Sr. Spice Associate (Oakland)

Company Overview 

Oaktown Spice Shop offers the highest-quality spices, ground and blended in small batches for optimal taste. Founded in 2011, we source the best-tasting spices from around the globe to create the freshest, boldest, and most resonant flavors. Our mission is to create exceptional spices and seasonings that inspire people to enjoy cooking, become better cooks and appreciate good food.

We are also committed to being an inclusive, diverse and collaborative workplace where no problem is unsolvable, people can be themselves, earn competitive wages and have equal opportunities to grow. And we have fun! Our workplaces are inspiring and welcoming spaces for customers and staff alike.

Position Overview 

The Sr. Spice Associate has a passion for food and cooking as well as a great work ethic, a commitment to high quality service, and strong organizational skills. Attention to detail is key. The Sr. Spice Associate provides excellent customer service, assists manager with opening and closing the shop and values working as part of a team. This is a part-time position at 24 hours per week.

Key Duties (May include, but are not limited to):

• General sales and customer service on the floor.
• Educate customers about our products. Help customers over the phone or in person and direct them to the proper channels if needed.
• Restock shelves.
• Maintain a clean environment in the shop.
• Pick and pack pickup orders.
• Create custom gift boxes.
• Open and close the shop as needed. 
• Count out the cash drawers at the beginning and end of the day and get change from the change drawer with accuracy. Help store manager maintain control over cash by helping to investigate and correct discrepancies and by maintaining a balanced change box and cash drawers.
• Communicate with the store manager after each shift about any customer issues, open orders or product issues.
• Ability to work solo in the shop. This entails being able to answer most customer questions and when in doubt, being able to take accurate notes for a manager to follow up at a later date. 
• Process returns as needed. 
• Retain a copy of the shop keys.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Experience 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in retail, food or customer service
• Excellent organization and time-management skills
• Ability to carry out instructions provided in written or oral form
• Basic mathematical skills
• Able to handle critical customer situations with ease and thrives in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work well with others in a team-oriented environment and willingness to take on additional tasks with a positive attitude to help out the team
• Embraces a culture of learning and advocacy; values diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Availability to work weekends, evenings and holidays and adhere to a blackout period from the day after Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Passion for food and cooking

Additional Physical Requirements 

• Occasionally requires the ability to move, lift, carry, pull or push heavy objects or materials
• Lift up to 50 pounds unassisted
• Must be able to stand for 8+ hours

Everyone is welcome at Oaktown Spice Shop. As an inclusive workplace, our employees are comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work. We know that diverse perspectives have a positive impact on our products, customer service, employees and community.

We offer competitive wages, annual bonuses and a generous employee discount for all employees. All employees are encouraged to take advantage of our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Full-time employees are eligible for paid time off and health, dental and vision benefits. All permanent employees are eligible for our matching retirement savings program. We’re proud to support local Bay Area community organizations, local businesses and contribute to the local economy.

We take job safety and the health of our team seriously. All employees are trained in proper food handling techniques and are given appropriate protective gear. We have an ample sick time policy.

If you work at Oaktown Spice Shop, you'll be empowered to learn and you'll have fun doing it! As a growing small business, we love to promote from within and offer long-term career opportunities for our team.