's standards.
    • Refill, reset and merchandise cheese products for display and placement in a way that attracts sales at customer stores and secondary and perimeter locations following “best practices guidelines”; this includes re/wrapping and packaging cheese products
    • Provides instruction to customer personnel in all cheese monger activities.
    •  Provide sales support and training to customer sales team; assisting their clients by providing product recommendations, pairing suggestions and offering opinions based off of specialized cheese knowledge
    • Comply with established, health and sanitation, and safety policies, procedures and guidelines.
    • Handle knives, and cutters to resize cheese products for repackaging or trim products for appearance
    • Inspect products for quality using visual and olfactory senses
    • Transport products using carts, U-boats, L-boats, or pallet jack
    • Communicate with KeHE personnel and Account Executive regarding product discrepancies, product merchandising needs and customer requirements and/or issues.
    • Plan and carry out daily schedules according to assigned customer locations. Travel throughout assigned territory, manage timelines to ensure completion of assigned customer and KeHE requirements, and respond to fluctuations in workload to deliver quality customer service according to KeHE standards.
    • Unbox vendor goods and disassembles boxes for recycling
    • Operate field-based electronic equipment for communications with KeHE team members and others; operate cell phone to communicate with customers, supervisors or coworkers and for electronic timekeeping.
    • Operate motor vehicle to travel to and from customer locations throughout assigned territory.
    • Attends training and meetings as required to meet customer and KeHE standards.
    • Create and transmit orders for product replenishment and other corresponding paperwork in a timely manner, meeting KeHE order deadlines. Verify accuracy of transmission by confirming receipt with KeHE personnel.
      Job Description for Retail Cheese Specialist
    • Apply knowledge of product and temperature sensitive protocols when transporting cheese products (cold chain)

    Other Duties and Responsibilities:

    •  Maintain a clean personal work environment.
    • Other duties may be assigned to fulfill company objectives and/or job duties and requirements may be changed as needed to meet current and future business needs.

    Minimum Requirements, Qualifications, Additional Skills, Aptitude

    Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: The employee must be proficient in written and spoken English and possess basic math skills. The employee must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Basic skill in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook and Power Point) is required. Must be Siebel literate within 90 days of hire. The minimum required level of experience is two years in Service Deli knowledge – cheese, deli, perishable goods. The employee must have a valid driver’s license, and maintain a driving record that meets KeHE's standards. The employee must have reliable transportation, and if using a personal vehicle must maintain automobile liability coverage adequate to meet the financial responsibility laws of the state(s) in which the employee operates. The employee must have the ability to work independently or in tandem with customer employee’s applying excellent communication and customer service skills to all interactions.


    Work Environment: The work environment is indoors. The employee may be exposed to variable temperatures from the two different product climates (dry, cold). The employee is also exposed to temperature variation during travel throughout assigned geographical territory. Vinyl floor covering is typical when working at a customer site.


    Work Hours: The work schedule is 5 days a week, 8 hours a day. Start times vary. Work hours and shifts are subject to change depending on operating business conditions and needs. The employee may be required to work overtime, holidays or weekends.


    Physical and Mental Demands: Medium. Exerts 10-20 pounds of force occasionally to move objects and product. This job requires constant standing and walking with frequent use of the upper extremities to reach, handle, grasp and use cutting and wrapping tools and handling product. The employee must know and follow proper health and safety protocols; know and follow KeHE's grooming, hygiene and dress code standards. The application of temperature sensitive protocols when transporting products is a must. The employee also must be able to manage time and multiple competing demands; adhering to schedules and deadlines, maintaining composure in pressure situations.


    Requisition ID
    2026-29673
    Equal Employer Opportunity Statement
    KeHE Distributors provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion or faith, sex, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, mental or physical disability or medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training as well as the administration of all Human Resources and Talent Acquisition processes.Qualifications:

    Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: The employee must be proficient in written and spoken English and possess basic math skills. The employee must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Basic skill in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook and Power Point) is required. Must be Siebel literate within 90 days of hire. The minimum required level of experience is two years in Service Deli knowledge – cheese, deli, perishable goods. The employee must have a valid driver’s license, and maintain a driving record that meets KeHE's standards. The employee must have reliable transportation, and if using a personal vehicle must maintain automobile liability coverage adequate to meet the financial responsibility laws of the state(s) in which the employee operates. The employee must have the ability to work independently or in tandem with customer employee’s applying excellent communication and customer service skills to all interactions.


    Work Environment: The work environment is indoors. The employee may be exposed to variable temperatures from the two different product climates (dry, cold). The employee is also exposed to temperature variation during travel throughout assigned geographical territory. Vinyl floor covering is typical when working at a customer site.


    Work Hours: The work schedule is 5 days a week, 8 hours a day. Start times vary. Work hours and shifts are subject to change depending on operating business conditions and needs. The employee may be required to work overtime, holidays or weekends.


    Physical and Mental Demands: Medium. Exerts 10-20 pounds of force occasionally to move objects and product. This job requires constant standing and walking with frequent use of the upper extremities to reach, handle, grasp and use cutting and wrapping tools and handling product. The employee must know and follow proper health and safety protocols; know and follow KeHE's grooming, hygiene and dress code standards. The application of temperature sensitive protocols when transporting products is a must. The employee also must be able to manage time and multiple competing demands; adhering to schedules and deadlines, maintaining composure in pressure situations.

    Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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