SPECIALIST, CHEESE - 212 W. Atherton Dr, Manteca, CA 95337

Cheese Specialist

The Cheese Specialist is an integral part of a highly motivated team focused on serving guests with an emphasis on the overall Deli and Fresh Store guest experience to consistently meet or exceed guest expectations.

The Cheese Specialist is the main point of contact for all things cheese. Actively engaging and educating guests regarding a variety of cheeses, texture, places of origin (international and local), including methods of production by region. Advises guests on cheese selections with respect to cooking and pairing with a variety of foods and beverages.

The Cheese Specialist creates a remarkable guest experience by exemplifying expertise, attention to detail and providing exceptional product knowledge. The Specialist is responsible for practicing safe food handling procedures, and handles all products in a safe, sanitary manner and keeps all areas and equipment of the department clean.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities :

• Provide guests with a remarkable shopping experience by greeting and thanking guests in a prompt, courteous and friendly manner, answering questions, responding to guest requests for cheese/deli products and offering suggestions for event planning
• Responsible for working closely working under the Deli Manager to ensure the success of the store and department through excellent guest service and a demonstrated passion for food.
• Demonstrate a high level of integrity with department products, with department team members and our guests.
• Actively engage and educate customers regarding variety of cheeses and places of origin, including methods of production per region and texture.
• Communicate customer requests to department manager and delivers on special orders
• Knowledge of various types of cheese and keeps informed about related market trends.
• Focus on driving sales exhibiting a passion for cheese, captivating selling, appealing demos and sampling and promoting high energy daily/weekly sales events.
• Responsible for ordering and receiving products, making sure orders are correct, and labeling, dating, and properly staging product.
• Cutting, packaging, and shredding all types of bulk/cut-to-order cheeses for presentation and sale.
• Utilizes equipment such as but not limited to package machines, shredders, slicers, and label makers.
• Follow all department procedures and operate various food service equipment
• Keep work areas and equipment clean, orderly and free from safety hazards; report faulty equipment and hazards to management; follow established sanitation and safety guidelines
• Perform other duties as assigned

Some of our competitive offerings include generous benefits packages (Health, Dental, Vision, Life and AD&D, 401K), tuition reimbursement and scholarship opportunities, vacation and personal holidays, and in-store purchase discounts.

Hiring pay range: $16.90 - 27.20

Requirements (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities) :

• Understand cheese varieties and pairing with other foods and beverages
• Product ordering, inventory control, deli operations, merchandising, sales techniques, and department management
• Learn and retain policies and procedures, make decisions, lead and instructs team members, recognize sale trends and indicators, work within and promote a team environment; ability to read, write and basic math skills
• Excellent communication skills in order to ensure excellent guest services; outgoing, friendly and able to interact effectively at all levels across diverse cultures
• Strong food safety practices
• Education: High School Diploma (or G.E.D.) or equivalent knowledge gained through formal education, specialized training, or additional job experience
• Experience : Six months Deli department experience. Previous cheese experience is preferred
• Other : Must be available to work a variety of required retail hours; must be able to operate equipment used in the department (oven, scales, label machine, etc.)
• Physical : Basic store environment: ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, stoop, use stairs, reach, pull and lift objects up to 40 lbs.
• Competencies :
• Guest Focus
• Quality/Quantity of Work
• Personal/Interpersonal Skills

Reference: req42151

The Save Mart Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we welcome resumes from individuals who will contribute to our diverse workforce.