Cheesemonger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Places orders to ensure regular and/or special product supply; coordinates returns and credit from suppliers where applicable; reviews invoices for accuracy before forwarding to Finance Dept. 
• Remains abreast of trends and developments in natural products industry, utilizing trade publications and broker knowledge.
• Maintains sales relationships with suppliers, investigating new sources of supply and negotiating for favorable prices, terms, quality, and delivery.
• Ensures that unsellable items are returned or otherwise properly disposed of, following established procedures. 
• Maintains an accurate shrink log and minimizes losses due to shrink via established sales practices and other strategies. 
• Protects shrink by proactively balancing and consistently making great decisions regarding pricing, markdowns, value-added products, or discounted sales.
• Calculates prices following established pricing guidelines and participates in periodic price, product, and merchandising comparisons with competitors.
• Plans and maintain attractive, fully stocked and rotated (and faced, where applicable) sections (shelves, bins, freezers, coolers).  
• Strategically plans and merchandises grab-n-go and value-added products. 
• Plans promotions in coordination with the marketing and merchandising teams.
• Ensures that promotional signage is accurate, up-to-date, and follows the co-op's established format.
• Meets budgeted sales and margin goals for department.
• Reviews the department's financial reports (sales, labor, margin, turns) with the Cafe Manager. 
• Protects store assets by participating in periodic inventory.
• Receives and checks deliveries to verify listed cost, quantity, and quality; obtains credit from vendor and notifies appropriate staff of discrepancies.
• Participates in department, storewide, and other meetings.

CUSTOMER SERVICE & PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE

• Provides attentive, timely, and friendly service to all internal and external customers at all times. 
• Assists customers with product selection, offers samples, and provides expert knowledge on cheeses, charcuterie and specialty items. 
• Neatly cuts, wraps, and weights products to customer specifications.
• Guide customers through the cheese and charcuterie selection process, delivering an engaging, educational and enjoyable experience. 
• Build relationships with customers and promote new products, seasonal offerings and pairings. 
• Handle customer inquires, resolve issues and ensure customer satisfaction.
• Follows established procedures for product rotation, including recording shrink in the log.
• Replenishes product quickly, maintaining display shelves with product.
• Follows Health Department Regulations and department sanitation and safety procedures.
• Others duties as assigned. 

FOOD PREPARATION & EVENT SUPPORT

• Prepare cheese and snack trays, parfaits, and other in-house items for sale
• Assist with the setup and cleanup of events, tastings, and educational workshops as needed.
• Ensure that food safety standards are followed in all food handling and preparation tasks 

Requirements

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• High School Diploma or equivalent education or experience. 
• A minimum of two (2) years' experience in purchasing or merchandising. 
• A minimum of one (1) year's experience in a retail environment.  
• A minimum of one (1) year's experience and familiarity with natural foods strongly preferred.
• Supports the co-op's core values and aligns with the Co-op Code of Conduct.
• Adapts readily based on evolving co-op needs or in response to feedback.
• Maintains composure in highly stressful or adverse situations. 
• Computer proficiency and familiarity with food scales preferred. 

ENVIRONMENTAL & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Flexibility to work any shift, including mornings, middays, evenings, weekends. 
• Must wear closed-toe, skid-resistant shoes; a head covering (hat, bandanna, etc.); long pants.
• Ability to work in varying temperatures, including a refrigerated room kept at 40F. 
• Ability to stand or sit for long periods at a time. 
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, kneel, twist, and climb.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted.
• Reliable access to transportation.